Materials Science Engineer II
$45.00-66.50/hour 1st Shift Contract Position Summary: Primary function is to ensure timely and efficient oversight of Aerospace’s Groups materials and processes supplier base through on-site and virtual audits along with maintaining various records and database updates. Also managing the same activities as conducted by sourced (3rd party) agencies outside of Aerospace. Secondary function is to perform various activities associated with materials and processes investigations, for example, failure analysis using fractography, image analysis, metallographic analysis and utilizing instruments such as the Scanning Electron Microscope (including Energy Dispersive X-Ray analysis) to arrive at root cause and corrective actions for various types of aircraft components. More generally, the individual is responsible for technical scope, cost and schedule management of assigned projects/tasks. Plans, schedules, and coordinates efforts of assigned project staff and is accountable to meet team performance to project objectives. Serves as a technical advisor on major projects. Projects at this level are assigned to develop project management and leadership skills and to build knowledge of the organization, processes, and customer. This position will be in the Materials Science Research and Development Department located in Irvine, CA. May have indirect or matrix responsibility to guide the technical work of a team to achieve project milestones. Has regular and frequent internal interface to present project status; may be the primary contact with customer/suppliers for projects requiring coordination. Essential Job Functions: Ability to travel to various processing suppliers and perform audits and implement corrective actions as necessary to overcome potential shortcomings in a process, example processes include heat treating, electroplating, plasma spraying, anodizing, welding and machining. Ability to run a failure analysis investigating using standard tools and instruments including stereomicroscopes, metallographic examination and a scanning electron microscope. Ability to document findings in a formal report with root cause and corrective actions to mitigate future failures. Ability to clearly articulate, communicate and present details of a failure analysis investigation to internal and external customers, and coworkers. Ability to organize data and run multiple investigations in parallel while reporting status to internal and external customers. Maintains frequent formal and informal customer interface to present project status; determines feasibility of changing customer requirements and may propose and/or negotiate changes in schedules or methodology in coordination with program management. Gains customer confidence in overall support of customer programs. Controls project costs by reviewing non-recurring and recurring costs, monitoring and approving quotes and expenditures; may administer and have oversight for outsourced contractors. Maintains efforts within defined cost and schedule constraints, including status and root cause/corrective actions of associated variances. Ensures consistent engineering standards, processes, and documentation methods are used in project deliverables. Establishes and maintains engineering history files, project files, and related information to provide archive of technical project activities. Maintains professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops, reviewing technical publications, benchmarking best practices, and/or participating in professional associations. Acts as point of contact on technical and project-related matters. Identifies mentoring and development needs; serves as a mentor for other employees. May serve as a functional specialist. Qualifications: Bachelor of Science degree (BS) in metallurgical engineering, a materials science and engineering, chemical engineering, or a mechanical or aerospace engineering degree with a minor in materials science. An MS degree in the noted disciplines if preferred. Demonstrated ability to perform the essential functions of the job typically acquired through 2-4 years of related experience. Strong knowledge in the following categories of materials science and engineering including: Corrosion protection methods including various surface coatings, platings, and inhibitors. Heat treating and processing for all types of ferrous and non-ferrous alloy systems. Raw material forming processes including forging, extruding, rolling, and casting. Shielded and non-shielded welding processes including various arc types, brazing, and inertia. Microstructural analysis of welded structures, heat affected zones, and joint integrity. Fatigue and fracture analysis of various high strength metallic materials. Design and evaluation of galling and wear resistant material/coating combinations. Materials selection for numerous environments and applications. Metallurgical failure analysis including SEM, EDS, and metallography. Metallurgical thermodynamics, phase transformations, and kinetics. Crystal structures and related mechanical, electrical, and magnetic properties. All NDT and NDE methods for fracture critical components. Familiarity with all types of industry and government-controlled specifications. Polymer science and molecular bonding (thermoplastic, thermosets, rubbers). Corrosion and associated failure mechanisms (localized, general, SCC, galvanic). Strong knowledge of advanced engineered ceramic and composite materials (including processing). Good understanding of electronic properties of materials (semiconductors, microcircuits, conductors). Has thorough in-depth knowledge of engineering domain principles, concepts, product standards, and techniques, industry practices, regulations, and policies. Ability to apply broad knowledge of other related engineering or scientific field to area of expertise. · Ability to effectively communicate and present status, actions, recommendations, and other technical information with clarity and precision. Ability to respond to significant inquiries from customers, regulatory agencies, or marketing/sales teams. Effective project management and organizational skills. Able to facilitate project team interactions and develop project team member capabilities. Ability to apply and integrate knowledge of other related engineering areas or experts to own area of expertise. Proficient with software and specialized data analysis, design, and project management tools following established project/program management protocol. Ability to establish and track performance to goals and objectives to complete complex or major projects and provide direction to the team at project milestones. Proficient with standard project management tools and practices.
