Job Description Summary

The Lead Ceramic Application Engineer will innovate and mature novel design, materials, and and processes for next generation HPT airfoils. Efforts will span conceptualization to deployment of materials, product, and processes for pilot lines. Apply scientific and engineering principles to prove technical feasibility of new concepts and solve problems. Hot section design, ceramics, additive methods, and casting process expertise will be honed and applied to execute cross-product process maturation initiatives.

This role is based in the Engineering Materials System Department aligned within the Aerospace Engineering Division.

Job Description

Essential Responsibilities

• Be on the leading edge of advanced turbine airfoil design, materials, additive methods, and casting paradigms.

• Responsibilities will include execution of TRL risk burndown plans, demonstration of critical factors and parameters for process capability/control, and documenting lessons learned for newly developed procedures and designs.  

• Work to ensure Safety, Quality, Delivery, and Cost (SQDC) while applying scientifiic principles, engineering tools, and lean methods.

• Proactively engage and collaborate in an interdisciplinary team to solve complex technical and operational problems with key stakeholders including design, materials, manufacturing, sourcing, quality, and business leaders.

• Support and execute on technical roadmaps or test plans that expand design, material, and process capabilities and limits. Follow, improve, and invent standards to ensure quality results.

• Lead projects. Employ efficient operational/product management, design, manufacturing or engineering techniques to proactively eliminate problems and develop sustainable solutions.

• Follow structured problem-solving initiatives, contributing to a culture of LEAN, and leveraging data for tactical and strategic decision making.

• Support and contribute to producibility evaluations including reviews and establishment of best practices. Assist in defining requirements for producible designs.

• Establish engineering and parameter controls limits that enable materials and processes to meet the product fit, form, and function.

• Develop and execute material and process tests to vet improvements and proof of concepts.

• Proactively communicate to the broader team including leadership on significant developments.

• Document lessons and new standards in the established archival systems.

• Participate in program reviews and prepare invention disclosures where appropriate.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering from an accredited university or college

• Relevant experience in design engineering, materials science and engineering, process development, and/or industry 

• A minimum of 3 years of experience in materials engineering, application, or manufacturing process development.

• Able to work in-person and on-site (not virtual or remote) >75% of the time

• Some local travel between sites will be required

• US citizen or green card holder required for US Export Control purposes

Desired Characteristics

• Interpersonal and influence skills are required to participate in a team and frequently lead sub-teams to solve multi-dimensional problems.

• Experience with ceramic core and casting development for turbomachinery hot section components

• Experience with design or development for turbomachinery hot section components

• Familiarity with Lean concepts and tools

• Comfortable with hands-on lab and pilot line environments

• Demonstrated GD&T experience 

• Ability to read technical drawings 

• 5 years of relevant design, research, and/or manufacturing experience 

• Comfortable working hands-on in development lab, manufacturing pilot line, or full rate production environments 

• Frequent communication throughout the organization 

• Embrace and promote a culture of respect for all people in all positions 

• Demonstrated ability to analyze and resolve problems. 

• Demonstrated ability to lead programs / projects. 

• Established project management skills.

This role requires access to U.S. export-controlled information. If applicable, final offers will be contingent on ability to obtain authorization for access to U.S. export-controlled information from the U.S. Government.

Additional Information