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Senior Materials and Process Engineer, Rocket Motor Systems (Polymeric Ablatives)

Costa Mesa, CA (OC-00)💼 Full-time💰 $146,000–$146,000🗓 2026-08-25 → 2026-09-26

Core

Establish M&P infrastructure for solid rocket motor systems, scaling from prototype to high-rate production by standardizing material/process specs and testing procedures.

Role type

Senior Materials and Process Engineer (Solid Rocket Motors)

Builds

Solid rocket motor systems including propellants, motor cases, thermal protection systems, nozzles, and energetic components.

Domain

Defense / Aerospace Propulsion

Deliverable

production ML models | product features | dashboards & analysis | research | client delivery | infrastructure | physical/clinical work

Required skills

Materials science, process engineering, material specifications, process specifications, acceptance test procedures, design allowables, polymeric materials, thermal protection systems, propellant processing, adhesive bonding, material characterization, root cause analysis, technical writing, supplier qualification

Preferred skills

Solid rocket motor systems experience, propellant processing, composite fabrication, ablative manufacturing, design allowables (CMH-17, JANNAF), NDI methods, TPS component characterization, MIL-STDs/AIAA standards, internal ballistics, Engineering Review Boards

Technologies

FTIR, Raman, X-ray, CT scan, ultrasonic, radiography, CMH-17, JANNAF, MIL-HDBK-17

Responsibilities

Develop and maintain material specifications for raw materials and assemblies; Create process specifications for manufacturing operations; Develop standard acceptance test procedures and NDI technique sheets; Review and standardize work instructions into formal specifications; Serve as subject matter expert for polymeric materials selection and qualification; Lead materials characterization programs and develop design allowables; Provide expertise to Design and Manufacturing teams; Drive material and process qualifications; Lead failure investigations and root cause analyses; Interface with engineering, manufacturing, quality, and program teams; Drive cost reduction and cycle time improvement initiatives; Mentor junior engineers and prepare technical documentation

Seniority

Senior, hands-on IC

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