Material and Process Engineer

Location: Buellton

Description:

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Position Overview The Materials Engineer is responsible for analyzing, researching, designing, and developing materials and their associated fabrication and application processes to create and optimize thin film coatings and related structural components. This role applies principles of chemistry, physics, and material behavior to define specifications for metallic, non metallic, and composite materials, as well as the processing, fabrication, and assembly methods required for system level integration.

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Key Responsibilities | Area | Primary Tasks | |------|----------------| | Materials Development |
• Conduct fundamental and applied research on metallic, ceramic, polymeric, and composite materials for thin film applications.

* Design and prototype new material formulations and coating processes. | | Process Design & Optimization |
• Develop and refine deposition, sputtering, CVD, PVD, electro plating, and other thin film coating techniques.

* Create detailed process specifications, parameters, and control plans. | | Fabrication & Assembly |
• Define fabrication routes for components and subsystems incorporating thin film coatings.

* Oversee pilot scale production runs and validate repeatability. | | Failure & Life Cycle Analysis |
• Perform failure analysis (mechanical, thermal, environmental) on coated components.

* Generate life prediction models and reliability assessments. | | Specification & Requirements |
• Write material, process, and performance specifications for internal projects and external subcontractors.

* Review and approve subcontractor material processing procedures to ensure compliance with standards. | | Collaboration & Documentation |
• Work closely with design, manufacturing, and test teams to integrate materials into systems and subsystems.

* Maintain technical reports, test data, and configuration documentation. | | Continuous Improvement |
• Identify cost saving or performance enhancing opportunities in material selection and processing.

* Stay current with emerging coating technologies and industry standards. | ##

Required Qualifications | Category |

Minimum Requirements | |----------|----------------------| | Education | B.S. in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field (M.S. preferred). | | Experience | 3 5 years of experience in thin film coating development, materials processing, or related R&D. | | Technical Skills |
• Strong knowledge of physical vapor deposition (PVD), chemical vapor deposition (CVD), atomic layer deposition (ALD), sputtering, and electro plating.

* Proficiency with material characterization tools (SEM, TEM, XRD, AFM, ellipsometry, etc.).

* Familiarity with failure analysis techniques (fractography, fatigue testing, environmental stress cracking). | | Software |

Experience with statistical analysis (Minitab, JMP), CAD/CAE tools, and process simulation software. | | Regulatory/Standards | Understanding of MIL SPEC, ASTM, ISO, and aerospace material standards. | | Soft Skills |
• Excellent problem solving and analytical abilities.

* Strong written and verbal communication for cross functional collaboration.

* Ability to mentor junior engineers and coordinate with subcontractors. | ## Preferred Additional Expertise

- Experience with space flight or high temperature aerospace applications.

- Knowledge of additive manufacturing or advanced composite lay up processes.

- Publication record or patents in thin film technologies. ## Typical Deliverables - Material and process specification packages (requirements, tolerances, test methods).

- Process control documents and SOPs for coating equipment.

- Failure analysis reports with root cause findings and corrective actions.

- Reliability and life prediction models for coated components.

- Technical presentations to internal stakeholders and external partners.

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- Basic Qualifications:

* Bachelors in Chemistry, Applied Physics, Material Sciences or similar

* Thin Film Deposition and/or Optical Coating process knowledge

* Project Engineering and/or Capital Management and/or Intellectual property development

* Cross-functional Team Leadership and/or Mentorship

* Secret…