Materials Engineer – Rubber and Polymers Specialist

Are you passionate about human space exploration, understanding the origins of the universe, and working with a passionate and diverse team to make a difference? If you are, we need you!

We need your talent, teamwork, and energy to help us achieve great things that inspire people all over the globe. We need you to bring creative ideas and diverse backgrounds to help us envision, shape, and deliver systems that will enable the exploration of space while benefiting people here on Earth. We are excited about what we do, and we need you on our team as we take on exciting challenges for NASA's pursuits in deep space exploration.

We have an exciting opportunity for a Materials Engineer – Rubber and Polymers Specialist to join our ESSCA contract team at NASA Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, AL
.

We are seeking a highly skilled Materials Engineer with expertise in rubbers, polymers, and elastomers to support aerospace and space exploration programs. This role focuses on designing experiments, developing test plans, and analyzing material performance under extreme conditions encountered in aerospace environments. You will work closely with engineering teams to ensure material reliability for mission‑critical applications.

This position has been posted at multiple levels. Depending on the candidate's experience, requirements, and business needs, we reserve the right to consider candidates at any level for which this position has been advertised.

• Develop and execute Design of Experiments (DOE) for polymeric and elastomeric materials used in aerospace systems.
• Create and manage test plans for material characterization, aging, and environmental exposure (vacuum, radiation, thermal cycling).
• Analyze test data and provide recommendations for material selection and performance optimization in aerospace applications.
• Support failure analysis and root cause investigations related to non-metallic materials in flight hardware.
• Collaborate with design, manufacturing, and quality teams to ensure compliance with NASA and aerospace industry standards.

• The ideal candidate will be an Engineer with a strong sampling of the following skills and a desire to learn in-depth.
• Hands‑on experience with rubbers, polymers, and elastomers in aerospace or high-performance environments.
• Strong knowledge of DOE principles and statistical analysis tools.
• Experience developing and executing test plans for aerospace material evaluation.
• Familiarity with ASTM, ISO, and aerospace material standards.

• Experience with space environmental effects on non-metallic materials (vacuum, radiation, cryogenic temperatures).
• Proficiency in data analysis software (e.g., Minitab, JMP).
• Knowledge of adhesives, coatings, and composite materials for aerospace applications.

• Competitive pay
• Positive work‑life balance
• 100% Employer paid insurance including:
  Medical, dental, vision, life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment, short-term disability, and long-term disability
• 11 paid holidays annually
• Generous PTO
• 401k after 12 months of service with employer match
• Education assistance
• Relocation assistance (if applicable)

Mclaurin is a unique organization with a special focus on combining the best features of research and industry in order to foster innovation. Our organization strongly supports research, publication, and engagement with the academic community. We encourage our employees to remain on the cutting edge of new developments in their respective disciplines.

US Citizenship and the ability to pass a comprehensive security background investigation is required.

Mclaurin 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, disability, veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.