SiC Materials Development Engineer - Space Propulsion

Analytical Mechanics Associates, Inc.; Hampton (VA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) matching plan

Tuition reimbursement

Disability plans

Medical, dental, and vision options

Job summary

Analytical Mechanics Associates, Inc. (AMA) seeks a Materials Development and Test Engineer to advance SiC composite materials for space nuclear propulsion at NASA Langley, Hampton, VA.

Lead development of hermetically sealed SiC cladding and tube structures while coordinating testing and documentation for NASA programs. The role requires hands‑on fabrication and testing of SiC composites (toward cladding systems like SiC‑SiC/SiC‑C), along with permeability testing and high‑temperature

Qualifications

• BS degree in aerospace engineering or related field is required.
• 2 years of relevant experience in advanced composites testing.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrate feasibility of hermetically sealed multi‑purpose SiC composite cladding geometries for nuclear fuel and moderating material containment.
• Develop and evaluate continuous tow‑coating processes for SiC fibers, including feasibility assessments and testing documentation.
• Manufacture SiC composite tube structures using filament winding and determine wall thickness through analyses.
• Perform helium permeability testing and high‑temperature hot burst testing of SiC tubes with pre‑test measurements and reporting.
• Provide SME input in research, design, manufacture, testing, and evaluation of high‑temperature composite structures for nuclear applications, including modeling.

Skills

SiC composites

Filament winding

Tow coating

Permeability testing

XRD/CT/SEM

High temperature sealing

Documentation

Technical communication

Education

B.S. Degree in Aerospace Engineering or related field

Tools

CT

SEM

XRD

Job description

Analytical Mechanics Associates, Inc. (AMA) seeks a Materials Development and Test Engineer to advance SiC composite materials for space nuclear propulsion at NASA Langley, Hampton, VA.

Lead development of hermetically sealed SiC cladding and tube structures while coordinating testing and documentation for NASA programs. The role requires hands‑on fabrication and testing of SiC composites (toward cladding systems like SiC‑SiC/SiC‑C), along with permeability testing and high‑temperature