Materials Engineer – Rubber and Polymers Specialist

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Our comprehensive benefits package includes wellness programs, 11 paid holidays, paid time off, employee perks and much more. With these benefits, plus the option for flexible schedules, we’ll support you as you pursue a balanced, fulfilling life—at work and at home.

We are seeking a highly skilled Materials Engineer with expertise in rubbers, polymers, and elastomers to support aerospace and space exploration programs. This role focuses on designing experiments, developing test plans, and analyzing material performance under extreme conditions encountered in aerospace environments. You will work closely with engineering teams to ensure material reliability for mission‑critical applications.

• Develop and execute Design of Experiments (DOE) for polymeric and elastomeric materials used in aerospace systems.
• Create and manage test plans for material characterization, aging, and environmental exposure (vacuum, radiation, thermal cycling).
• Analyze test data and provide recommendations for material selection and performance optimization in aerospace applications.
• Support failure analysis and root cause investigations related to non‑metallic materials in flight hardware.
• Collaborate with design, manufacturing, and quality teams to ensure compliance with NASA and aerospace industry standards.

Degree in Materials, Polymer or Chemical Engineering or related field is required. Degree from an ABET accredited university is preferred. Typically, educational requirements are the equivalent of a Masters with at least 3 years of experience, or BS with at least 5 years of experience.

• The ideal candidate will be an Engineer with a strong sampling of the following skills and a desire to learn in-depth:
• Hands‑on experience with rubbers, polymers, and elastomers in aerospace or high‑performance environments.
• Strong knowledge of DOE principles and statistical analysis tools.
• Experience developing and executing test plans for aerospace material evaluation.
• Familiarity with ASTM, ISO, and aerospace material standards.

• Experience with space environmental effects on non‑metallic materials (vacuum, radiation, cryogenic temperatures).
• Proficiency in data analysis software (e.g., Minitab, JMP).
• Knowledge of adhesives, coatings, and composite materials for aerospace applications.

Work Environment

Office environment. Requires ability to provide clear, concise, accurate and timely communication, both verbally and in writing (100%). Requires ability to interact professionally with co‑workers, management, and client (100%). Requires travel in the domestic USA.

Requires sitting for extended periods of time in meetings with peers, management, and with our client at NASA facilities to discuss technical issues (10%). Also, requires sitting for extended periods of time at a desk to write reports and perform engineering tasks (40%). Requires ability to use stairs or elevators for access between floors and multiple buildings at NASA and our facilities (10%).

Requires ability to operate a personal computer, a telephone, fax machine, copier, calculator, and other general office equipment (100%).

Normal workday is from 7:30 a.m. through 4:30 p.m., Monday thru Friday with with an option for 4x10 hour schedule Monday thru Thursday. Minimal overtime may be required (10%) to meet schedule milestones and to support technical demands of the job. Regular attendance is a necessity and adequate arrangements for delegating duties during absences are required.

The ability to work independently with minimal supervision, to make rational decisions, and to exercise good judgment is essential (100%). Grooming and dress must be appropriate for the position and must not impose a safety risk/hazard to the employee or others. STAR  required to access Marshall Space Flight Center.

Proof of U.S. Citizenship is required.

#ESSCA #ASED #SPACE