Material, Process and Test Engineer

Rock West Composites, Inc. has an exciting opportunity for a Material, Process and Test Engineer.

Rock West Composites, Inc. is an engineering and manufacturing company dedicated to providing innovative solutions for commercial and government customers. This position is located in our San Diego HQ office at 7625 Panasonic Way San Diego, CA and reports to the Director of Engineer.

Position Summary:

Support engineering departments in the characterization, development, and documentation of advanced composite materials. Assist in devising and conducting structural, thermal, and chemical/cure testing of composite materials and structures in support of programs and engineering. Support the acquisition and installation of testing equipment as needed to support enterprise technical objectives. Create and implement testing procedures as needed to perform mechanical tests of composites in a controlled, compliant and consistent manner. Improve manufacturing efficiency and the quality of engineered products through standardization and process control to meet enterprise objectives.

Essential Functions:

• Specify and oversee testing of composite coupons and structures at outside test labs to meet program requirements regarding accuracy and compliance. Testing to include mechanical properties, thermal exposure, and chemical/cure analysis.
• Assist in procurement and installation of mechanical test and data acquisition equipment enabling coupon-level tests of composite materials. Accomplish same to test structural components/assemblies to customized load conditions.
• Able to define and work within budgets allocated for labor hours and mechanical testing equipment.
• Conduct mechanical testing of composite specimens and structures; and/or oversee technicians who conduct such tests.
• Assist in creating/documenting internal standards/templates and specifications for performing mechanical tests, thermal conditioning (e.g. thermal vacuum) and chemical/cure analysis (e.g., DMA, resin content, fiber volume).
• Write clear, concise test reports documenting test data, test methods, etc.
• Able to gather technical inputs from senior composites engineers and combine into clear, cohesive standards for testing materials and structures including layup, curing, machining, material storage and shipping.
• Assist in creating standards and specifications for buying and processing composite materials for high-requirement programs.
• Explore new materials and alternative manufacturing processes.
• Identify areas for improvement in materials and structural testing.
• Understands classical lamination theory.
• Competent in Microsoft Office applications – MSWord, Excel, PowerPoint.
• Good communication skills, both verbal and technical writing.
  
  
  

Non-Essential Functions:

• Ability to work with Quality Assurance to document data to meet customer flow down requirements (i.e., inspection, test and verification methods with clearly defined acceptance criteria).
• Ability to generate MS Project schedules time phased to address near-term action items.
  
  
  

Required Education and Experience:

• BS in Mechanical (or similar) 2 yrs engineering experience (composites Preferred)
• MS in Mechanical or Materials Science Engineering (or similar)
  
  
  

Perks and Benefits:

• 100% Employer Paid Medical and Dental
• Annual Bonus
• 401K - 5% match
• Employee Stocks Option Program
• 9/80 work schedule
• 8- paid Holidays
• PTO: Max. 4-weeks after 5 years of employment
• $2,500 tuition reimbursement
  
  
  

Compensation:

The compensation range for this position falls within $70,000 and $75,000. The final compensation will be determined based on experience, skillset, and other factors permitted by law.

Why should you want to work with us? Rock West Composites cares about our employees! Not only do we offer great benefits to our full-time employees (Medical & Dental 100% employer paid, Vision, Paid Time Off and 401K match), we offer a fun and friendly working environment!

Rock West Composites is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is the policy of the company to provide equal opportunity for all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, marital status or any other basis prohibited by state or federal law. Due to nature of defense contracts, US Citizenship is a requirement. As part of our Drug and Alcohol Policy, upon acceptance of any offer of employment, employment will be conditional of passing a required drug test.

If you are an individual with a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to complete any part of the application process, or are limited in the ability or unable to access or use this online application process and need an alternative method for applying, you may contact 858-537-6260.