Materials Engineer

Title:

Materials Engineer

Belong. Connect. Grow. with K !

K 's National Security Solutions team provides high-end engineering and advanced technology solutions to our customers in the intelligence and national security communities. In this position, your work will have a profound impact on the country's most critical role - protecting our national security.

Why Join Us?

* Innovative Projects: K 's work is at the forefront of engineering, logistics, operations, science, program management, mission IT and cybersecurity solutions.

* Collaborative Environment:
Be part of a dynamic team that thrives on collaboration and innovation, fostering a supportive and intellectually stimulating workplace.

* Impactful Work:
Your contributions will be pivotal in designing and optimizing defense systems that ensure national security and shape the future of space defense.

Position Summary:

K  National Security Solutions is seeking a motivated and talented Senior Materials Engineer to join our team in Chantilly, Virginia and to support a major U.S. Government organization responsible for the acquisition, integration, and operation of proliferated satellite constellations. The selected candidate for this position will provide technical expertise in optical systems and advanced materials supporting spacecraft and payload development. This role would augment existing systems engineering capabilities by providing deeper insight into material selection, optical performance considerations, and environmental survivability for space systems.

The candidate will work as part of an integrated Government and contractor team delivering resilient, scalable space capabilities in support of national security missions

Responsibilities

* Provide technical support related to the selection of materials, optical components, and coatings.

* Lead small-group project teams to propose, select, qualify, and test metals and composites for Electro-Optical and Synthetic Aperture Radar space vehicles.

* Assess contractor designs for material performance in space environments for thermal, radiation, and contamination performance.

* Support anomaly investigations related to material or optical performance.

* Advise on trade studies involving materials, manufacturing processes, and performance impacts.

* Collaborate with payload, mechanical, and systems engineers to ensure material decisions align with mission requirements.

* Perform Materials and Processes (M&P) technical engineering assignments.

* Troubleshoot problems and work with contractors to find innovative solutions.

* Prepare technical and progress reports on assigned tasks, prepare specifications, evaluate suppliers, and analyze test reports.

* Contribute to system documentation, reviews, and decision briefings for Government leadership.

* Document, develop and deliver analyses, recommendations, plans, reports, and briefings to the Government.

* Support the development and integration of automated test solutions and continuous improvement in software design and architecture.

Work Environment

* Location:

On-Site

* Travel Requirements:
Minimal (less than 25%) travel to contractor facilities, test sites, or launch locations.

* Working Hours:

Flexible. Standard Government work hour support and surge support during integration and launch phases.

Required Qualifications:

* Citizenship:
Applicant must be a U.S. citizen.

* Clearance:
Active TS/SCI clearance (with current polygraph).

* Education:

Bachelor's degree in materials engineering, or a related STEM technical discipline. Specific contract requirements regarding education and experience will prevail.

* Relevant

Experience:

Demonstrated 8+ years of experience in materials engineering.

* Knowledge of materials and processes for aerospace product development, improvement, design, application, and production including soldering, PCBs, additive manufacturing, bonding, polymers, coatings, and metals.

* Experience establishing and implementing technical requirements (specifications, program plans/requirements, etc.).

* Knowledge of environmental and operational requirements for materials in space and/or missile applications (oxidation, thermal stress, radiation, etc.).

* A motivated individual who can work closely within a geographically diverse team to resolve technical issues.

* Someone with the ability to handle shifting priorities, multiple projects and timeline pressure to meet deadlines.

* Ability to take initiative, proactively address customer requirements with no supervision, and expertly define solutions for broad, abstract topics.

* Ability to work with standard business management tools and financial systems, MS Office, and project management software.

* Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain trusted client relationships.

* Ability to work in a team environment as well as independently.

* Strong oral and written communication skills with demonstrated ability to communicate technical issues clearly to customer or Government leadership.

Desired

Qualifications:

* Education:

Master's or…