Research Engineer - Aerospace Transparencies
Listed on 2025-12-19
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Engineering
Materials Engineer, Process Engineer, Aerospace / Aviation / Avionics, Research Scientist
Research Engineer - Aerospace Transparencies
PPG Industries – Sylmar, California
About PPG Aerospace TransparenciesPPG Aerospace Transparencies is a global leader in designing and manufacturing aircraft windshields, windscreens, canopies, windows, electrochromic panels, and lenses for commercial, regional, military, and general aviation segments. Our cutting‑edge technologies, including advanced coatings, lightweight materials, and innovative heating systems, revolutionize transparency performance, durability, and service life.
As a Research Engineer, you will lead innovative R&D projects to advance PPG Aerospace’s transparencies and transparent armor technologies. You will spearhead the development of novel inorganic coatings, collaborate across Science & Technology and production teams, and drive the transition of new technologies into manufacturing. This role offers the opportunity to create patentable technologies, solve complex coating challenges, and contribute to PPG’s organic growth strategies, including cross‑business unit initiatives and government‑funded research.
Key Responsibilities- Research & Innovation: Initiate and manage R&D projects focused on inorganic coatings for aerospace transparencies, exploring new materials, processes, and applications to drive industry breakthroughs.
- Technology Development: Develop and evaluate advanced thin‑film coatings (e.g., conductive metal/metal oxides via sputtering) to meet performance, weight, and durability requirements.
- Production Support: Collaborate with manufacturing teams to troubleshoot coating issues, implement new materials/processes, and ensure seamless integration from R&D to production.
- Technical Leadership: Lead PPG’s Product Development Team during technical and management gate reviews, providing strategic direction and mentoring junior team members.
- Material Characterization: Utilize tools such as SEM, FTIR, spectrophotometer, and profilometer to analyze materials and resolve product performance challenges.
- Documentation & Communication: Deliver compelling technical presentations, write research papers, and prepare proposals for internal and external stakeholders.
- Quality & Safety: Ensure compliance with environmental, health, and safety standards, maintain laboratory equipment, and uphold 5S/6S housekeeping practices.
- Continuous Improvement: Contribute to safety, quality, and value improvement initiatives, including manufacturing planning and IT strategy.
- PhD (preferred) or MS in Chemistry, Physics, Materials Science, Engineering, or a related technical field.
- Minimum of 1 year of relevant experience in thin‑film coatings or materials development.
- Expertise in thin‑film coatings, especially conductive metal/metal oxides via sputtering in vacuum coating systems.
- Proficiency with material characterization tools (SEM, FTIR, spectrophotometer, profilometer).
- Strong understanding of laboratory safety and 6S processes.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills for technical presentations and reports.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and data management (SharePoint, laboratory notebooks).
- Ability to collaborate with cross‑functional teams, including program managers, design engineers, and production staff.
- U.S. citizenship required; must possess an active U.S. security clearance or be eligible to obtain one.
- Experience with PLC systems and vacuum chamber components.
- Familiarity with ASTM standards and quality control testing for aerospace materials.
- Proven ability to develop patentable technologies or contribute to government‑funded research programmes.
Salary Range: 76k–126k
Equal Opportunity StatementPPG provides equal opportunity to all candidates and employees. We offer an opportunity to grow and develop your career in an environment that provides a fulfilling workplace for employees, creates an environment for continuous learning, and embraces the ideas and diversity of others. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, pregnancy, race, color, creed, religion, national origin, age, disability status, marital…
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