Materials Engineer, Carbon Composites - Senior - Fiber Materials

FMI, A Spirit AeroSystems Company | solutions for the most extreme places in the universe

Spirit Maine's manufacturing facility has been a leading solutions provider of high temperature materials and composites for more than 50 years, serving the Department of Defense and NASA. The focus in Maine is on multidirectional reinforced Carbon/Carbon (C/C) and Ceramic Matrix Composites (CMCs) that enable high-temperature components such as: thermal protection systems, re-entry vehicle nose tips as well as rocket motor throats and nozzles. 

Our materials are being used on ground-breaking space initiatives such as the Orion Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle and the heat shield for NASA's Mars 2020 mission, important missile programs, airfoils in commercial and military jet engines, and as lightweight armor for U.S. military ground vehicles. 

Your role: Spirit Maine is seeking an energetic, hands-on Materials Engineer, Carbon Composites - Senior who will focus on the development and maturation of novel carbon and ceramic composite materials and processes for high performance, lightweight thermal protection systems and hot structures.  As the Materials Engineer, Carbon Composites - Senior, you will be responsible for technical leadership of carbon matrix materials development efforts with an emphasis in the areas of improved processing techniques, alternative processing techniques, and product/component definition and development. Your activities will encompass the full development cycle, from fundamental research to process development to prototype manufacture and test to production support.

Job Responsibilities:

• Own assigned material system(s); define process and quality documentation, support performance characterization efforts and provide subject matter expertise to fellow engineers, customers and organization leadership.
• Define and execute analytical and experimental research to support the creation, maturation and optimization of advanced carbon composite materials and processes.
• Operate and maintain existing R&D processing equipment, including design of proposals for enhancement and optimization.
• Prepare technical reports to capture all knowledge generated and share with the greater team.
• Embody a culture of continuous improvement and promote safe work habits at all times.

What we need from you:

• Degree in the field of Science or Engineering and a minimum of 5 years relevant experience; 2 years relevant experience with an advanced degree.
• Familiarity with advanced composite materials and processing methods.
• Basic program planning and management skills.
• Strong verbal and written skills.
• Ability to travel up to 10%.
• Ability to obtain a security clearance.

Preferred:

• Advanced degree in ceramics, materials engineering, chemical engineering or materials science.
• Hands-on experience with one or more C/C, CMC, Ceramics, or Pitch processing methods.
• Familiarity with material characterization and analysis techniques and equipment; SEM, microscopy, spectral analysis, etc.
• Prior research characterizing the relationships between material structure and performance and / or the effects of processing variables on microstructural evolution.
• Experience with the processing and /or behavior of C/C composites or refractory ceramics.
• General understanding of the hypersonic flight environment and its effect on thermal protection system materials.
• Experience leading teams of engineers and engineering technicians.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a research environment.
• Active Security clearance.

What you'll get from us:

• 16 ETO days
• 12 paid holidays (including Winter Closure!)
• Medical / Dental / Vision effective on day of hire
• 401k Company Match
• Tuition Reimbursement
• $1000 Sign-On Bonus