Materials and Process (M&P) Engineer

Paragon Space Development Corporation - Tucson, AZ

Full-time - Mid Level

Tucson, AZ

Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

About the position

The Materials and Process (M&P) Engineer at Paragon Space Development Corporation plays a crucial role in the development of life support and thermal control systems designed for extreme environments. This position is integral to both research and development as well as deliverable hardware, ensuring that the materials and processes selected meet the rigorous demands of space missions. The M&P Engineer will be responsible for evaluating material requirements and conducting verification processes as part of program execution. This role requires collaboration with a cross-functional team to identify suitable materials, manufacturing processes, and testing procedures that align with mission objectives, safety standards, and quality assurance. In addition to supporting existing designs, the M&P Engineer will engage in root cause analysis and corrective actions for any non-conformances encountered during the development process. The position demands a keen attention to the useful life of materials, customer requirements, and overarching mission goals, which will guide decision-making throughout the project lifecycle. The engineer will also be tasked with collecting, maintaining, and analyzing data related to materials and processes, performing trade studies, and conducting research for specific projects. This includes writing process documentation and manuals, participating in the selection and qualification of materials, and conducting failure analysis. The M&P Engineer will support technical assignments related to hardware assembly and testing, and will work closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality Engineering, and Procurement teams to resolve material and process issues. Furthermore, the role involves developing and documenting internal manufacturing processes to ensure reproducibility and quality control, reviewing engineering drawings and technical reports, and ensuring compliance with customer requirements and industry standards.

Responsibilities

• Collect, maintain, and analyze data related to materials and processes.
• Perform trade studies related to materials and processes.
• Conduct research related to specific projects and write process documentation and manuals.
• Participate in the selection, qualification, testing, and failure analysis of materials and processes.
• Support technical engineering assignments related to hardware assembly processes and testing.
• Assist Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality Engineering, and Procurement in resolving material and process issues.
• Develop and document internal manufacturing special processes to support reproducibility and quality control.
• Review and approve engineering drawings, technical reports, and manufacturing work orders with regards to material selection and process development.
• Review customer requirements and industry standards to implement design and manufacturing criteria for compliance with program objectives.
• Document testing and trade studies through the life cycle of a project.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, manufacturing engineering, mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, chemistry, material science, physics, or related field with 5-8 years of related experience in the aerospace industry or in a related area.
• Master's degree in aerospace engineering, manufacturing engineering, mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, chemistry, material science, physics, or related field with 2-5 years of related experience in the aerospace industry or in a related area.
• PhD degree in material science, manufacturing engineering, mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, chemistry, physics, or related field with 1-2 years of related experience in the aerospace industry or in a related area.
• Extensive knowledge of aerospace materials, treatments, and manufacturing processes.
• Knowledge of design, inspection, and manufacturability of metallics, composites, and softgoods.
• Experience with bonding, welding, and/or additive manufacturing is preferred.
• Knowledge of corrosion prevention, material compatibility, and contamination controls.
• Knowledge of Industry Standards related to materials & processes (e.g., Mil STD, ANSI, ASTM, SAE, AWS).
• Knowledge of human spaceflight requirements and generation of Material Usage and Identification Listing as required by NASA is preferred but not required.
• Knowledge of special process approval and monitoring requirements for human spaceflight programs, military programs, or other equivalent industries is preferred but not required.
• Skill in applying M&P engineering principles and procedures.
• Skill in engineering design applications with experience managing technology development projects and measuring technical progress aligned with budget.
• Knowledge of process validation and verification.
• Ability to work autonomously and quickly turn around solutions.
• Strong intuition and judgment when faced with ambiguity.
• Strong written, personal, technical and software skills (Examples: PDM, JAMA, Excel, PowerPoint, Word).
• Ability to establish and maintain effective, positive work relationships; have creativity, flexibility, and resourcefulness; have discriminating judgment, tact, and sense of humor.