Sr. Materials Engineer (Starshield)

Responsibilities

• Champion materials-related initiatives for Starshield satellites from conceptualization through development, qualification, implementation, and production stabilization; work closely with partner teams on rolling out optimized solutions
• Responsible for the development, test and performance evaluation of metals, polymers, coatings, and joining/forming techniques used across the current and next generation Starshield satellite designs
• Develop, qualify and implement coatings for thermal control or optical applications
• Conduct and direct hands-on laboratory testing and rigorous failure analysis of flight hardware and raw stock materials
• Lead root cause failure investigations, acting as the subject matter expert (SME) for metallic and polymer failure mechanisms through hands-on laboratory testing of flight hardware and raw materials, always driving to first principles
• Perform prototype process trials, materials analysis, and property characterization
• Establish an efficient product lifecycle starting in the supply chain all the way through final integration that balances cost, complexity, and quality; work closely with partner teams to design and realize an efficient in-house production line
• Work with external vendors to establish process control of existing designs and identify new opportunities for product development and improvement

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Material Science, Materials Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or other related engineering discipline
• 5+ years of professional experience with polymers, coatings, joining technologies (bonding, welding, brazing, soldering)

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Master's degree or PhD in Material Science, Materials Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Physics, or other related technical discipline
• Strong interpersonal and collaborative skills with enthusiasm for the team’s spirit of innovation in cutting-edge technology
• Experience in characterization techniques and equipment, including SEM-EDS, FTIR, DSC, TGA, LFA, rheology, optical microscopy, hardness testers, and mechanical property testing
• Experience with technical review of material processes and a sound understanding of the interaction between process variables and the resulting material performance
• Demonstrated track record of success in a rapidly growing, fast-paced, and highly competitive environment
• Self-motivated with strong organizational, written, and oral communication skills
• Strong ability to use data and analysis to make fast data-driven decisions
• Ability to perform trade studies and make clear recommendations using first principles and engineering fundamentals, even with partial information
• Strong understanding of engineering fundamentals

Additional Requirements

• Must be able to obtain a Top Secret Security Clearance
• Ability to work long hours and weekends as necessary to support critical milestones