Materials Engineer

Ingersoll Rand Careers • Frederica, DE

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The Materials Engineer position is part of the engineering organization supporting NASA Materials and Processes (M&P) requirements for space flight hardware. The Materials Engineer will support the research, development, qualification, and sustainment of materials used in the assembly and component design of space systems products. Responsibilities include supporting polymeric and solvent‑based material systems, participating in M&P testing, verification, and documentation efforts, and assisting with investigations of material non‑conformances and materials‑related on‑orbit issues. The role operates under moderate supervision, with clearly defined guidelines and procedures, while offering meaningful latitude for independent technical judgment and problem solving. This position provides hands‑on exposure to real‑world materials behavior in a regulated, mission‑critical environment and regular collaboration with manufacturing, quality, and design teams—making it well suited for early‑career engineers seeking technical depth, accountability, and long‑term growth in materials and process engineering.

Requirements

• Must be able to access shared databases with U.S. Government programs (U.S. Citizen or U.S. Permanent Resident)
• Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering, Materials Engineering, Polymer Science, Textile Engineering, Metallurgy Engineering or a closely related field
• Relevant experience in materials engineering, manufacturing, laboratory, or process support roles (co‑op, internship, or senior design experience considered)
• Foundational understanding of polymers, elastomers, coatings, or solvent‑based material systems; hands‑on laboratory or production exposure preferred
• Familiarity with technical documentation such as material specifications, work instructions, test methods, or M&P requirements (NASA or aerospace exposure a plus, but not required)
• Proficiency with standard engineering tools, including word processing and spreadsheet software; introductory CAD skills and basic 3D modeling experience desirable
• Ability to communicate clearly and professionally, both verbally and in writing, with engineers, technicians, and cross‑functional stakeholders
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively across functions, including manufacturing, quality, and engineering teams
• Willingness and ability to follow laboratory and production safety practices, including wearing required personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Ability to read, understand, and execute work instructions, drawings, and technical documentation written in English
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and tight deadlines
• Willingness to travel to local worksites as needed

Nice To Haves

• Academic focus, project work, or early professional experience related to materials behavior in controlled or safety‑critical applications, such as aerospace, defense, medical devices, energy systems, or advanced manufacturing
• Coursework or practical exposure to polymer science, polymer processing, coatings, elastomers, adhesives, or solvent‑based material systems, including an understanding of how materials respond to environmental conditions (temperature, humidity, vacuum, contamination)
• Familiarity with materials qualification concepts, including test planning, verification, traceability, and documentation in accordance with defined requirements (formal M&P or equivalent quality systems experience preferred)
• Exposure to failure analysis or non‑conformance investigations, including contributing to root cause analysis, corrective actions, or disposition of material issues
• Understanding of the importance of material compatibility, outgassing, contamination control, and long‑term performance in high‑reliability hardware
• Experience working within structured engineering processes, including configuration control, change management, or requirements‑driven development
• Ability to clearly document and communicate technical findings in test reports, analyses, or engineering justifications
• Demonstrated technical curiosity and judgment appropriate for work supporting mission‑critical hardware, with the ability to recognize when to escalate risk, request testing, or seek peer review

Responsibilities

• Employ established science and engineering principles in the research, design and development of materials and processes for space flight hardware
• Maintain a detailed knowledge and understanding of softgood materials, their testing, and manufacturing processes, specifically for space flight applications
• Generate and maintain engineering and material control documents to ensure compliance with space flight hardware requirements including material drawings, Material Identification and Usage Lists, flight or material waivers (including Material Usage Agreements and Material Review Board waivers), and other program documentation related to material/product definition and control
• Identify, evaluate, and define material requirements and generate specifications
• Perform materials testing/analysis and generate testing/analysis documentation
• Effectively present materials engineering information to team members as well as cross-functional partners and external clients/ customers as necessary

What This Job Offers

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