Material & Process Engineer Leader 4

Location: Decatur, AL | Relocation assistance available | Travel: 10%

About the role

ULA is seeking a Parts, Materials, and Processes (PMP) Factory Support Engineering (FSE) Leader to join our team in Decatur, AL. This position leads the PMP Factory Support Engineering and PMP Test Lab team, which performs testing operations for acceptance and verification of metals, non-metals, chemicals, contamination control samples, develops and maintains PMP-related manufacturing process specifications, and provides engineering support to production operations.

The leader ensures PMP support for factory issues, maintains manufacturing process specifications, develops laboratory procedures, procures and maintains equipment, manages cost estimates and budgets, staffs the team, and oversees individual and team performance and career development. This role manages both exempt and non-exempt salaried employees and is responsible for lab schedules, cross-training coordination, and developing strategies to improve laboratory performance and capability.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the PMP Factory Support Engineering and PMP Test Lab team.
• Oversee testing operations for acceptance and verification of materials (metals, non-metals, chemicals, contamination control samples).
• Develop and maintain PMP-related manufacturing process specifications.
• Provide engineering support to production operations.
• Ensure PMP support for factory issues and maintenance of manufacturing process specifications.
• Develop laboratory procedures and manage equipment procurement and maintenance.
• Prepare cost estimates and budgets, manage staffing, and oversee performance and career development.
• Monitor lab schedules and coordinate cross-training.
• Develop organizational and technical strategies to improve laboratory performance and capability.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in an Engineering discipline or related technical field from an accredited college or university.
• Minimum of 6 years of related work experience.
• Experience with project management, team leadership, or people management.
• Demonstrated experience resolving complex part, material, and process anomalies and issues.
• Familiarity with the operation and management of materials laboratories.
• Ability to interpret engineering specifications, develop test procedures, forecast budgets, and manage priorities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science degree in Material Science, Materials Engineering, Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• Knowledge of laboratory safety programs and hazardous material handling.
• Experience developing new laboratory capabilities and capital equipment strategies.
• Familiarity with Teamcenter Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) software and databases.
• Working knowledge of industry standards (ASTM, AMS, AS9100, etc.).

Benefits

• Competitive pay and benefits, including a 401(k) match plus additional employer contribution.
• Discretionary annual incentive bonus for eligible employees.
• Generous paid time off.
• Flexible work environments.
• Most salaried employees work a "9/80 schedule," enjoying every other Friday off.

Benefits and work schedules may vary for union-represented hourly positions and are described in the applicable collective bargaining agreement.

Security Requirements

This position requires use of information subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Therefore, all applicants must be U.S. Persons as defined in ITAR 22 CFR 120.62 (e.g., U.S. Citizen, Lawful Permanent Resident (Green Card holder), or protected individual under 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(20) and 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)).