Product Equipment Engineer

Fiber Materials Inc. | solutions for the most extreme places in the universe

FMI’s manufacturing facility has been a leading solutions provider of high temperature materials and composites for more than 50 years, serving the Department of Defense and NASA. The focus in Maine is on multidirectional reinforced Carbon/Carbon (C/C) and Ceramic Matrix Composites (CMCs) that enable high-temperature components such as: thermal protection systems, re-entry vehicle nose tips as well as rocket motor throats and nozzles.

Our materials are being used on ground-breaking space initiatives such as the Orion Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle and the heat shield for NASA’s Mars 2020 mission, important missile programs, airfoils in commercial and military jet engines, and as lightweight armor for U.S. military ground vehicles.

FMI is seeking an experienced and hands‑on Product Equipment Engineer to join the Advanced Materials group within the Research and Technology team. As the Product Equipment Engineer, you will be responsible for the installation and operation of pilot and full‑scale manufacturing equipment for FMI’s new Innovation Center, designed to be a world class R&D-to-production pipeline. This equipment will enable rapid development of C/C, CMC, and UHTC material systems, processes, and structures.

As a core member of the Innovation Center startup team, you will participate in the full life cycle of high temperature thermal processing equipment, from collaborating on the specification and procurement of CVI reactors to leading installation, commissioning, and operation of high‑pressure furnaces. The right candidate will have experience in new facility startup and/or equipment ownership, while also being very hands‑on and capable in a manufacturing environment.

• Primary liaison with Facilities, Manufacturing Engineering, EHS, Security, and IT for new R&T equipment ownership
• Represent the R&T department during the selection, specification, and commissioning of pilot and full‑scale processing equipment and specialized support equipment (gas delivery, cooling water, scrubbers, etc.)
• Provide input and requirements to implement health, safety and environmental controls and equipment to meet applicable standards and specifications
• Participate in the development and execution of IQ/OQ/PQ (installation, operation, and performance qualification) protocols
• Collaborate with R&T to translate lab‑scale processes into robust, scalable manufacturing equipment designs
• Implement Design for Manufacturability (DFM) principles to ensure materials and structures are not only functional but easy to maintain and scale
• Develop SOPs and assist on preventative maintenance schedules
• Works with team members to develop manufacturing methods for high temperature thermal protection material systems
• Develops, implements, and sustains policies, standards, and procedures for the engineering and technical work performed
• Adhere to good manufacturing procedures and document all activity for component traceability
• Participate in and lead DFMEAs and PFMEAs
• Contribute to technical reports and give technical updates
• Ensures that safety procedures and processes are followed and compliant
• Apply quality standards to projects to ensure compliance with certification requirements in plant applications

• Bachelor’s degree in an Engineering discipline;
  Mechanical, Manufacturing, Industrial, or Chemical preferred
• Minimum 5 years of relevant experience with a BS, or 3 with an MS
• Familiarity with manufacturing methods for advanced high temperature carbon and/or ceramic matrix composite materials and structures
• Experience with equipment ownership and/or new facility startup
• Experience with equipment and processing methods for composites, ceramics, or CVI
• Demonstrate results in technical problem solving, product and process development and supporting customer focused programs and services
• Ability to follow and provide technical direction and communicate results
• Ability to follow all safety practices for handling materials and operating processes
• Experience with writing basic process procedures or instructions
• Awareness of potential hazards…