LO Materials Engineering Aide Sr Spec

Lockheed Martin Corporation•Palmdale, CA

48d•$70,000 - $134,205•Onsite

About The Position

The Skunk Works program is the premier advanced systems development organization within Lockheed Martin Aeronautics. From the U 2 and SR 71 to the F 22, F 117, and F 35, our teams deliver cutting edge concepts, rapid prototypes, and high performance derivatives for the nation's most demanding customers. The Low Observable (LO) Materials team in Palmdale provides the specialty plastic, ceramic, and composite fabrication capability that underpins these iconic platforms. The Engineering Aide will work hands on with engineers and technicians to build, fabricate, cure, and assemble a broad range of low observable plastic, ceramic, and composite components. The role requires a solid grasp of material properties, process specifications, and precision assembly techniques.

Requirements

A minimum 5 years of combined experience in composite, metallic, or LO materials manufacturing.
Ability to read blueprints and technical data, perform shop math calculations, and apply process specifications.
Familiarity with thermosets, thermoplastics, ceramics, pre preg epoxy, BMI systems, and bonding adhesives.
Must be a U.S. citizen and eligible for a DoD Secret clearance (including any required special program access).
Able to liftâ¯≥â¯20â¯lb.
Certified respirator use (training provided).

Nice To Haves

Advanced knowledge of LO material systems (BMI, epoxy pre preg, advanced ceramics).
Experience with enterprise resource planning tools such as SAP, SFM, or other ERP systems.
Proficiency in 3 D modeling and drafting tools (e.g., CATIA V5, AutoCAD, SolidWorks) for tooling and fixture design.
Familiarity with thin film material installation.
Ability to lead "stand up" of new composite processes from concept through full rate production, including scale up and transition to manufacturing.
Expertise in writing, editing, and maintaining clear work instructions; comfortable delivering customer facing briefings and conducting plant tours.
Advanced knowledge of layup, bonding, mechanical fastening, and final assembly of composites, laminates, foams, and metal parts; capable of managing "one off" article development, depot repairs, and Low Observable (LO) procedures.
Skill in designing and fabricating custom fixtures, cutting/trimming aids, and improvised tooling when standard equipment is insufficient.
Ability to record detailed manufacturing data (layup, cure cycles, inspections), perform root cause analyses, implement corrective actions, and drive cost reductions using Earned Value Management (EVMS) metrics.

Responsibilities

Build laminated, bonded, and mechanically fastened assemblies.
Lay up composite, plastic, and metal parts on molds, tools, or fixtures.
Prepare parts for bagging, install bleeders/thermocouples, and verify seal integrity.
Set up and run autoclaves, ovens, and platen presses.
Monitor temperature, pressure, and cycle time per engineering specifications.
Identify and correct defects during processing.
Perform trimming, realignment, removal, replacement, and reforming of composite/plastic parts.
Ensure all work meets exacting tolerances.
Improvise shop aids and fabricate custom fixtures when standard tooling is inadequate.
Operate cutting and trimming machines as required.
Record lay up, cure, and other manufacturing data for future reference.
Inspect parts for defects; recommend adjustments to time cycles, pressures, or processes.
Perform final grinding, polishing, and finishing.
Prepare resin/catalyst mixes.
Cut, impregnate, and lay out materials.
Drill, ream, countersink, and install fasteners.
Work with liaison engineers, program engineering, and external vendors to define optimal fabrication sequences
Flag tooling or process gaps and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives.
Assist in development, testing, and scale up of new LO parts, materials, and procedures.