Materials and Processes Engineer, Coatings

As a Materials and Processes Engineer focusing on Coatings or surface processing, you will be responsible for developing and improving materials and process specifications to consistently produce components with predictable performance as determined by qualification testing. When exceptions to the defined processes arise, you will provide Quality and Manufacturing with your technical opinion on the impact of these exceptions on the expected performance of the materials, to aid in the appropriate disposition of these non-conformances. In addition, you are responsible for providing the Design team with guidance on the proper use of materials and processing, especially coatings within a vehicle, considering service requirements, manufacturability, and integration with the rest of the vehicle.

• Review drawings and part models to ensure the use of appropriate materials with necessary drawing notes for the required manufacturing processes
• Draft and revise materials and process specifications, especially surface processing, as needed to produce products with predictable performance
• Troubleshoot issues that arise in Manufacturing or at Vendors related to deviations from specifications or failure of existing specifications to produce the desired results reliably
• Working with team members and leadership, Interacting with Manufacturing, Engineering, and other departments for various projects.

What You Bring:

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree or higher in a related Engineering or Physical Science field from an ABET or equivalent accredited institution.
• An understanding of how materials are characterized, particularly surface processing or coatings
• A college-level understanding of statistics
• The ability to read and write in technical English

Preferred Skills and Experience:

• Experience with at least one of the following coatings and their application, including inorganic coating of metals (conversion coatings and spraying), TPS (thermal protection systems), plating, and organic coatings (paints), and primers.
• Experience with the use of surface processing or coatings to prevent corrosion, for lubrication, and/or to enhance the durability of parts to wear and environmental exposures
• Familiarity with commercial or government requirements for qualification of aerospace materials and processing
• Experience with standard test methods for material characterization

The annual U.S. base salary range for this full-time position is $72,500.00–$105,200.00. The base pay actually offered will vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, location, and experience and take into account internal equity. Other forms of pay (e.g., bonus or long term incentive) may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and other benefits, dependent on the position offered. For more information regarding Virgin Galactic benefits, please visit https://vgcareers.virgingalactic.com/global/en/benefits

Who We Are

Virgin Galactic is transforming humanity’s relationship with space. By making it more open and accessible, we are connecting the world to the love, wonder and awe inspired by space travel, helping to create new opportunities for the benefit of life on Earth. Whether it’s supporting cutting-edge research missions for scientists and students, or offering life-changing experiences for the adventurers among us, Virgin Galactic is THE spaceline for Earth. Such an audacious vision requires a team as driven as they are curious - one capable of redefining the boundaries of what’s possible. 

Export Requirements 
To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a U.S. Person (either a U.S. citizen, a lawful permanent resident or a protected individual as defined 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) or be able to obtain the required authorization from either the U.S. Department of State or the U.S. Department of Commerce. The applicant must also not be included in the list of Specifically Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons maintained by the Office of Foreign Assets Control. See list here.

EEO Statement
Virgin Galactic is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Virgin Galactic is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status. 

DRUG FREE WORKPLACE
Virgin Galactic is committed to a Drug Free Workplace.  All applicants post offer and active teammates are subject to testing for marijuana, cocaine, opioids, amphetamines, PCP, and alcohol when criteria is met as outlined in our policies. This can include pre-employment, random, reasonable suspicion, and accident related drug and alcohol testing. 

PHOENIX EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS
For individuals seeking employment at our Phoenix Mesa Gateway Airport facility, employment is contingent upon you obtaining and maintaining a TSA authorized security badge.  This includes initial and annual mandatory background checks that are governed by TSA, and conducted by the Phoenix Mesa Gateway Airport badging office.