Materials Engineer (Composite Structures)

Job Overview
This job announcement will be accepting candidate submissions through 1 Nov 2024.
Position duties include, but are not limited to:

• Developing advanced processing techniques to manufacture solid rocket motors focusing on carbon fiber reinforced composite cases.

Other Significant Facts:

• Regular 10% of travel will be required for the position.
• Telework options may be possible.
• Relocation or other incentives may be offered for this position.

Telework
Yes, this position is eligible for telework opportunities; as determined by agency policy
Remote Work (CONUS)
No, this position is not approved for remote work.
Required Qualifications

• United States Citizenship
• Ability to obtain and maintain the required security clearance
• Must have one year of experience at the DR-01 (or equivalent) grade level

Desired Qualifications
Competency: Design/Fabrication/Testing Methodologies for Solid Rocket Motor (SRM) Components
1. Implements commercial Computer-Aided Design (CAD) tools such as Autodesk Inventor or Solidworks to design and generate solid models of test hardware, test articles, and solid fueled rocket components.
2. Utilizes commercial software tools such as Abaqus CAE, ANSYS, or COMSOL to quantify the stress, strain, and heat transfer of articles and solid fueled rocket components during testing and operation.
3. Develops new processing techniques for thermoset-based and/or thermoplastic-based solid rocket motor components.
Competency: Processing-Structure-Property Relationships in Polymer-Matrix Composite Materials
1. Formulates and develops solid rocket motor case materials (e.g. composites, metals, insulation) for increased performance (e.g. mechanical strength, thermal response).
2. Applies principles of molecular architecture, ingredient surface interactions, and chemical reactions/catalysis to achieve target material properties as defined above. Correlates observed properties to material processing conditions aiding in future refinement.
3. Implements standard fabrication techniques for composite materials to render objects ranging from simplistic test articles to complex structures as those comprising solid rocket motors.
4. Utilizes composite material test methods to analyze properties that are mechanical, thermal, viscoelastic, and combustion in nature. Develops new test methods to quantify properties relevant to rocket manufacturing and performance.
Competency: Written communication
1. Composes information, concepts, and ideas in a clear, concise, well-organized manner.
2. Prepares technical reports and briefing materials for appropriate audiences on analytical analysis of energetic and inert materials.
3. Prepares or contributes to technical research reports, papers, journal articles, proposals, or a thesis dissertation based on technical research activities.
4. Prepares technical reports to document progress and results ongoing research.
5. Records research activities in a laboratory notebook to scientific standards.
Competency: Oral communication
1. Presents technical briefings related to analytical research methods to government and/or contractor audiences including senior management personnel.
2. Consults with co-workers and/or other organizations for ideas on issues/concerns to obtain diverse viewpoints and/or recommended solutions.
3. Prepares and presents briefings/presentations on consultations, studies, or investigations.
4. Promotes interchange of information on mission requirements, capabilities, deficiencies, and/or technology applications with peers, customers and/or other agencies.
5. Shares knowledge and expertise on newly developed analytical methods with others.
Don't think you meet every requirement for this position? Studies have shown that many talented candidates don't apply because they assume that they are not qualified and do not feel like they meet every single requirement. At AFRL, we are dedicated to building a workplace with diverse experiences, perspectives and talent that enables us to effectively accomplish and accelerate our mission. So, if you're excited about this role but not sure if your experience aligns perfectly to the duties, we strongly encourage you to apply! You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.
(Req# 15707)
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