Seeking an entry level to experienced Composites Structures Research Engineer with a bachelor’s, master’s , or a Ph.D. in chemical/materials/mechanical engineering. Their efforts will support the advancement of the state-of-the-art in rocket propulsion technology and associated materials, and this role requires interfacing with a highly respected Air Force science customer workforce and working in a team environment together with other technical professionals and scientific researchers. Opportunities for career growth and networking that helps establish and grow their professional reputation will be provided through their preparation and contribution to technical research reports, technical papers, and journal articles presented and discussed at scientific conferences. Candidates should have knowledge of fiber reinforced polymer composite materials such as carbon, aramid, and/or glass fiber, and they should have basic knowledge of composite specimen manufacture. They should also be experienced using commercial Computer-Aided Design (CAD) tools, such as Autodesk Inventor or SolidWorks, and they will use these tools to design and generate solid models of test hardware and articles. Duties will include the design, fabrication, and testing of composite materials ranging from basic material coupons to complex rocket components, such as composite motor cases, metallic hardware, and nozzle assemblies. They will also use tools such as dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), rheology, thermomechanical analysis (TMA), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and mechanical load testing (tensile testing, compression testing, bend testing) to characterize materials.

This is a full-time position with benefits that you can enroll in which includes - Health, Dental, Vision, Short and Long Term Disability, Life Insurance, 401k, 11 Paid Holidays, PTO, and Paid Sick Leave. The salary range for this position is $70K to $126K.

• Designs, fabricates, and tests composite materials ranging from basic material coupons to complex rocket components (composite motor cases, metallic hardware, and nozzle assemblies)
• Characterization of materials using tools such as: dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), rheology, thermomechanical analysis (TMA), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and mechanical load testing (tensile testing, compression testing, bend testing)
• Implement commercial Computer-Aided Design (CAD) tools to design and generate solid models of test hardware and articles
• Prepare or contribute to technical research reports, papers, and journal articles
• Present technical work at conferences involving government and/or contractor audiences

• Bachelors, Masters, or Ph.D. in chemical/materials/mechanical engineering
• Knowledge of fiber reinforced polymer composite materials such as carbon, aramid, and/or glass fiber
• Basic knowledge of composite specimen manufacture (vacuum bagging, compression molding, hand layup)
• Experience with Computer-Aided Design tools (Autodesk Inventor or SolidWorks)
• Must be organized, punctual, self-motivated, a team player, and a strong communicator
• Must be a United States Citizen with valid Driver’s License
• Must be able to obtain a Security Clearance

Essential Functions

Unusual or Special Physical Requirements of Position

• Lifting: Up to 25 pounds for short durations (<10%)
• Climbing: No
• Crawling: No
• Special clothing/equipment (wearing): Chemical laboratory PPE (60%)
• Unusual physical requirements: No
• High noise level: No
• Other: Extended periods of standing or sitting.

Description of Work Environment

• Inside? Outside? Combination? Where?: Primarily inside (90%)
• Extreme (hot/cold) temperatures involved: No
• Hazardous conditions - What are they?: Yes, energetic materials
• Travel/transportation requirements: Driver’s License

Equipment and Machines Involved in Work Tasks

• Office equipment/machines electrically/battery operated - which?: Yes, various, 10-40%
• Vehicles, forklifts, etc. operated which?: Car (10%)
• Tools used in trade - which ones?: No

Criticality of Attendance

• Overtime, regular days, off days: No
• Shift, 1st, 2nd, 3rd: 1st
• Necessity for regular attendance: Yes
• Urgency for punctuality: Yes