Senior Space Materials & Process Engineer

Viasat; Tempe (AZ); On-site; USD 142,000 - 264,000; Full time

Job summary

Viasat is seeking a Staff Materials & Process Engineer to lead advanced materials research, analysis, design, and qualification for next-generation satellite platforms. You will drive material specifications, processing guidelines, and test programs across the product lifecycle.

The role requires deep expertise in spacecraft materials, composites, surface treatments, and adhesive bonding, with mentoring responsibility and collaboration across engineering, manufacturing, and program management

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required in a materials/engineering field.
• 10+ years in materials and process engineering for space hardware.
• Experience leading materials development for spacecraft or aerospace systems.
• Strong knowledge of high-performance composite materials and treatments.
• Hands-on composite manufacturing and processing experience.
• Familiar with material characterization methods like FTIR, DSC, DMA.

Responsibilities

• Lead materials and process engineering for satellite structures and deployables.
• Develop material specs, processing guidelines, and assembly procedures.
• Define problems, run trade studies, and balance performance, schedule, cost, and risk.
• Own material properties, test programs, and process specs from concept to on-orbit support.
• Perform root cause analysis and drive corrective actions to improve quality.
• Review drawings, specs, and flow-down requirements; support subcontractors.

Skills

Independent problem solving

Cross-functional leadership

Technical mentoring

Strong communication

Spacecraft materials knowledge

Education

Bachelor's in Materials Science/Engineering

Master's or PhD in related field

Tools

Teamcenter

Windchill

Job description

Viasat is seeking a Staff Materials & Process Engineer to lead advanced materials research, analysis, design, and qualification for next-generation satellite platforms. You will drive material specifications, processing guidelines, and test programs across the product lifecycle.

The role requires deep expertise in spacecraft materials, composites, surface treatments, and adhesive bonding, with mentoring responsibility and collaboration across engineering, manufacturing, and program management