Lead Materials & Process Engineer; NASA LTVS Contingent

Lead Materials & Process Engineer (NASA LTVS Contingent)

Location: Hawthorne, California

Department: Vehicle Engineering

Compensation: $146,000 - $195,000 per year

Venturi Astrolab, Inc. (Astrolab) is pioneering new ways to explore and operate on distant planetary bodies. We are singularly focused on designing, building, and operating a fleet of multi‑purpose commercial planetary rovers to extend and enhance humanity’s presence in the solar system. We are seeking motivated, creative, and exceptional people to join our world‑class team.

Our design team works collaboratively to design and implement exceptional engineering solutions to enable off‑planet exploration. As a Materials & Process Engineer within that team, you will work toward building & implementing conventional and novel materials and process solutions to ensure that delivered hardware meets project requirements. This position will collaborate with all engineering disciplines & supply chain during the design process.

You will report to our Chief Engineer.

Employment in this role is contingent on Astrolab being selected as a winner of NASA’s LTVS program.

• Build internal material specifications and process specifications that support manufacturing & ensure quality, specifically NASA‑STD‑6016 tailoring.
• Create and maintain Material Usage Agreements (MUL).
• Create and maintain the Material Identification Usage List (MIUL).
• Identify critical processes and hazards concerning:
  • Contamination Control Plan
  • Corrosion prevention and control plan
  • Nondestructive Evaluation Plan
  • Fracture Control Plan
• Conduct analysis to characterize performance or determine reasons for failure of tools, materials, parts, or processes.
• Coordinate design requirements & standard methodologies for all hardware on the vehicle.
• Lead & coordinate testing for method development, materials characterization, allowable generation, and design validation.
• Serve as the M&P representative (Signatory Authority) in design reviews, the production drawing release cycle for hardware components/assemblies, & Material Review Board (MRB) issues.
• Partner with the Program Management Organization (PMO) to implement a build plan.
• Create technical documentation and input for data packages and reviews, including those to be delivered to customers such as NASA.
• Maintain compliance with contractual and regulatory obligations.
• Implement corrective and preventive actions.

• Bachelor of Science degree from an accredited course of study in engineering, engineering technology (including manufacturing engineering technology), chemistry, physics, mathematics, data science, or computer science.
  Preferred Master’s or Doctorate in mechanical engineering, materials engineering, or physics.
• 9+ years of work experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience in analyzing technical data and providing clear written and verbal presentations of the results.
• 3+ years of experience in component engineering, failure analysis, reliability engineering, Destructive Physical Analysis (DPA) testing or Materials & Processes (M&P).
• Experience working in an interdisciplinary team to identify and implement solutions for complex testing and characterization efforts.
• Technical report writing and presentation experience.

• Must be able to lift 50 lbs.

• Work with a team of best‑in‑class engineers building the foundation of planetary surface exploration.
• Ownership in the company.
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• 401(k) with matching.
• Flexible time off and parental leave.
• On‑site snacks, beverages, and 2x weekly lunches.
• Flexible work environment.