Materials and Process Engineer

Overview

Materials and Process Engineer I position located in El Segundo, CA, onsite. The role focuses on operating laboratory and manufacturing equipment, materials analysis, process improvement, and polymeric materials development in the aerospace and defense industry.

• Operate laboratory and manufacturing equipment.
• Perform materials analysis & characterization.
• Investigate opportunities for process improvements.
• Design experiments.
• Produce and evaluate polymeric materials such as adhesives, paints, and resins.
• Perform chemical and mechanical testing of materials.
• Analyze test data and prepare technical reports.
• Material Obsolescence solution – formulation, material characterization, and qualification of replacement materials.
• Interact with engineers, subject matter experts, production personnel, and management to create/update clear, concise, and accurate M&P specifications and other process documents.

The candidate will develop expertise in operating advanced laboratory and manufacturing equipment to analyze and characterize the properties of metallic and non-metallic materials, including polymers, adhesives, paints, and resins. They will gain familiarity with processes such as thin film deposition, chemical analysis (e.g., FTIR, ICP, DSC, DMA), mechanical testing, and material obsolescence solutions. The role will also enhance skills in designing experiments, analyzing test data, and preparing technical reports.

Additionally, the engineer will learn how to formulate, evaluate, and qualify replacement materials, ensuring compliance with safety regulations such as OSHA and Cal-OSHA. Interaction with cross‑functional teams, including engineers, production personnel, and management, will build collaborative and communication skills, particularly in drafting and updating material and process specifications. The position offers the opportunity to deepen knowledge in materials science, process improvement, and working within the aerospace and defense industry.

• University degree or equivalent experience and less than 2 years of prior relevant experience.
• Experience in wet chemistry and laboratory equipment (microscopes, viscometer, mixers, Instron, etc.).
• Experience in OSHA, Cal-OSHA, local laboratory/chemical safety regulations, laboratory protocols, handling hazardous materials, and proper industrial hygiene and personal protective equipment.
• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Materials, Chemical Engineering, Metallurgy, or Materials and Process Engineering (or equivalent).
• Expertise in material properties, mechanical testing, and analysis.
• Expertise in polymers and adhesives.
• Experience in material failure analysis, corrosion protection, conformal coating, design of experiment, materials development, and/or qualification.
• Strong practical knowledge in chemistry.
• Familiarity with test equipment including FTIR, GC, viscometer, DMA, TGA, and DSC.
• Prior experience in DoD or Aerospace.
• Experience writing specifications and reports using MS Office.
• Ability to stand on your feet for extended periods, with proper ergonomic breaks.
• Experience in aerospace industry specifications and best practices.

Medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, flexible work schedules, employee assistance program, Employee Scholar Program, parental leave, paid time off, and holidays. Specific benefits depend on business unit and collective bargaining agreement. Participants may be eligible for annual short-term and/or long-term incentive compensation programs.

Estimated salary range: $62,900 – $119,700 USD, based on experience level.

RTX is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status, or any other applicable state or federal protected class. RTX provides affirmative action in employment for qualified individuals with a disability and protected veterans in compliance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act.