Materials Engineer, Coating/Non-Metallics

ZipRecruiter; Redondo Beach (CA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in aerospace is seeking a Coatings/Non-Metallics Materials Engineer to develop and qualify advanced materials for spaceflight applications. This role involves working closely with engineering teams and vendors to enhance performance and lifetime of spacecraft materials, contributing to groundbreaking space missions.

Benefits

Stock options

Medical coverage

Vision coverage

Dental coverage

401(k) plan

Qualifications

• At least 4 years of experience with performance non-metallic materials and coatings for space flight applications.
• At least 4 years of experience with thermal management approaches for spacecraft.

Responsibilities

• Identify applications on spaceflight vehicles for new materials technologies.
• Collaborate with vendors to source materials for requirements.
• Write and maintain specifications for manufacturing and testing.

Skills

Sputtering/thin film coatings

Process-property-performance relationships

Optical/thermal materials systems

Education

Bachelor’s degree in materials engineering

Job description

The Coatings/Non-Metallics Materials Engineer is responsible for developing, testing, and qualifying coatings, performance polymers, resins/epoxies, and more for space flight applications. Material applications include thermal management, thermal protection, optical, electrical, structural, sealing, and others.

Responsibilities

1. Identify applications on spaceflight vehicles where high-performance or new materials technologies can provide measurable improvements in mass, performance, or lifetime.
2. Assess whether commercially available materials can enhance designs, and develop custom materials solutions when off-the-shelf options are unavailable.
3. Collaborate with vendors and supply chain to source materials meeting our requirements.
4. Develop testing capabilities into a comprehensive analytical lab for non-metallic materials.
5. Utilize testing capabilities to characterize and qualify materials.
6. Write and maintain specifications for manufacturing, testing, handling, and usage of spaceflight materials, including maintaining an allowable materials document.
7. Work with engineering and production teams on best practices for selecting and using various materials.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in materials engineering or a related field.
• At least 4 years of experience with performance non-metallic materials and coatings for space flight applications.
• At least 4 years of experience with thermal management approaches for spacecraft.

Skills and Experience

• Master’s or Ph.D. in materials engineering or a related field.
• At least 4 years of direct experience with sputtering/thin film coatings.
• Fundamental understanding of optical/thermal materials systems and coating design.
• Deep knowledge of the process-property-performance relationships in materials.

Additional Information

Compensation varies based on role, level, location, and market data. Salary and benefits are determined case-by-case, considering skills, education, experience, capabilities, and internal equity. Benefits include stock options, medical, vision, dental coverage, and a 401(k) plan.

To comply with U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including ITAR, applicants must be U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, protected individuals, or eligible for required authorizations. Learn more about ITAR here.

Impulse Space is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are based on merit, competence, and qualifications, without regard to legally protected statuses.