Materials Manufacturing Engineer III

Job Summary

Textron Systems in Wilmington, MA is seeking a hands‑on Composite Materials professional to support the development and production of advanced aerospace structures utilizing 3D woven, laminated, and resin‑infused materials. The role operates at the intersection of engineering and manufacturing, spending significant time on the shop floor and in the lab executing builds, refining processes, and conducting material testing. The successful candidate will translate design requirements into repeatable manufacturing methods, troubleshoot defects, and improve quality, yield, and throughput.

• Translate material and design requirements into robust manufacturing processes and work instructions
• Plan and execute material fabrication including layup, preforming, infusion (VARTM/RTM), and curing
• Develop and optimize process parameters (resin systems, flow media, vacuum strategy, cure cycles)
• Design and support tooling for complex preforms and infusion setups
• Perform hands‑on builds, trials, and process validation on the shop floor
• Develop and execute material test plans (mechanical, thermal, environmental)
• Analyze test data to characterize material properties and drive process improvements
• Support qualification efforts (process qualification, first article support)
• Investigate defects (voids, dry spots, delamination) and lead root cause/corrective actions
• Collaborate with design engineering on material selection, stack‑ups, and DFM/DFA
• Interface with suppliers for fibers, resins, and preforms; support material down‑select and qualification
• Ensure compliance with aerospace/defense standards and specifications
• Identify emerging manufacturing technologies and perform cost/benefit analysis for implementation

• Strong written and oral communication skills with the ability to collaborate in a diverse team environment
• Experience with 3D woven or complex preform architectures
• Familiarity with aerospace qualification standards (CMH‑17, ASTM, AMS, MIL specs)
• Experience with mechanical testing methods (tensile, compression, ILSS, fatigue, etc.)
• Knowledge of NDI/NDT methods (ultrasonic, CT scanning) for composites
• Experience scaling processes from development to production
• Familiarity with statistical analysis and material allowable development
• Knowledge of DFX principles, including Design for Manufacturing, Assembly, and Cost
• Knowledge of GD&T and appropriate tolerances in a manufacturing environment
• Ability to analyze and understand technical drawings, MBD files, bills of material, engineering sketches, CAD models, prototypes, specifications, and ad hoc requirements
• Basic computer skills:
  Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook
• Manufacturing specific computer skills: ERP and MRP (e.g., Oracle), PLM (e.g., Matrix), MES (e.g., Solumina) or equivalent
• Experience with CAD software (UG NX)

• Bachelor's Degree required. Preferred degrees include Materials and Science Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or Mechanical Engineering
• 5 years’ experience in composites or materials processing manufacturing or R&D environment

• Flexible work schedules and compressed work week options
• Paid time off: up to 6 weeks total PTO (vacation, illness, and holiday)
• Tuition reimbursement up to $10,000 per calendar year for relevant graduate degrees
• Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and life insurance coverage
• 401(k) plan with up to 9% company contribution
• Employee discount program with access to savings on a wide range of products and services

Textron is committed to providing Equal Opportunity in Employment, to all applicants and employees regardless of race, color, religion, age, national origin, military status, veteran status, disability, sex (including pregnancy and sexual orientation), genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law.