Sr Materials Engineer

Afognak Native Corporation; Honolulu (HI); On-site; USD 115,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Alutiiq Informaton Management, LLC, a subsidiary of Alutiiq, LLC, is seeking a Sr. Materials Engineer to lead a brand‑new materials laboratory at the Forge onboard Schofield Barracks, Oahu, Hawaii, for NIWC.

The role focuses on polymer science leadership, reverse engineering, and advanced material characterization to support production decisions. The position requires 5+ years in materials testing and lab management, U.S.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree required in materials science, materials engineering, chemical engineering or closely related field.
• 5+ years progressive experience in materials testing, analysis, and laboratory management.
• Deep expertise in polymer science, polymer chemistry, or polymer engineering.
• Self-starter who can independently direct laboratory workflows and manage complex material testing projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, equipment procurement, setup, and operations of a new materials laboratory at the Forge.
• Direct and execute high-level materials reverse engineering projects.
• Supervise material characterization and evaluations of physical, chemical, and mechanical properties.
• Act as SME for polymer chemistry applications across engineering programs.
• Apply additive manufacturing knowledge to integrate tested materials into production.
• Develop rigorous technical documentation and ensure laboratory safety compliance.

Skills

Polymer science

Materials testing

Laboratory leadership

Project management

Security clearance

DoD eligibility

Travel flexibility

Education

Master's degree in materials science/engineering

PhD preferred

Chemical engineering background

Job description

Description

Alutiiq Informaton Management, LLC a subsidiary of Alutiiq, LLC is seeking a Sr. Materials Engineer to join our team supporting the Naval Information Warfare Center (NIWC) in Oahu, Hawaii. This senior‑level role will lead the design, equipment procurement, setup, and operational management of a brand‑new materials laboratory at the Forge onboard Schofield Barracks. The successful candidate will act as the subject matter expert (SME) in polymer science, spearhead materials reverse engineering initiatives, and perform comprehensive analytical assessments to compare and contrast various materials for production suitability.

• Laboratory Leadership: Lead the design, equipment procurement, setup, and operational management of the new materials laboratory at the Forge.
• Advanced Reverse Engineering: Direct and execute high-level materials reverse engineering to identify component structures, mechanical properties, and manufacturing origins.
• Material Characterization: Supervise and conduct evaluations of physical, chemical, and mechanical properties of materials to optimize production choices.
• Polymer Specialization: Act as the primary technical expert for polymer chemistry, evaluating plastics, resins, and advanced composites for engineering applications.
• Additive Manufacturing: Leverage advanced knowledge of additive manufacturing processes to integrate and test printed materials in current production.
• Reporting & Collaboration: Develop rigorous technical documentation, ensure full laboratory safety compliance, and consult directly with senior engineering leadership.

Pay Range: $115,000 to $160,000 Annually

Requirements

• Master’s Degree in Materials Science, Materials Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a highly related engineering discipline (Ph.D. is a plus).
• Technical Experience: 5+ years of professional progressive experience in materials testing, analysis, and laboratory management.
• Polymer Expertise: Deep professional background and expertise in polymer science, polymer chemistry, or polymer engineering.
• Professional Leadership: Self-starter with proven capability to independently direct laboratory workflows and manage complex material testing projects.
• U.S. Citizenship status required.
• Must have the ability to obtain and maintain an active DoD Secret Security Clearance.
• Must possess or be able to obtain a valid U.S. Passport to support 15% domestic and international travel requirements.