Materials & Process Engineer

Stratolaunch; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 168,000 - 217,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid maternity and parental leave

401(k) company match up to $11,500

Job summary

Stratolaunch, based in Mojave, CA, seeks an experienced Materials & Processes engineer to support material specification databases and process development for aerospace programs. The role emphasizes welding, heat treatment, additive manufacturing, composites, and risk management in a dynamic, on-site setting.

The successful candidate will have M&P laboratory experience, strong communication skills, and the ability to work with program leaders to ensure technical rigor while meeting

Qualifications

• In-depth understanding of material properties, characterization techniques, and failure mechanisms.
• Extensive knowledge of materials for high-temperature aerospace application.
• Extensive knowledge of various manufacturing processes such as composite processing, welding, bonding, heat treatment, and surface finishing.
• Familiarity with industry material data standards (e.g., MMPDS, ASTM).
• Expertise in the design of experiments and the development of material specification databases.
• Experience in an M&P laboratory setting.
• Good verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to interact with customers and/or external stakeholders.
• Experience with low temperature pre-preg composite materials, including layups and/or wet layup joints.
• Analytical and critical thinking to solve multidisciplinary engineering problems.
• Ability to work independently in a dynamic environment.
• U.S. Citizenship with ability to obtain a DOW security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Support development and maintenance of material specification databases.
• Support development of material process specifications.
• Support development of manufacturing process specifications (e.g., welding, heat treatment, additive manufacturing, machining, composites).
• Lead qualification testing of process specifications to ensure reliability and repeatability.
• Support M&P SME activities for programs and stakeholders.
• Collaborate with program leaders to balance technical rigor with programmatic constraints and manage risk.
• Support execution of M&P IRAD projects.
• Lead root cause analysis and corrective actions for production issues.

Skills

Material properties

High-temperature materials

Manufacturing processes

Material data standards

Design of experiments

M&P laboratory experience

Communication skills

Customer interaction

Pre-preg composites processing

Analytical thinking

Independent work

Security clearance eligible (US Cit.)

Tools

MS Office

CAD

Job description

Stratolaunch is a technology accelerator that engineers operationally realistic testing at Mach 5+. Our air-launched, Talon testbeds are reusable, cost-effective platforms that enable routine access to the hypersonic environment. We deliver flight data critical to validating system performance and achieving rapid technology deployment. Together with our customers, we drive innovations that are imperative to advancing national security.

Stratolaunch is seeking an experienced engineer for the Materials and Processes (M&P) service center. The M&P service center resides in the Engineering Department and supports product realization at Stratolaunch through expertise and test capabilities in the areas of material science, materials test, materials specification development, and process specification development. A successful candidate will have demonstrated technical expertise that spans M&P theory, testing, and aerospace system development.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Support development and maintenance of material specification databases
• Support development of material process specifications
• Support development of manufacturing process specifications. Relevant examples include welding, heat treatment, additive manufacturing, machining, and composite laminating, curing, and bonding.
• Lead qualification testing of process specifications to ensure reliability and repeatability
• Support programs and other stakeholders as a M&P subject matter expert (e.g. non-advocate technical reviewer, peer reviewer, proposal writing)
• Support service center leader with collaborating with program technical leaders to balance technical rigor with programmatic constraints and effectively manage risk related to M&P (e.g. material selection for new designs, NC dispositions)
• Support execution of M&P related IRAD projects
• Support root cause analysis: Lead failure analysis investigations. Collaborate with internal stakeholders to conduct nonconformance reviews for production issues. Identify root cause and define corrective actions to prevent future failures.

QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential responsibility satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Required Qualifications:

• In-depth understanding of material properties, characterization techniques, and failure mechanisms (e.g. composites, metallics, ceramics, coatings, adhesives)
• Extensive knowledge of materials for high-temperature aerospace application
• Extensive knowledge of various manufacturing processes, such as composite processing, welding, bonding, heat treatment, and surface finishing
• Familiarity with industry material data standards (e.g., MMPDS, ASTM) and regulatory specifications
• Expertise in the design of experiments and the development of material specification databases
• Experience in a M&P laboratory setting
• Good verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to interact with customers and/or external stakeholders
• Experience with low temperature pre-preg composite materials, including layups and/or wet tie joint assemblies Demonstrated experience applying analytical and critical thinking skills to solve multi-disciplinary, open-ended engineering problems
• Ability to work independently in a dynamic environment
• US Citizen with the ability to obtain a DOW security clearance

Required Computer Skills:

• MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)
• CAD

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience supporting aerospace manufacturing operations ranging from prototype work to low-rate production
• Experience supporting hypersonic development programs
• Experience with aerospace propulsion systems
• Experience with thermal protection systems
• Experience with additive manufacturing
• Hands-on experience with composite and/or metallic structure fabrication
• Active DOW security clearance

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

Special remarks regarding work environment, if applicable

Position based in Mojave, CA. It is strongly preferred the candidate be fully on-site. Consideration for hybrid (partial remote/on-site work) work location arrangement at no less than 75-80% on-site time for well-qualified candidates.

Travel, as needed, to support the department. Travel estimated to be <10%

9/80 Schedule
$167,500-$217,000

Base salary and leveling are established on a case-by-case basis. We consider several factors to ensure a competitive offer, including your location, educational background, and a comprehensive assessment of the skills and experience demonstrated during your interviews.
Benefits and our location(s) :

• Paid Maternity and Parental Leave
• 50% company match per contributed dollar into 401(k) savings plan, up to $11,500

This position may involve the operation of company vehicles as part of assigned duties.

Mojave Air & Spaceport is located just outside of Lancaster/Palmdale and is only 95 miles north of Los Angeles. The area offers both affordability and central access to a variety of California's best attractions and landmarks.

Not much for the outdoors and prefer the city life? You’re within a half day’s drive or less of Los Angeles, San Diego, Las Vegas, and San Francisco where you can find a variety of live entertainment, museums, tours, and historical sight‑seeing. Theme parks are in abundance, with Six Flags Magic Mountain, Disneyland, and Knotts Berry Farm ready to meet the needs of rollercoaster thrill seekers.

Food and drink fanatics are in a haven of delectable choices. Wine aficionados will also find easy access to some of the state’s best vino in Paso Robles, Santa Ynez, and even more locally in Tehachapi and Agua Dulce. Beer fanatics will find some of the best West Coast IPAs at Bravery and Lucky Luke’s in Lancaster. Any food option you crave is covered, and we always recommend the authentic and fresh Mexican food that you won’t find anywhere else in the United States.

Stratolaunch is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity at our company. We encourage people from all walks of life to apply, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability or any other characteristic protected by law. Our management team does not tolerate discrimination or harassment at any point during our employees’ and applicants’ time with us, especially with respect to recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, training, compensation, benefits, employee activities, and general treatment during employment. For purposes of transparency, U.S. Citizenship may be required for some positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law: