Materials and Process Engineer

Robinson Helicopter Company; Torrance (CA); On-site; USD 105,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Robinson Helicopter Company in Torrance, CA is seeking a Materials Engineer to join the engineering team. This hands-on role focuses on materials selection, processing, manufacturing, and ongoing safety support for rotorcraft.

You will test materials, advise on design choices, monitor performance, and collaborate with suppliers and floor staff to ensure quality, cost-efficient production, and compliance with 14 CFR Part 27.

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience with material testing and analysis.
• Experience advising on material selection for design and manufacturing.
• Knowledge of aviation safety standards is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Research and test materials for mechanical properties, corrosion resistance, and manufacturability.
• Advise on material selection for product design based on requirements, performance, and cost.
• Monitor material performance and evaluate deterioration.
• Develop and improve manufacturing processes for cost-effective production and quality.
• Design test plans and conduct material testing to evaluate suitability.
• Investigate material or process failures and propose solutions.
• Ensure materials meet flight safety requirements and CFR Part 27.

Skills

Materials testing

Corrosion resistance

Material selection

Root cause analysis

Manufacturing processes

Education

Master's Degree in Engineering

Tools

Material testing equipment

Job description

Robinson Helicopter Company is a leading manufacturer of civil rotorcraft with a 50-year history of providing affordable helicopters for a wide range of applications. Robinson is an engineering focused organization that provides challenging and exciting opportunities to contribute to the future of vertical flight.

The Materials Engineer is a member of the engineering team who is responsible for materials aspects of engineering, manufacturing, and continued operations safety. This role is a hands‑on role working closely with other engineers to ensure that material selection, processing, manufacturing, and maintenance allow our products meet customer needs, safety requirements, and quality expectations.

Responsibilities

• Research and test materials to determine their suitability for specific applications including mechanical properties, corrosion resistance, and manufacturability.
• Advise on material selection for product design based on design requirements, performance specifications, and cost‑effectiveness.
• Monitor material performance and evaluate material deterioration
• Develop and improve manufacturing processes to ensure efficient and cost‑effective production while maintaining product quality.
• Design test plans and conducting material testing evaluate suitability for specific applications.
• Investigate material or process‑related failures and provide solutions to materials related problems
• For issues within service aircraft, conducts investigations to determine root cause and proposes resolutions including design, process, material or specification changes.
• Prepare technical reports, material specifications, and process documentation to support product development, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance.
• Stay up to date on new materials, emerging technologies, and industry best practices to improve materials and processes and enhance product performance.
• Implement engineering changes to existing designs to address field issues, manufacturing issues, parts obsolescence and qualification, and product improvements.
• Reviews, researches, and conducts analysis leading to disposition of Material Review Records (MRRs).
• Ensure issues which may affect flight safety are prioritized
• Propose changes to reduce the occurrence MRRs.
• Validate that materials meet customer expectations, design objectives, and the requirements of 14 CFR Part 27.
• Interface with suppliers to identify solutions to problems, establish requirements, and ensure requirements are satisfied.
• Maintain a presence on the factory floor and repair station to ensure rapid engineering response to issues
• Report project status, schedules, and risks
• Develop processes and tools to improve the effectiveness, quality, and efficiency of the work

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• Research and test materials to determine their suitability for specific applications including mechanical properties, corrosion resistance, and manufacturability.
• Advise on material selection for product design based on design requirements, performance specifications, and cost‑effectiveness.
• Monitor material performance and evaluate material deterioration
• Develop and improve manufacturing processes to ensure efficient and cost‑effective production while maintaining product quality.
• Design test plans and conducting material testing evaluate suitability for specific applications.
• Investigate material or process‑related failures and provide solutions to materials related problems
• For issues within service aircraft, conducts investigations to determine root cause and proposes resolutions including design, process, material or specification changes.
• Prepare technical reports, material specifications, and process documentation to support product development, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance.
• Stay up to date on new materials, emerging technologies, and industry best practices to improve materials and processes and enhance product performance.
• Implement engineering changes to existing designs to address field issues, manufacturing issues, parts obsolescence and qualification, and product improvements.
• Reviews, researches, and conducts analysis leading to disposition of Material Review Records (MRRs).
• Ensure issues which may affect flight safety are prioritized
• Propose changes to reduce the occurrence MRRs.
• Validate that materials meet customer expectations, design objectives, and the requirements of 14 CFR Part 27.
• Interface with suppliers to identify solutions to problems, establish requirements, and ensure requirements are satisfied.
• Maintain a presence on the factory floor and repair station to ensure rapid engineering response to issues
• Report project status, schedules, and risks
• Develop processes and tools to improve the effectiveness, quality, and efficiency of the work

Desired Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in a related engineering field.
• Previous experience conducting Post Production, Product Support, and Manufacturing engineering activities
• FAA Designated Engineering Representative (DER) or ODA Unit Member (UM).

Pay Range: $105,000 - 160,000 annually