Polymer R&D Engineer

Polymer R&D Engineer at Precise Systems, Inc.

As a solutions-based company, Precise Systems focuses on innovation to support warfighters and delivers expert consultation on network and weapons systems acquisition, maintenance/modernization, and sustainment programs with solutions in Digital Transformation, Advanced Engineering, Physical Sciences Research, Platform Lifecycle Support, and Technical Services.

• 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 mastered).

Must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance. Due to the sensitivity of customer-related requirements, U.S. Citizenship is required.

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