Lead Materials & Process Engineer at Supernal
Irvine, CA 92618
About the Job
Rise above. Are you ready to take human possibility to a new dimension with us?
Supernal is an Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) company that’s developing an electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) vehicle and the ground-to-air ecosystem to support the emerging industry. By creating a sustainable, integrated, and human-centered ecosystem, we are committed to taking a thoughtful and responsible approach to entering the AAM market with a product that meets the high level of safety and reliability in today’s air transportation system.
The future of mobility starts with people. We believe in creative thinking and collaboration to help build a better mobility experience for everyone, improving people’s ability to move – whether for work or play. Join our dynamic team as we strive to be a part of something greater where potential powers tomorrow!
Supernal provides an inviting open-space workplace designed to foster collaboration, which aligns with one of our core values. This position is required to work on-site 5 days a week.
What we do:
The Lead Materials & Process Engineer will apply their technical knowledge and expertise to support components across our vehicle. This role will work toward building & implementing conventional and novel materials and process solutions and work with our partners to ensure that delivered hardware meets requirements & leads to the certification & production of new AAM vehicles. This position will collaborate with all Engineering verticals & Supply Chain teams during the design process.
What you can do:
- Be responsible for the Materials & Process team’s workflows and focus on composites and structural bonding
- Coordinate crafting design requirements & standard methodologies for all hardware on the vehicle
- Own the evaluation & selection of composite materials, & adhesives to satisfy design requirements
- Coordinate the development of adhesively bonded joints & assemblies
- Build internal material specifications and process specifications that support manufacturing & ensure quality
- Lead & coordinate testing for method development, materials characterization, allowables generation, and design validation
- Serve as the M&P representative (Signatory Authority) in design reviews, the production drawing release cycle for hardware components/assemblies, & Material Review Board (MRB) issues.
- Coordinate supplier selection, development, qualifications, and ongoing evaluations
- Build procedures for reviewing supplier-delivered (source-controlled) hardware for compliance with requirements
- Assist in building top-level M&P control plans and documentation
- Support the manufacture of hardware in-house and at our suppliers
- Participate in industry working groups, standards bodies, and relevant technical conferences and symposia to maintain awareness of technology developments & regulatory trends across academia and industry
- Mentor junior engineers
- Partner with PMO organization to implement build plan
- Up to 25% of domestic and international travel
- May occasionally support 2nd, 3rd shift or weekend shift
- Other related duties as assigned
What you can contribute:
- Bachelor's Degree in STEM or related field required; Master’s or Ph.D. degree preferred
- Minimum ten (10) years of experience in related experience (an equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered)
- Experience in these areas: thermoset fiber composites, thermoplastic fiber composites, structural bonding, adhesives, plastics, physical & mechanical material characterization, composite material allowables generation & certification
- Experience with qualification and implementation of automated/robotic composite
- Experience with process mapping, SPC, PFMEA, DFMEA, and similar tools/techniques
- Knowledge of a first principles' approach to problem-solving
- Familiarity with 3D CAD software (CATIA, SolidWorks, NX, or similar)
- Proficiency at drafting test plans, coordinating & implementing test campaigns, and generating test reports
- Knowledge and ability to run materials characterization lab equipment such as FTIR, DSC, SEM, TGA, Rheometer, and Instrons
- Ability to perform composite layups and bagging and run equipment related to composite fabrication
- Ability to lift/move equipment and tools weighing up to 35 lbs
- Familiarity with statistical software, including Minitab, JMP, or similar
- Knowledge of CMH-17, SAE, ASTM, and other standard bodies
- Understanding of Six Sigma, Lean, & DOE principals
- Proficiency in writing R&D work instructions and documentation of R&D work
- Understanding of composites & adhesive materials and processing methods used for various applications found in aircraft structures
- Understanding of materials and processes outside of composites and structural bonding
- Ability to lead material allowable certification programs
- fabrication methods in a high-rate manufacturing environment
- Proficiency in MS Office Suite tools such as Word, Excel, Project & Visio
- Proactive and efficient delivery of communication and follow-up
- Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
- Must have the ability to independently prioritize and accomplish work in a timely manner
You may also be able to contribute:
- Six Sigma Green Belt or higher preferred
- Experience with aerospace assembly processes preferred #FJ
Base pay offered may vary depending on skills, experience, job-related knowledge and location. This position is also eligible for a bonus as part of total compensation.
Click HERE or visit: https://jobs.supernal.aero/benefits to view our benefits!
Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a background check. We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status or any other category or class protected under applicable federal, state or local law. Individuals with disabilities may request a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation at: ta-support@supernal.aero
This position may include access to certain technology and/or software source code subject to U.S. export controls laws and regulations. If an export authorization from an applicable US regulatory agency is required in connection with your employment, your employment is contingent upon Supernal’s receipt of such regulatory authorization(s) and your continued compliance with all conditions and limitations pursuant to such authorization(s).