Stratolaunch is a technology accelerator that engineers operationally realistic testing at Mach 5+. Our air-launched, Talon testbeds are reusable, cost-effective platforms that enable routine access to the hypersonic environment. We deliver flight data critical to validating system performance and achieving rapid technology deployment. Together with our customers, we drive innovations that are imperative to advancing national security.

Stratolaunch is seeking an experienced engineer to lead the Materials and Processes (M&P) service center. The M&P service center resides in the Engineering Department and supports product realization at Stratolaunch through expertise and test capabilities in the areas of material science, materials test, materials specification development, and process specification development.  The M&P leader will work across the business to ensure successful execution of our current program portfolio while also building capabilities to achieve future objectives. A successful candidate will have demonstrated leadership capability and broad technical expertise that spans M&P theory, testing, and aerospace system development.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Accountable for all aspects of M&P service center operation, including personnel, infrastructure, and budget management.
• Provide technical direction and leadership to a team of engineers and specialists. Mentor junior engineers and review the work of team members to ensure technical accuracy and quality.
• Lead development and maintenance of material specification databases
• Lead development of material process specifications
• Lead development of manufacturing process specifications. Relevant examples include welding, heat treatment, additive manufacturing, machining, and composite laminating, curing, and bonding.
• Lead qualification testing of process specifications to ensure reliability and repeatability
• Support programs and other stakeholders as a M&P subject matter expert (e.g. non-advocate technical reviewer, peer reviewer, proposal writing)
• Collaborate with program technical leaders to balance technical rigor with programmatic constraints and effectively manage risk related to M&P (e.g. material selection for new designs, NC dispositions)
• Develop and maintain capability roadmaps for the M&P service center and lead the realization of those capabilities (e.g. M&P test lab)
• Propose and lead M&P related IRAD projects
• Root cause analysis: Lead failure analysis investigations. Collaborate with internal stakeholders to conduct non-conformance reviews for production issues. Identify root cause and define corrective actions to prevent future failures.

QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential responsibility satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Required Qualifications:

• In-depth understanding of material properties, characterization techniques, and failure mechanisms  (e.g. composites, metallics, ceramics, coatings, adhesives)
• Extensive knowledge of materials for high-temperature aerospace applications
• Extensive knowledge of various manufacturing processes, such as composite processing, welding, bonding, heat treatment, and surface finishing
• Familiarity with industry material data standards (e.g., MMPDS, ASTM) and regulatory specifications
• Expert in the design of experiments and the development of material specification databases
• Experience developing process specifications
• Experience in a M&P laboratory setting
• Demonstrated ability as a technical leader and people manager
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills: Capable of conveying complex technical information to diverse audiences
• Ability to interact with customers and/or external stakeholders
• Experience with low temperature pre-preg composite materials, including layups and/or wet tie joint assemblies
• Demonstrated experience applying analytical and critical thinking skills to solve multi-disciplinary, open-ended engineering problems
• Ability to work independently in a dynamic environment to achieve business goals
• US Citizen with the ability to obtain a DOD security clearance

Required Computer Skills:

• CAD
• MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience supporting aerospace manufacturing operations ranging from prototype work to l