Materials Manufacturing Engineer III

Textron • Wilmington, MA

2d

About The Position

Textron Systems Wilmington, MA is seeking a a hands-on Composite Materials professional to support the development and production of advanced aerospace structures utilizing 3D woven, laminated, and resin-infused materials. This role operates at the intersection of engineering and manufacturing, with significant time spent on the shop floor and in the lab executing builds, refining processes, and conducting material testing. You will contribute to translating design requirements into repeatable manufacturing methods, troubleshooting defects, improving quality, yield, and throughput. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, highly hands-on, and comfortable working in a fast-paced, low-volume/high-mix setting while collaborating closely with engineering, quality, and production teams. You must be hands-on; comfortable working in lab and production environments and be a problem solver who can iterate quickly and make data-driven decisions
About This Role
Work with design engineering to lead manufacturing development and production of advanced composite materials (3D woven, laminated, resin-infused systems). You will be closely working with engineering on the following: · Translate material and design requirements into robust manufacturing processes and work instructions · Plan and execute material fabrication including layup, preforming, infusion (VARTM/RTM), and curing Develop and optimize process parameters (resin systems, flow media, vacuum strategy, cure cycles) Design and support tooling for complex preforms and infusion setups Perform hands-on builds, trials, and process validation on the shop floor Develop and execute material test plans (mechanical, thermal, environmental) Analyze test data to characterize material properties and drive process improvements Support qualification efforts (process qualification, first article support) Investigate defects (voids, dry spots, delamination) and lead root cause/corrective actions Collaborate with design engineering on material selection, stack-ups, and DFM/DFA Interface with suppliers for fibers, resins, and preforms; support material down select and qualification Ensure compliance with aerospace/defense standards and specifications Identify emerging manufacturing technologies and perform cost/benefit analysis for implementation.

Requirements

• Written and oral communication skills and the ability to work in a collaborative, diverse team environment. Includes the ability to justify analytical results and effectively communicate recommendations to positively influence designs.
• Familiarity with aerospace qualification standards (CMH-17, ASTM, AMS, MIL specs)
• Experience with mechanical testing methods (tensile, compression, ILSS, fatigue, etc.)
• Knowledge of NDI/NDT methods (ultrasonic, CT scanning) for composites
• Experience scaling processes from development to production
• Familiarity with statistical analysis and material allowable development
• Knowledge of DFX principles, including Design for Manufacturing, Assembly, and Cost.
• Knowledge of GD&T and the appropriate tolerances in a manufacturing environment
• Ability to analyze and understand technical drawings, Model Based Definition Files, preliminary bills of material, engineering sketches, CAD models, prototypes, specifications, and ad hoc requirements.
• Basic computer skills: Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook.
• Manufacturing specific computer skills: ERP and MRP (e.g. Oracle); PLM (e.g. Matrix); MES (e.g. Solumina) or equivalent
• Experience with CAD software (UG NX)
• Bachelor's Degree required. The preferred degrees are Materials and Science Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or Mechanical Engineering.
• 5+ years’ experience in composites or materials processing manufacturing or R&D environment.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with 3D woven or complex preform architectures

Responsibilities

• Translate material and design requirements into robust manufacturing processes and work instructions
• Plan and execute material fabrication including layup, preforming, infusion (VARTM/RTM), and curing
• Develop and optimize process parameters (resin systems, flow media, vacuum strategy, cure cycles)
• Design and support tooling for complex preforms and infusion setups
• Perform hands-on builds, trials, and process validation on the shop floor
• Develop and execute material test plans (mechanical, thermal, environmental)
• Analyze test data to characterize material properties and drive process improvements
• Support qualification efforts (process qualification, first article support)
• Investigate defects (voids, dry spots, delamination) and lead root cause/corrective actions
• Collaborate with design engineering on material selection, stack-ups, and DFM/DFA
• Interface with suppliers for fibers, resins, and preforms; support material down select and qualification
• Ensure compliance with aerospace/defense standards and specifications
• Identify emerging manufacturing technologies and perform cost/benefit analysis for implementation.

Benefits

• Flexible Work Schedules: Enjoy compressed work week schedule that varies by allowing for additional days off such as 9/80 and 4/10s, leading to additional Fridays off work!
• Paid Time Off: Enjoy over 6 weeks of total paid time off (PTO) that consist of 120 hours of vacation, 56 hours of illness/personal time and 80 hours of holiday.
• Tuition Reimbursement: We believe in investing in the progress and growth of our employee’s. Receive up to $10,000 for relevant graduate degrees per calendar year.
• Dress for Your Day : No day is the same, so we don’t think you should dress like it. Dress smart for an important meeting, wear jeans for a casual day at the office or on the shop floor.
• Comprehensive Benefits Package: Choose plans that fit your lifestyle- 3 medical plans, prescription drug coverage, dental, vision, additional life insurance coverage. Company paid benefits include basic life insurance, short- and long-term disability and employee assistance program. Comprehensive wellness incentive plan and annual fitness reimbursement program.
• Future Savings: Receive a company contribution to your 401k up to 9% of your salary! The earlier you start your career with us, the more you save.
• Employee Discounts: We provide a one-stop-shop for access to exclusive offers and deep discounts from over 30,000 merchants and millions of products such as Bose, Apple, FitBit, HP, At&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, travel discounts and more!
• Many More Benefits: Textron Systems offers additional benefits such as service awards, cell phone retail discounts, travel and gym membership discounts, emergency travel assistance, home and auto discounts, adoption assistance and more!

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees