Materials Engineering Manager

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc.; Town of Florida (NY); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Life Insurance

401(k)

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

PTO

Holidays

Education Reimbursement

Job summary

Florida Turbine Technologies (FTT) in Jupiter, FL is seeking a Turbomachinery Materials Discipline Lead to guide aerospace turbomachinery alloys, coatings characterization, and testing across design, manufacture, assembly, and test.

The role requires a BS/MS in materials-related field and 10+ years in aerospace materials; lead projects, collaborate with suppliers, mentor engineers, and ensure compliance with ISO 9001/AS9100.

Qualifications

• Minimum B.S./M.S. in Materials Science, Chemical or Mechanical Engineering with 10+ years aerospace experience.
• Deep metallurgical understanding of turbomachinery alloys and coatings.
• Experience in manufacturing, testing, and materials failure analysis.

Responsibilities

• Develop specifications and procedures for aerospace turbomachinery components.
• Evaluate material non-conformances and recommend corrective actions.
• Lead projects to improve process capability and quality (ISO 9001/AS9100).
• Mentor engineers and laboratory personnel; collaborate with suppliers and design teams.

Skills

Metallurgy

Turbomachinery

Alloys & coatings

Laboratory testing

Documentation

Communication

Education

BS/MS in Materials Science

Tools

Hardness testing

Job description

Are you ready to embark on an exciting career with a leading turbomachinery and jet engine aerospace engineering company? At Florida Turbine Technologies (FTT), we’re not just about cutting-edge products; we’re about shaping the future of aerospace innovation. If you’re looking for a workplace that thrives on creativity, collaboration, and expertise, you’ve found your home!

Located in the stunning setting of Jupiter, Florida, FTT is a growing world-class turbomachinery company with a vibrant team of over 300 engineers and technicians, bringing together more than 4,000 years of combined experience in aerospace (military and commercial), industrial, and space turbomachinery. For 25 years, we’ve been at the forefront of next-generation technologies, specializing in rocket turbopumps, aircraft engines, and high-performance jet engines for cruise missiles and unmanned aerial systems (UAS).

At FTT, we offer a comprehensive suite of services including design, aerodynamics, performance, heat transfer, rotor dynamics and bearing design, structural analysis, manufacturing, testing, and field support. Our Turbine Technologies division also provides innovative engineering services, testing, and material solutions for military and commercial engines, space propulsion, and industrial power applications.

With additional offices in Derby, UK, and Wildau, Germany, we proudly extend our reputation for engineering excellence to the European marketplace, enhancing our access to cutting-edge manufacturing capabilities and a robust supply chain.

Our parent company, Kratos Defense and Security Solutions, empowers us to leverage cross-industry capabilities, delivering innovative and cost-effective solutions that benefit our customers.

This role is restricted to U.S. persons (i.e., U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and other protected individuals under the Immigration and Naturalization Act, 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)) due to access to export-controlled technology. FTT will require proof of status prior to employment.

General Job Summary:

The Turbomachinery Materials Discipline Lead will have the training and experience to provide support of company projects for aerospace turbomachinery alloys and coatings characterization, manufacturing, repair and testing tasks. The candidate must be able to provide technical input as a lead member involved with design, manufacture, assembly, and test of aerospace turbomachinery components.

Essential Job Functions:

• Develop quality specifications, procedures, standard methods, training material, and related documentation for manufacturing operations and processing of aerospace turbomachinery components. Develop standard work, procedures, and integrate aerospace industry-standard best practices.
• Evaluate material non-conformances and effect on properties. Provide recommendations on corrective actions.
• Work with suppliers to define and document requirements, address technical concerns, and provide project status.
• Lead significant projects critical to improve manufacturing process capability & quality performance (ISO 9001 and AS9100).
• Work closely with internal programs and manufacturing suppliers to provide in-situ evaluations, sampling and testing services.
• Perform significant interaction with design engineers, manufacturing engineers, quality assurance, systems designers, external suppliers and other program stakeholders.
• Support program component technical analysis and lifing tasks through alloy and coating property specification and review.
• Define material testing requirements and create test plans for characterizing materials per program requirements.
• Willingness to perform hands‑on tasks and maintain laboratory equipment and facilities as required.
• Identify new equipment to expand laboratory capability and improve responsiveness.
• Willingness to mentor less experienced engineers and laboratory personnel.
• Other job duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities:Yes

Experience and Skills

• Possess a deep understanding through experience of metallurgical properties of alloy and coating systems for turbomachinery and aerospace applications for new product development and repair operations.
• Strong background in manufacturing operations and processing of aerospace turbomachinery components including, but not limited to casting, machining, joining (welding and brazing), heat treatment.
• Possess deep understanding of raw material melt and processing with knowledge of the effects on properties and the thermal treatment response.
• Experience in analytical/characterization of materials in a laboratory environment (including etching, macro/micro imaging, hardness testing and fracture surface analysis of metals).
• Experience with the failure analysis of materials (structural metals, fasteners, etc.) and fracture mechanics.
• Possess the discipline and follow-through to fully document problem statements, observations, conclusions, calculations and recommendations.
• Ability to review and sign-off on component drawings for Materials Engineering discipline.
• Solid background in laboratory materials analysis and testing per industry standard test methods.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, to be able to effectively summarize, document, and communicate results to program stakeholders. Ability to make technical presentations internally and to customers.

Education and Experience:

• Minimum B.S./M.S. in Material Science and Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or related field with a minimum 10‑years of experience.

Work Environment/Physical Requirements:

• Office and/or manufacturing environment.
• Some light physical effort is required.
• Will be required to perform occasional lifting of materials and packaging.
• Ability to sit and stand for long periods of time.
• Ability to perform repetitive motion (keyboarding, mouse, phones, rotating wrist, using tools/equipment).

Travel Requirements:

Yes, travel and off‑site support to suppliers and manufacturing facilities per program support requirements.

• Life/ADD & Short/Long Term Disability Insurance
• 401(k) Savings Plan
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP)
• Paid Time-Off (PTO)
• Holidays
• Education Reimbursement

Kratos Defense is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race,color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, genetic information, disability, status as aprotected veteran, or any other protected category under applicable federal, state, and local laws.

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