Principal Manufacturing Readiness Lead – Ceramic Matrix Composites (Onsite)

RTX • Carlsbad, CA

3d • $107,500 - $204,500 • Onsite

About The Position

At RTX, the world's largest aerospace and defense company, 185,000 great minds are united by purpose and inspired to make a difference solving the world’s most complex problems. With our three market leading businesses, world-class operations and investments in research and development, we offer capabilities and opportunity no one else can. Together, we push the boundaries of known science and find new ways to connect and protect our world. Pratt & Whitney is a world leader in the design, manufacture and service of aircraft engines and auxiliary power systems and has been revolutionizing modern flight for over 100 years. Join us and help shape the future of aerospace and defense. Pratt & Whitney is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Lead Engineer to drive Manufacturing Readiness Levels (MRL) for Ceramic Matrix Composites (CMC) across our organization. The successful candidate will lead efforts to ensure the seamless transition of advanced CMC technologies from research and development to production, enabling the delivery of high-performance aerospace and defense propulsion solutions.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering or Aerospace Engineering from an ABET accredited institution.
• Minimum of 8+ years of experience in aerospace manufacturing engineering or related roles or 5+ years with an advanced degree
• Proven experience planning and executing MRL advancement to manage technology transitions from R&D to production.
• Familiarity with quality systems, process control methodologies, and root cause analysis tools (e.g., Six Sigma, PFMEA, etc.).
• U.S. citizenship is required as only U.S. citizens are authorized to access information under this program/contract.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s or PhD in Manufacturing Engineering, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering or Aerospace Engineering from an ABET accredited institution.
• Experience within the aerospace or defense industry, particularly with composites and high-temperature materials.
• Knowledge of CMC manufacturing processes, such as chemical vapor infiltration (CVI), slurry infiltration, and densification techniques.
• Strong project management skills with a track record of delivering on complex, multi-disciplinary technical projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead Manufacturing Readiness Level (MRL) planning, assessment, and execution for CMC technologies, driving manufacturing maturity from concept development through full-rate production
• Coordinate and integrate the work of CMC manufacturing subject matter experts (SMEs) to ensure consistent technical alignment across internal teams and external partners
• Collaborate with design engineering, process engineering, operations, quality, and supply chain to develop robust, scalable, and stable manufacturing processes for CMC components
• Identify manufacturing maturity gaps and develop actionable plans to achieve target readiness levels aligned with program objectives
• Drive continuous improvement in yield, process capability, robustness, and cost efficiency while maintaining compliance with performance requirements and customer specifications
• Lead manufacturing risk identification, mitigation, and closure, including process, equipment, material, and supplier readiness risks
• Develop and validate process flows, PFMEAs, control plans, and production documentation required to support transition into production
• Conduct technical reviews focused on tooling, fixturing, equipment, material handling, and inspection readiness for new and evolving CMC technologies
• Support design-for-manufacturability (DFM) efforts by providing structured manufacturing input to product engineering teams
• Oversee prototype builds, pilot runs, and manufacturing trials to collect data, evaluate process capability, and confirm readiness milestones
• Collaborate closely with suppliers to assess manufacturing maturity, process controls, and adherence to CMC standards and specifications
• Support supplier qualification, audits, corrective action activities, and long-term supplier development for CMC material and component production
• Ensure all CMC processes comply with industry standards, customer requirements, and internal quality and engineering standard work systems
• Prepare and present readiness dashboards, status reports, and risk updates to program and engineering leadership
• Mentor engineers and cross-functional team members on MRL frameworks, CMC manufacturing processes, best practices, and advanced materials technologies

Benefits

• Relocation Package
• medical
• dental
• vision
• life insurance
• short-term disability
• long-term disability
• 401(k) match
• flexible spending accounts
• flexible work schedules
• employee assistance program
• Employee Scholar Program
• parental leave
• paid time off
• holidays
• annual short-term and/or long-term incentive compensation programs

What This Job Offers

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