Materials and Process Engineer I

Rocket Lab Corporation•Long Beach, CA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Based out of Rocket Lab's headquarters in Long Beach, CA the Materials and Process Engineer I will own the development, qualification, implementation, and continuous improvement of existing and new testing methods to support materials characterization and qualification efforts for Neutron and the Archimedes engine. You will support Design, Manufacturing, and Production Teams to properly test and qualify materials and manufacturing processes for Neutron and the Archimedes engine.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in engineering (Materials, Aerospace, Manufacturing or similar)
1+ years of professional experience working in a materials testing or characterization laboratory with an emphasis in metal additive manufacturing
Hands-on experience with at least one of the following areas: mechanical testing, metallography, or advanced materials characterization techniques

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in engineering (Materials, Aerospace, Manufacturing or similar)
Strong understanding of materials testing standards (ASTM, ISO, etc.) and statistical methods for data analysis
Demonstrated ability to perform root cause analysis on test data, equipment issues, or process deviations
Experience training or mentoring lab technicians or specialists
Hands-on experience with equipment such as tensile/compression/fatigue testers/ Optical and electron microscopes
Experience developing, qualifying, and documenting new laboratory test methods or processes
Knowledge of aerospace metals including Nickel/Copper/Titanium/Iron/Aluminum based alloys
Familiarity with reading and interpreting blueprints, machine drawings, 2-D drawings, CAD drawings and material callouts and/or material processing note
Strong technical skills in a fast-paced environment
Ability to travel and be willing to work off sight as needed for assignments

Responsibilities

Rapidly learn and become the subject matter expert on new or unfamiliar test equipment and systems using first principles understanding
Develop, qualify, and document new or improved test processes, design/manufacture fixtures, create work instructions and training materials, train technicians, and successfully transition processes from development into routine production lab operations
Own and develop test coupon geometries for in-house materials testing
Drive process improvement initiatives aimed at increasing the speed or repeatability and reliability of current test methods
Serve as the technical trainer and mentor to lab technicians, teaching the fundamental scientific principles behind test methods and best practices for execution
Perform root cause investigations on materials and components using laboratory methods and equipment to determine failure modes and root causes, and draw accurate conclusions regarding material behavior, failure mechanisms, and recommendations for material selection and design improvements
Collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams (design, manufacturing, quality) to understand testing requirements and deliver high-value, actionable data in support of the Neutron Program
Develop and implement engineering controls, calibration procedures, and quality systems to ensure consistent, accurate, and traceable data output from all lab areas
Support qualification testing of conventional and new materials and processes
Perform and support metallographic and mechanical testing for material characterization
Present data and findings to a multi-disciplinary audience that may include senior leadership