Materials and Test Engineering Manager

The Materials and Test Engineering Manager will play a critical role in the planning, execution, and analysis of material test campaigns for next-generation rigid airships. This position requires experience in qualification and validation test programs. The ideal candidate is an experienced materials engineer, allowables engineer, or test engineer with expertise in aircraft structural materials, such as composites and titanium. The role involves working closely with engineering teams and program managers to ensure the successful execution of qualification programs in accordance with FAA standards.

• Manage a team of materials engineers, test engineers, and test technicians who select, test, and qualify materials and processes. 
• Oversee the domain of aerospace structural materials: composites, titanium, welds, and structural adhesives. 
• Work with Design Engineers to identify failure modes and create validation and qualification tests for materials, systems, and structures. Review test plans for intent and completeness. 
• Write material, process, and purchasing specifications. 
• Review engineering documents with a high standard of rigor.
• Identify and lead new material and process developments.
• Provide strategic input on new capabilities, skills, and equipment to align with future test needs
• Oversee and prioritize engineer’s assignments.
• Work with the test technician supervisor to assign test technicians to support test programs
• Lead hiring and training new team members
• Manage performance of the team through regular performance reviews. Provide or facilitate mentoring, coaching, and professional development of team members. 

• Bachelor's degree in engineering plus 7+ years of experience in the aerospace/aviation industry as a materials engineer, test engineer, or Materials & Process Engineering manager
• Strong leadership skills with proven mentorship ability, team development, and project/program execution
• Proven experience with material selection, material property qualification, characterization, or acceptance testing for aerospace/aviation materials/structures. 
• Experience with industry standard test methods, such as ASTM, FAA, SACMA, SAE, ISO, or similar. 
• Experience with failure modes of engineering materials, including adhesives and composites. Experience with aviation environmental conditions and requirements, such as flammability, UV, humidity, corrosion, damage tolerance, and fatigue.
• Experience with mechanical test equipment, load cells, strain gages, actuators, universal test machines.
• Ability to understand, organize, and interpret test data and provide recommendations based on data
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including written technical reports and oral presentations to technical and managerial audiences

• Ability to lift 30 pounds. 

• 7+ years of experience with FAA airframe certification requirements, industry material qualification databases, or generating allowables from mechanical test data
• Advanced degree in a related field
• 1+ years manager experience in an aerospace, engineering, or manufacturing setting
• Proven experience with composite struts, epoxy bonding, or ultrasonic inspection
• Experience using Statistical Process Control and Root Cause to drive continuous improvement and solve problems
• Experience working in an AS9100, NADCAP, or ISO certified test laboratory
• Ability to program test equipment using LabVIEW, PLCs, or similar. 
• Ability to analyze data and perform statistical methods using software such as Python, MATLAB, R, JMP, Tableau, or similar

• Relocation assistance
• Excellent medical, dental, and vision insurance through a PPO plan (100% premium paid for individuals, ~70% for dependents)
• Company-paid life, AD&D, long-term disability, and short-term disability insurances
• Parental leave
• Generous PTO + 10 paid holidays
• 401(k) matching up to 6%
• Lunch and snacks provided every day, including accommodations for all dietary restrictions
• Monthly wellness stipend
• Monthly cell phone stipend
• Yearly education stipend to obtain certifications or take classes in your field
• Fun events, swag, and the occasional airship ride
• An opportunity to change the world and work with some of the smartest and the most talented experts from different fields

• Criminal background check clearance
• Drug test clearance wherever applicable

LTA Research & Exploration welcomes all candidates to apply including those with limited experience. We understand that candidates with a growth mindset and passion for working on the next chapter in aviation advancement can outweigh experience alone. We celebrate diverse origins and journeys and understand their importance in developing new technology. Rooted in our humanitarian mission, we want to serve the entire globe and have a team that represents those we wish to serve.

Lighter Than Air is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants are considered without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, marital status, veteran status or any other discriminatory factors prohibited by law.