Aerospace Transparency Process Engineer
About The Position
We are seeking a Process Engineer to lead the development and control of surface finishing processes for aerospace transparencies. This role is focused on precision abrasive finishing of polymer materials, including multi-stage sanding, polishing, and buffing operations required to achieve optically clear, distortion-free surfaces. The position is hands-on and manufacturing-focused, centered on controlled material removal, surface refinement, and defect elimination. The engineer will also improve inspection methods, defect classification, and process capability to ensure consistent, repeatable optical quality. This role works closely with Manufacturing and Quality to translate performance requirements into practical, production-ready processes. This is a fully onsite position in Sylmar, California.
Requirements
- Only US Citizens, Green card holders, political asylees, or refugees are eligible to apply
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering or similar, or equivalent hands-on experience
- 5+ years of experience in manufacturing or process engineering
- Direct experience with sanding, polishing, or abrasive finishing processes
- Experience working with cosmetic, Class A, or optically critical surfaces
Nice To Haves
- Experience with optical simulation tools such as Zemax OpticStudio or LightTools is a plus
Responsibilities
- Develop, qualify, and optimize multi-step abrasive finishing processes (sanding → polishing → buffing) for plastic transparencies
- Define and control key process parameters including abrasive selection, grit progression, pressure, speed, and sequencing
- Establish standard methods for defect removal (scratches, haze, inclusions, waviness)
- Implement basic process control methods (SPC, capability tracking) to improve consistency and reduce variation
- Troubleshoot finishing issues on the floor and drive root cause to reduce rework and scrap
- Understand how surface condition impacts clarity and distortion
- Improve inspection methods for transparent parts, including lighting, visual standards, and acceptance criteria
- Define and standardize defect classification (scratch/dig, haze, distortion, inclusions)
- Improve consistency in how parts are evaluated across operators and shifts
- Create and maintain work instructions and process documentation
- Support production with hands-on troubleshooting
- Support MRB and corrective actions related to surface quality
Benefits
- Health
- Dental
- Life
- Retirement Plan
- Paid Vacation & Holidays
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Disability/Leave
- other Voluntary benefit offerings
- annual bonus up to 7% of base salary
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
Number of Employees
5,001-10,000 employees
