As a Specialist, Materials and Processes Engineer with a focus on Composite Materials, you will be responsible for the development and improvement of materials and process specifications to consistently produce components with predictable performance as determined by qualification testing. Guided by our values, "Safety Above All", we proactively manage the risks inherent in human spaceflight through our daily actions. When exceptions to the defined processes arise, you will provide Quality and Manufacturing with your technical opinion on the impact of these exceptions to the expected performance of the materials, to aid in the appropriate disposition of these non-conformances. In addition, you are responsible for providing the Design team with guidance on the appropriate use of composite materials within a vehicle, considering service requirements, manufacturability, and integration with the rest of the vehicle. Support the company strategy by holding ourselves and one another accountable for getting the work done.
Responsibilities- Review drawings and part models to ensure the use of appropriate materials with necessary drawing notes for the required manufacturing processes
- Draft and revise materials and process specifications as needed to produce products with predictable performance
- Troubleshoot issues which arise in Manufacturing or at Vendors related to deviations from specifications or failure of existing specifications to reliably produce the desired results.
- Working with team members and leadership, Interact with Manufacturing, Engineering, and other departments for various IRAD projects.
- Continuously practice safety behavior and Foreign Object Debris (FOD) awareness/prevention; adhere to regulatory protocols and rules.
- Maintain focus on timeliness and execution of tasks and deliverables every day.
- Work collaboratively to achieve goals and/or complete assigned tasks.
Required Skills and Experience - Bachelor's Degree or higher in a related Engineering or Physical Science field from an ABET or equivalent accredited institution.
- A minimum of 12 years experience preferred in the evaluation or processing of aerospace materials, including composites, and plastics
- Familiarity with composite materials and processes used in the manufacture of composite aircraft structural components including out-of-autoclave processing.
- Experience with materials and process specifications for composite materials
- Knowledge of composite material mechanical testing and physical characterization methods & familiarity with statistical analysis methods of treating test data
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills
- Excellent computer skills, familiarity with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
- Strong team player
- Demonstrate willingness to adjust thinking and behavior.
- Ability to communicate in a manner that is timely, respectful, and open to other ideas
- Familiar with the use of personal protective equipment (PPE)
Preferred Skills and Experience - Master's or Doctorate from an ABET, or equivalent, accredited institution with a Concentration in a relevant Materials Engineering / Aerospace Engineering / Physical Sciences discipline
- A minimum of 12 years' experience in the manufacture and assembly, of aerospace composites, and plastics.
- Familiarity with composite materials and processes used in the manufacture of composite aircraft structural components including bond preparation, surface treatments, and bonded assemblies
- Familiarity with composite aircraft repair methods & processes, including authoring repair processes
- Experience in authoring / revising materials and process specifications for composite materials and associated processes
- Experience in developing a Design of Experiments for Process Improvement
- Extensive knowledge of mechanical testing and physical characterization methods for composite materials and joints & familiarity with industry-accepted statistical analysis methods of treating test data such as those found in CMH17-1
Physical and/or Additional Requirements - Must be able to work all shifts and available for overtime as well as weekends when needed.
- Must be able to perform other duties assigned by M&P Manager
- Must be able to travel as needed (10-25% Travel expected)
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The annual U.S. base salary range for this full-time position is $136,063.00-$207,596.00. The base pay actually offered will vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, location, and experience and take into account internal equity. Other forms of pay (e.g., bonus or long term incentive) may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and other benefits, dependent on the position offered. For more information regarding Virgin Galactic benefits, please visit
Who We Are Virgin Galactic is an aerospace and space travel company, pioneering human spaceflight for private individuals and researchers with its advanced air and space vehicles. We are making the dream of space travel a reality, delivering spaceflight at an unprecedented frequency, with the development of next generation space vehicles .
Export Requirements
To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a U.S. Person (either a U.S. citizen, a lawful permanent resident or a protected individual as defined 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) or be able to obtain the required authorization from either the U.S. Department of State or the U.S. Department of Commerce. The applicant must also not be included in the list of Specifically Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons maintained by the Office of Foreign Assets Control. See list
here .
EEO Statement
Virgin Galactic is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Virgin Galactic is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.
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Virgin Galactic is committed to a Drug Free Workplace. All applicants post offer and active teammates are subject to testing for marijuana, cocaine, opioids, amphetamines, PCP, and alcohol when criteria is met as outlined in our policies. This can include pre-employment, random, reasonable suspicion, and accident related drug and alcohol testing.
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For individuals seeking employment at our Phoenix Mesa Gateway Airport facility, employment is contingent upon you obtaining and maintaining a TSA authorized security badge. This includes initial and annual mandatory background checks that are governed by TSA, and conducted by the Phoenix Mesa Gateway Airport badging office.
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