Materials Engineer - High Temperature Composites

Castelion Corporation • Torrance, CA

3h • Onsite

About The Position

Castelion is seeking a highly motivated recent graduate or early-career engineer to support R&D development and scale-up of our ceramic matrix composite (CMC) fabrication processes. This role will support composite layup and densification operations which are part of the production workflow for high-performance thermal protection system (TPS) materials. The position is ideal for a recent graduate with an interest in ceramic matrix composite material process development and scaling large-scale production systems of high-performance aerospace parts. It will involve hands-on composite fabrication work with analytical and process engineering responsibilities. The engineer will support prepreg layup and part shaping operations compression, curing, resin infiltration, and high-temperature pyrolysis processes. In addition, the engineer will characterize fabricated materials, develop drive data collection and analysis of the different sub-processes, and contribute to improving process repeatability and manufacturing readiness across the pilot line.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field.
• Familiarity with materials characterization techniques (mechanical testing, metallographic mounting and polishing, SEM).
• Must be willing to work weekends when necessary.
• Ability to work independently in a hands-on engineering environment.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in a research and development environment
• Previous involvement in a high-speed production environment, handling flight hardware
• Prior involvement in a high-output environment, involving hands-on experience in constructing solid rocket motors or similar energetics
• Ability to acclimate to frequently changing assignments and a fast-paced working environment
• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral, along with effective teamwork abilities
• Superb focus and attention to detail, with remarkable work efficiency and accuracy
• Use of hand tools, power tools and fabrication tools
• Expertise in manufacturing and repairing intricate testing systems
• Familiarity with Atlassian tools such as SVN, Confluence, and JIRA
• Skills in project management

Responsibilities

• Support composite layup, shaping, and densification operations to deliver a completed TPS demonstrator part set by the end of the year.
• Own all process QA data collection activities and database management.
• Conduct characterization activities of all finished C/SiC goods to assess performance and inform development strategies.
• Assist with prepreg layup, compression molding, filament winding, curing, resin infiltration, and pyrolysis operations for CMC components.
• Perform characterization and inspection of composite materials using standard laboratory techniques.
• Collect, organize, and analyze process and material performance data to support process optimization.
• Develop and maintain process documentation, work instructions, and standardized operating procedures.
• Support installation, maintenance, and scale-up of pilot-line manufacturing hardware.

Benefits

• Meaningful equity for all full-time employees
• Four (4) weeks of paid time off
• Ten (10) company paid holidays
• Medical plans at 100% employee covered and 80% of dependent coverage
• Dental & Vision: 90% employees and 80% for dependents
• FSA/HSA options
• 401k plan
• Paid Parental Leave: up to 10 weeks for birthing parents, up to 4 weeks for non-birthing parents (8 weeks for all parents, additional paid pregnancy leave for CA employees)
• Frequently catered lunches and team meals
• Company-covered meals when extra time or effort is required
• Fully stocked kitchen with unlimited snacks and drinks
• $100 monthly fitness stipend
• Onsite electric vehicle charging

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level