Material Scientist

About the role

Immerse yourself in the dynamic world of aerospace innovation at PTI Technologies in Oxnard, CA. This onsite role offers the opportunity to work alongside industry leaders committed to excellence and integrity, developing cutting-edge materials that enhance aircraft performance and safety. Collaborate within a high-performance culture that values traditional methods while embracing modern advancements in technology, making a tangible impact on aerospace projects that shape the future of aviation.

The Material Scientist position plays a pivotal role in advancing aerospace and defense applications through the development and optimization of energetic materials for Cartridge Actuated Devices (CAD) and Propellant Actuated Devices (PAD). You will engage in comprehensive materials development, evaluating propellants, initiators, and pyrotechnics, while conducting critical mechanical and thermal analysis. This role involves close collaboration with cross-functional teams to ensure material specifications align with performance and safety criteria throughout the product lifecycle. You will lead qualification testing and support process development for the manufacturing of energetic components, adhering to industry standards and safety regulations. Your expertise will contribute to innovation, performance improvements, cost reduction, and manufacturability enhancements.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize energetic materials for CAD and PAD applications in aerospace and defense.
• Evaluate propellants, initiators, and pyrotechnics through comprehensive materials development.
• Conduct mechanical and thermal analysis to ensure material performance and safety.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align material specifications with project requirements.
• Lead qualification testing and support process development for manufacturing energetic components.
• Adhere to industry standards and safety regulations, including FAA and AS9100.
• Identify opportunities for cost reduction, manufacturability enhancements, and performance improvements.
• Provide technical leadership from initial proposal through production.
• Create and manage technical documents using product lifecycle management systems.
• Perform failure analysis and interpret test data using analytical tools.
• Mentor team members and foster a hands-on approach to problem-solving.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in Engineering, Material Science, Physics, Biology, or Chemistry.
• 5 to 10 years of experience in aerospace design and manufacturing.
• Proven expertise as a technical lead, guiding projects from proposal to production.
• Familiarity with industry regulations such as FAA standards and AS9100 quality management systems.
• Proficiency in tools like SolidWorks or similar CAD platforms.
• Strong analytical skills for interpreting test data and performing failure analysis.
• Experience with stress analysis and Finite Element Analysis (FEA).
• Excellent communication abilities for collaboration with suppliers, customers, and internal teams.
• Hands-on approach and ability to mentor team members.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance.
• Life Insurance.
• Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA).
• Paid Time Off and Vacation.
• Snack/Drink Room.
• Employee Discounts.
• Employee Profit Share Program.
• 401(k) retirement plan.
• Employee Stock Purchase Program.