Polymer R&D Engineer Washington, District of Columbia

Overview

As a solutions-based company, Precise Systems is focused on innovation in support of the warfighters and aligning our expertise to deliver the highest quality of service. Powered by our highly skilled work forces, we provide expert consultation on network and weapons systems acquisition programs, maintenance/modernization programs, and sustainment programs with solutions in Digital Transformation, Advanced Engineering, Physical Sciences Research, Platform Lifecycle Support, and Technical Services.

Since our establishment, we have demonstrated and perfected our ability to manage the customer's needs, no matter how complex – offering exceptional service and the Precise solution.

• Develop test data in support of setting requirements and predicting field performance for Navy applicable multi-layer multi-material (metallic and non-metallic) designs of interest with a specific focus on mechanical, structural, and environmental degradation effects of polymer, composite and metallic systems
• Responsible for researching, defining, and communicating engineering approaches in order to meet relevant design gaps for use of plastics, composites, elastomers, sealants, and adhesives in the seawater environment.
• Perform mechanical testing for material property understanding, as well as produce experimental data to support ongoing research
• Develop material qualification specifications.
• Use modeling, experimental, and analytical data to inform theory-based investigations
• Communicate and interface with cross-functional groups, research leads, program management, technical engineering and key stakeholders with intent to successfully progress research through product delivery phase, which may include practical fleet applications and solutions.
• Demonstrated failure mode analysis, root cause investigation, and problem solving for product quality issues.

• Undergraduate, Masters degree or Ph.D. in polymer/plastics engineering, materials science/engineering, mechanical engineering, or chemistry.

• 3 years' experience in materials research, environmental effects, and engineering projects
• Experience with finite element analysis (FEA) modeling
• Experience with MATLAB for data acquisition, analysis and presentation
• Sound knowledge and understanding of physical and mechanical properties and behavior of structural polymers, composites, and adhesives
• Understanding of polymer formulations in order to develop approaches to material screening
• Proven understanding of adhesion science concepts to include adhesive bonding, surface chemistry, and viscoelasticity
• Understanding of polymer/composite degradation and/or accelerated life testing for use in determining root cause mechanisms to predict lifecycle performance
• Ability to perform mechanical testing for material property understanding, as well as produce experimental data to support ongoing research
• Ability to develop material qualification specifications
• Ability to use modeling, experimental, and analytical data to inform theory-based investigations
• Ability to communicate and interface with cross-functional groups, research leads, program management, technical engineering and key stakeholders with intent to successfully progress research through product delivery phase, which may include practical fleet applications and solutions
• Demonstrated failure mode analysis, root cause investigation, and problem solving for product quality issues.

• Master’s or Ph.D., or a combination of B.S. or M.S. and years of experience in polymer/plastics engineering, materials science/engineering, mechanical engineering, or chemistry.
• Experience with polymers/non-metallics in severe exposure environments or naval applications
• Experience with structural modeling of polymers in COMSOL Multiphysics.
• Project Management
  - Excellent data handling, documentation, critical milestone creation, and organization skill.
• Experience with automating data acquisition and analysis in MATLAB.
• Experience with data acquisition with MATLAB.
• Former active-duty Navy or other military service.
• Problem-solver willing to learn new skills (in addition to apply skills already…