Materials & Process Engineer

Stratolaunch is a technology accelerator that engineers operationally realistic testing at Mach 5+. Our air-launched, Talon testbeds are reusable, cost-effective platforms that enable routine access to the hypersonic environment. We deliver flight data critical to validating system performance and achieving rapid technology deployment. Together with our customers, we drive innovations that are imperative to advancing national security.

Stratolaunch is seeking an experienced engineer for the Materials and Processes (M&P) service center. The M&P service center resides in the Engineering Department and supports product realization at Stratolaunch through expertise and test capabilities in the areas of material science, materials test, materials specification development, and process specification development. A successful candidate will have demonstrated technical expertise that spans M&P theory, testing, and aerospace system development.

• Support development and maintenance of material specification databases
• Support development of material process specifications
• Support development of manufacturing process specifications. Relevant examples include welding, heat treatment, additive manufacturing, machining, and composite laminating, curing, and bonding.
• Lead qualification testing of process specifications to ensure reliability and repeatability
• Support programs and other stakeholders as a M&P subject matter expert (e.g. non-advocate technical reviewer, peer reviewer, proposal writing)
• Support service center leader with collaborating with program technical leaders to balance technical rigor with programmatic constraints and effectively manage risk related to M&P (e.g. material selection for new designs, NC dispositions)
• Support execution of M&P related IRAD projects
• Support root cause analysis:
  Lead failure analysis investigations. Collaborate with internal stakeholders to conduct nonconformance reviews for production issues. Identify root cause and define corrective actions to prevent future failures.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential responsibility satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Required Qualifications:

• In-depth understanding of material properties, characterization techniques, and failure mechanisms (e.g. composites, metallics, ceramics, coatings, adhesives)
• Extensive knowledge of materials for high-temperature aerospace application
• Extensive knowledge of various manufacturing processes, such as composite processing, welding, bonding, heat treatment, and surface finishing
• Familiarity with industry material data standards (e.g., MMPDS, ASTM) and regulatory specifications
• Expertise in the design of experiments and the development of material specification databases
• Experience in a M&P laboratory setting
• Good verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to interact with customers and/or external stakeholders
• Experience with low temperature pre-preg composite materials, including layups and/or wet tie joint assemblies Demonstrated experience applying analytical and critical thinking skills to solve multi-disciplinary, open-ended engineering problems
• Ability to work independently in a dynamic environment
• US Citizen with the ability to obtain a DOW security clearance

Required Computer

Skills:

• MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)
• CAD

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience supporting aerospace manufacturing operations ranging from prototype work to low-rate production
• Experience supporting hypersonic development programs
• Experience with aerospace propulsion systems
• Experience with thermal protection systems
• Experience with additive manufacturing
• Hands-on experience with composite and/or metallic structure fabrication
• Active DOW security clearance

Special remarks regarding work environment, if applicable

Position based in Mojave, CA. It is strongly preferred the candidate be fully on-site. Consideration for hybrid (partial remote/on-site work) work location arrangement at no less than 75-80% on-site time for well-qualified candidates.

Travel, as needed, to support the department. Travel estimated to be