Composite Materials & Process Engineer
Job Description
DescriptionDo you thrive in a dynamic, high-energy, customer-focused environment?
Are you passionate about using state of the art materials and processes to develop customer solutions?
Are you excited about researching new materials to improve product performance?
Do you have a broad background in different polymeric materials, fiber reinforced composite materials and processes, facilities, and fabrication equipment?
If so, we’re looking for someone like you to join our team at APL!
We are seeking a Composite Materials and Process Engineer to support the Mechanical Fabrication Group at APL. In this role you will work closely with customers to serve as an engineering resource for conducting advanced materials design, fabrication, research and development in support of APL programs. You will support the fabrication of molded polymeric parts using a wide array of materials for a variety of applications and special missions. As an expert in materials, you will seek opportunities for novel use of polymeric materials in new and ongoing programs and serve as a technical resource for all APL staff to deliver the best possible product.
As a Composite Materials and Process Engineer you will:
Develop and maintain the material processing and part fabrication capabilities for advanced composite and bonded assemblies. Design and develop the process to manufacture different composite parts and bonded joints as well as the tooling required for fabrication. Oversee vendor processes to ensure compliance with APL requirements. Applications include various aerospace composite structures as well as thermal protection systems and thermal instrumentation for missile systems.
Develop and maintain the material processing and part fabrication capabilities for molded polymer components, encapsulation of electronics or other fabricated articles. Specialized packaging of sensors, optics, electronics, wiring and customized items. Materials can include but are not limited to epoxies, polyurethanes, acrylics and silicones. Use polymer additives for mechanical, thermal or electrical property modification and color matching. Work with material vendors for custom formulations.
Lead technical initiatives to advance the process development of new materials, manufacturing technologies, and ideas. Carry out material applications R&D in support of customer requirements and IRAD programs. Coordinate testing of materials, components, and various sub-elements of prototype hardware to evaluate engineering properties and conformance to operational requirements. Report results to customers and document findings in technical reports or papers.
Qualifications
You meet our minimum qualifications for this job if you…
- Have a BS in Materials or Mechanical Engineering or equivalent.
- Knowledge of materials and mechanical design.
- Basic understanding of design, fabrication, and processing of polymeric and fiber reinforced composite materials.
- 8+ years of experience in composites and bonded assembly process development; and ability to solve common engineering problems including the documentation and communication of the work.
- An interest in performing hands-on processing work.
- Excellent oral and written communications skills.
- Ability to work independently and exercising good technical judgment and communicate effectively while working in a team.
- Ability to travel to field sites to support materials engineering tasking.
- Ability to meet physical requirements for working with ordnance.
- Are able to obtain an Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a Secret level clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.
You go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you…
- Have a MS in Mechanical/Materials Engineering.
- Significant experience with aerospace advanced composites and bonded assembly fabrication and processing methods to include autoclave cure and post processing methods.
- Experience developing tooling to support polymeric component fabrication.
- Experience in laminate analysis.
- Expertise in operating controllers for computer controlled autoclaves and other processing equipment.
About Us
APL is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
APL is committed to promoting an innovative environment that embraces diversity, encourages creativity, and supports inclusion of new ideas. In doing so, we are committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact Accommodations@jhuapl.edu. Only by ensuring that everyone’s voice is heard are we empowered to be bold, do great things, and make the world a better place.
The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL’s good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Minimum Rate
$90,000 Annually
Maximum Rate
$220,000 Annually
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