The Senior Engineer with a composites focus is responsible for planning, organizing, and overseeing the technical execution of internal and customer funded Research & Technology (R&T) projects directed toward developing, expanding, and maturing our client’s family of technologies for manufacturing fiber reinforced composites for use in advanced composite structures comprised of polymer matrix composites (PMC) and/or  ceramic matrix composites (CMC’s). The primary function of this role will be to develop/modify/optimize novel composite infusion processes, to fabricate geometrically complex composite and ceramic components. This includes driving unique processes…pushing the envelope for how our client can utilize composites, as well as applying existing technologies to new applications. A primary responsibility in this position is expanding our client’s range of capabilities to include other manufacturing processes as well as material and fiber combinations. The Senior Engineer will provide technical leadership within the R&T group, serve as a technical consultant to the entire company, and participate in technical reviews.

Please note that our client is open to bumping this position grade up to “Engineering Specialist” level, the highest designation Engineer within the company, if the candidate’s experience exceeds the job requirements and demonstrates they are an infusion subject matter expert.

This role includes a competitive salary, annual bonus plan (which has exceeded the “target” 6 out of the past 7 years), Profit Sharing, Paid Vacation, PTO Package, and full benefits.

Our client is a global, mid-sized, publicly traded, leading manufacturer of advanced composite components and aerostructures for established and emerging fixed wing, rotor wing, missile and other related airframe and engine defense and commercial platforms. Their core strength is their ability to produce highly tailored, complex composite parts and assemblies. Their products enable their customers to use lightweight, high-performance composites in applications previously restricted due to complex performance or geometry needs. The company has been in business for over 125 years, is stable and experience strong financial growth (bonus plans have exceeded “target” 6 of the past 7 years), operates across 22 plants in 10 countries, with approximately 4,400 employees worldwide. Their key OEM customers consist primarily of major Aerospace & Defense companies including Safran, Airbus, Boeing, GE Aviation, Lockheed Martin, Rolls-Royce, Northrop Grumman, and Sikorsky. The company is experiencing strong organic sustainable growth, the cultural environment is collaborative, and they encourage promotion from within, providing opportunities for career advancement for high performing employees. Successful candidates are those who will enjoy a collaborative team environment and thrive in a fast-paced growth environment were managing multiple project deadlines simultaneously is essential.

• Identify and lead initiatives to enable and sustain world class technical competency and proficiency of the Research and Technology organization as needed to meet company goals.
• Stay abreast of industry trends in technology development and best practices, participate in relevant industry events.
• Work with all functional areas to identify opportunities and lead initiatives for continuous improvement in realization of technical product specifications throughout the value chain.
• Participate in key customer visits, program team meetings, and activities related to engineering/technical elements of various programs.
• Contribute tactical effort to specific programs as required. Significant effort expected on key strategic programs such as:
  1. Identify and evaluate alternate materials for use in 3D woven/molded/CMC composite structures.
  2. Identify manufacturing processes that will complement those currently in use by our client or will expand the range of components our client can fabricate.
  3. Establish plans for maturing the technologies identified in item b.
• Collaborate and lead as necessary the design verification and validation process of new products, including material and component testing.
• Provide mentoring and technical leadership; assist in the assessment of technical competencies of the organization, identify skills and training needs and assist in developing and executing plans to address them.

Please Note: As a DoD Contractor, our client is required to hire US Persons. Visa sponsorship is not being offered.

• BS Engineering degree in materials, mechanical, civil, or aerospace engineering or equivalent required, advanced degree preferred.

• Minimum 4-10+ years’ experience in aerospace or composite industry engineering is required, with a primary focus tied directly to Infusion or similar molding processes (i.e. – Injection) or relevant ceramic matrix composite manufacturing experience  ( i.e. silicon carbides, carbon-SiC, carbon-carbon, aluminum oxides, ultra-high temperature composites, etc.) is required for a candidate with BS level education.  A Master’s or PhD level candidate with relevant densification/molding experience or relevant ceramics manufacturing experience with less or no industry experience will be considered. Candidates with more experience, who are Infusion or Ceramic Matrix Composites Subject Experts, are encouraged to apply and would be considered at the Engineering Specialist level.
• High proficiency with technical skills related to the design, development, and manufacturing of some or all the following composite structures and processes is preferred:
  • Aerospace primary and secondary composite structures and related manufacturing and processing techniques (i.e., weaving, complex textile preforms, dry or prepreg layup, RTM, VARTM, press molding, compression molding, autoclave and out-of-autoclave processing, bonding, finishing, assembly) of polymer matrix composites (PMC) and/or ceramic matrix composites (CMC)
  • Familiarity with aerospace certification methods and the development of design allowables.
  • Composite test methods (coupons, elements, and components).
• Team and people skills, including interpersonal skills required to lead, mentor, communicate, and build the technical capabilities of the organization is required.

• Must be willing to travel up to 20% (domestic and international).