Fiber Materials Inc. | solutions for the most extreme places in the universe

FMI's manufacturing facility has been a leading solutions provider of high temperature materials and composites for more than 50 years, serving the Department of Defense and NASA. The focus in Maine is on multidirectional reinforced Carbon/Carbon (C/C) and Ceramic Matrix Composites (CMCs) that enable high-temperature components such as: thermal protection systems, re-entry vehicle nose tips as well as rocket motor throats and nozzles. 

Our materials are being used on ground-breaking space initiatives such as the Orion Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle and the heat shield for NASA's Mars 2020 mission, important missile programs, airfoils in commercial and military jet engines, and as lightweight armor for U.S. military ground vehicles. 

Your Role: FMI is seeking an innovative, experienced Hypersonic Vehicle Design Engineer who will focus on the development and prototyping of high performance, lightweight thermal protection systems and hot structures.  As the Hypersonic Vehicle Design Engineer, you will be responsible for technical execution of design and analysis efforts with an emphasis on design for manufacturability with advanced high temperature carbon and ceramic composites.  Activities will encompass the full design cycle and include the opportunity to have a foundational impact on advanced high temperature composite design system creation. 

We are looking for a candidate who has demonstrated experience designing manufacturable structures for the hypersonic flight environment and knowledge of the advanced material systems required.  Someone who works independently as well as in a small team and understands how to succeed in a development environment.  They must be a clear communicator, enjoy mentoring and be committed to leading by example.  And most importantly, an individual who acts with absolute integrity.

Job Responsibilities:

• Apply sound engineering principles and relevant experience to create innovative high speed flight structures from explicit and derived customer requirements
• Employ knowledge of advanced high temperature composite and metallic material behavior and performance to ensure designs are manufacturable and production scalable
• Execute thermal/structural analysis of designs and define/coordinate verification testing from coupon to prototype levels under representative loading and relevant environments
• Lead the effort to provide guidance, feedback and evaluation during the development of new modeling and simulation tools
• Capture, document and train best practices and guidelines for design with advanced high temperature composites to grow the discipline
• Participate in the development and maturation of novel material systems through requirements derivation and performance simulations
• Prepare technical reports to capture all knowledge generated and share with the greater team
• Embody a culture of continuous improvement and promote safe work habits at all times

What we need from you:

• Degree in the field of Science or Engineering
• Minimum of 6 years relevant experience
• Demonstrated knowledge of one or more: structural design, thermal/structural analysis, hypersonic flight environment, advanced high temperature materials, structural testing, high speed environmental testing
• CAE experience; 3D modeling (Catia V5, SolidWorks, NX, etc.) and Finite Element Analysis (HyperSizer, ABAQUS, NASTRAN, etc.)
• Knowledge of GD&T best practices
• Ability to work independently and prioritize tasking to align with department and company goals
• Basic program planning and management skills
• Strong verbal and written skills
• Ability to obtain a security clearance

Preferred:

• Advanced degree in mechanical, aerospace or materials engineering
• 10 years relevant experience
• Familiarity with carbon and ceramic composite manufacturing processes and the influence of processing method on material performance
• Familiarity with hypersonic test facilities and the resulting utility of the test data for design substantiation
• Expert analytical skills; first principles/hand methods to finite element methods development
• Strong supplier and customer communication and integration skills
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a development environment
• Active Security clearance

What you'll get from us:

• 16 ETO days
• 12 paid holidays (including Winter Closure!)
• Medical / Dental / Vision 
• 401k Company Match
• Tuition Reimbursement
• $1000 Sign-On Bonus