Lead Composites & TPS Engineer for Reentry Vehicle Equity

Lux Aeterna; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 150,000 - 225,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) retirement plan

Paid time off

Job summary

Lux Aeterna in Denver, CO is seeking a Mechanical Engineer to lead composites and thermal protection systems (TPS) for a reusable reentry vehicle. You will design, analyze, and build composite structures and TPS, while coordinating with vendors to deliver flight parts that meet stringent aerospace standards.

You’ll write fabrication and process specifications, manage layup, cure, bonding, and non-destructive inspection, and work closely with aerothermal and thermal engineers.

Qualifications

• BS in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering (or related)
• 7+ years of experience designing and building composite hardware for aerospace or other high-performance applications
• Hands-on experience with prepreg layup, autoclave and out-of-autoclave cure, honeycomb sandwich structure, inserts, and secondary bonding
• Experience taking composite parts through a vendor to delivery: drawings, statements of work, tooling, first article, and nonconformance disposition
• Working knowledge of laminate analysis, composite failure modes, and coupon testing to ASTM standards
• Experience with structural adhesives and surface preparation for bonding
• Experience using 3D CAD software to produce fabrication-ready designs (Siemens NX preferable, but not required)
• Clear written communication: specifications, work instructions, and test reports that technicians and vendors can work from
• Demonstrated ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced engineering environment with shifting priorities

Responsibilities

• Lead composites and TPS engineering on the vehicle, including design and layup
• Produce fabrication-ready drawings and statements of work for composite parts and TPS
• Write process specifications for layup, cure, bonding, and nondestructive inspection
• Select materials and build design allowables; plan tests and manage vendors
• Support build in our shop with layup, bonding, potting, TPS installation, and bakeout
• Qualify materials for spaceflight: outgassing, vacuum bakeout, and testing
• Work with aerothermal and thermal engineers on TPS sizing and material properties
• Lead nonconformance investigations and root cause analysis on composite hardware
• Define inspection, repair, and refurbishment procedures between flights

Skills

Laminate analysis

Composite bonding

3D CAD

Technical writing

Vendor management

Education

BS in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

Tools

Siemens NX

Job description

Lux Aeterna in Denver, CO is seeking a Mechanical Engineer to lead composites and thermal protection systems (TPS) for a reusable reentry vehicle. You will design, analyze, and build composite structures and TPS, while coordinating with vendors to deliver flight parts that meet stringent aerospace standards.

You’ll write fabrication and process specifications, manage layup, cure, bonding, and non-destructive inspection, and work closely with aerothermal and thermal engineers.