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 R&D Engineer 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. In this role 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. Activities will encompass the full development cycle, from fundamental research to process development to prototype manufacture and test to production support.

We are looking for a candidate who is capable of working independently as well as in a team environment, understands the development process and is a clear communicator. Someone who enjoys mentoring and will lead by example. And most importantly, an individual who acts with absolute integrity.

Note: This position may be filled at either the engineer or senior engineer level, depending on experience.

Job Responsibilities:

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
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
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%

Preferred:

Advanced degree in ceramics, materials engineering, chemical engineering or materials science
Hands-on experience with one or more C/C, CMC, or Ceramics processing methods such as polymer conversion, CVD/CVI or melt infiltration
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

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

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Senior Materials [Carbon] Engineer