Materials & Processes Lead

BETA Technologies•South Burlington, VT

3d•$150,000 - $175,000

About The Position

BETA Technologies is seeking a Materials & Processes Lead within Production Engineering to establish and lead the Materials & Processes discipline across the product life cycle. The role ensures material selections, process specifications, and manufacturing methods are standardized, repeatable, and certifiable as the company moves from prototype development to conforming aircraft production at rate. The lead provides technical authority for materials and process engineering decisions covering composite structures, metallic assemblies, adhesive bonding, coatings, sealants, and emerging material technologies, supported by subject matter experts and lab technicians deployable across the product lifecycle. Embedded in Production Engineering, the role integrates materials and process engineering into product development, qualification, production ramp-up, and in-service support. It partners with Core Engineering (Design), Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, Advanced Technology Development, and Service Engineering to define, qualify, and sustain production-ready solutions. The lead will build a scalable framework for safe, compliant, repeatable production of type-certificated aircraft, with qualified and controlled processes, practical standards, traceable digital-thread records, and production feedback incorporated into specifications. This role combines office-based engineering work with regular time on the production floor in a dynamic aerospace production environment. It requires working around active operations, moving between work areas, observing processes, and engaging directly with technicians, assemblers, and engineers. Compensation is listed at $150,000–$175,000 USD. The position includes Restricted Stock Units and Performance Stock Units for full-time team members.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Materials Science, Materials Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline; equivalent relevant experience will be considered.
At least 8 years of materials and process engineering experience within aerospace, defense, or advanced manufacturing, including direct support of production operations.
Deep technical knowledge in at least two of the following: advanced composite manufacturing; metallic fabrication and joining; adhesive bonding; surface treatment and coatings; polymer/elastomer systems.
Experience developing, qualifying, and maintaining manufacturing process specifications to aerospace standards, including NADCAP, AS9100, and OEM specifications.
Proven ability to lead technical teams and manage competing priorities in a fast-paced, hands-on production environment.
Strong working knowledge of industry standards such as SAE AMS/ARP, ASTM, and MIL-SPEC/MIL-STD, and regulatory frameworks including 14 CFR Part 21/23.
Ability to communicate complex material and process requirements clearly to technicians, assemblers, design engineers, production leaders, and certification authorities.
Comfort working with PLM, MES, ERP, and engineering data systems used to manage material and process configuration, traceability, and performance.
Ability and willingness to spend regular time on the production floor observing processes, supporting implementation, and incorporating operator and technician feedback.
Comfort working around active manufacturing operations, moving between work areas, and engaging directly with technicians, assemblers, and engineers.

Nice To Haves

Experience with eVTOL, rotorcraft, or Part 23/25 aircraft production environments.
Familiarity with battery materials, thermal management materials, or energy storage system manufacturing processes.
Familiarity with Lean manufacturing, standard work, statistical process control, or continuous improvement methodologies.
Experience with root cause analysis methodologies such as 8D, Fishbone, and 5-Why for material and process failures and non-conformances.

Responsibilities

Lead and grow the Materials & Processes team, ensuring technical coverage by subject matter experts, labs, and technicians across BETA and deployment to programs and projects throughout the product lifecycle.
Provide support from early development of new technology through production troubleshooting, fleet in-service, and fleet sustainment.
Own material and process qualifications and production-ramp readiness, establishing statistical process controls and validated parameters for transition from low-rate initial production to full-rate production.
Manage Materials & Processes conformity and non-conformance resolution, support Material Review Board dispositions, perform root cause analysis, and drive corrective actions to closure.
Evaluate and qualify alternative materials and suppliers to improve producibility, reduce cost, and strengthen supply-chain resilience.
Establish incoming material qualification and acceptance testing programs.
Promote practical, operational material and process standards and continuous improvement in compliance and production performance.
Integrate material and process engineering into development, qualification, production ramp-up, and in-service support of conforming products.
Partner with Core Engineering (Design), Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, Advanced Technology Development, and Service Engineering.
Spend regular time on the production floor observing processes, supporting implementation, and incorporating operator and technician feedback.
Develop, qualify, deploy, and improve material and process standards in collaboration with engineering, manufacturing, quality, supply chain, and production teams.