Lead Materials & Process Engineer (NASA LTVS Contingent) at Astrolab
Astrolab · Hawthorne, United States Of America · Onsite
- Senior
- Office in Hawthorne
Venturi Astrolab, Inc. (Astrolab) is pioneering new ways to explore and operate on distant planetary bodies. We are singularly focused on designing, building, and operating a fleet of multi-purpose commercial planetary rovers to extend and enhance humanity’s presence in the solar system. We are seeking motivated, creative, and exceptional people to join our world-class team.
Our design team works collaboratively to design and implement exceptional engineering solutions to enable off-planet exploration. As a Materials & Process Engineer within that team, you will work toward building & implementing conventional and novel materials and process solutions to ensure that delivered hardware meets project requirements. This position will collaborate with all engineering disciplines & supply chain during the design process. You will report to our Chief Engineer.
*Employment in this role is contingent on Astrolab being selected as a winner of NASA’s LTVS program, scheduled for announcement on November 15, 2025.
*Employment in this role is contingent on Astrolab being selected as a winner of NASA’s LTVS program, scheduled for announcement on November 15, 2025.
What You'll Do:
- Build internal material specifications and process specifications that support manufacturing & ensure quality, specifically NASA-STD-6016 tailoring
- Create and maintain Material Usage Agreements (MUL)
- Create and maintain the Material Identification Usage List (MIUL)
- Identify critical processes and hazards concerning:
- Contamination Control Plan
- Corrosion prevention and control plan
- Nondestructive Evaluation Plan
- Fracture Control Plan
- Conducts analysis to characterize performance or determine reasons for failure of tools, materials, parts, or processes
- Coordinate design requirements & standard methodologies for all hardware on the vehicle
- Lead & coordinate testing for method development, materials characterization, allowable generation, and design validation
- Serve as the M&P representative (Signatory Authority) in design reviews, the production drawing release cycle for hardware components/assemblies, & Material Review Board (MRB) issues
- Partner with the Program Management Organization (PMO) to implement a build plan
- Create technical documentation and input for data packages and reviews, including those to be delivered to customers, such as NASA
- Maintain compliance with contractual and regulatory obligations
- Implement corrective and preventive actions
What’s Prepared You:
- Bachelor of Science degree from an accredited course of study in engineering, engineering technology (includes manufacturing engineering technology), chemistry, physics, mathematics, data science, or computer science
- Preferred Master’s or Doctorate in mechanical engineering, materials engineering, or physics
- 9+ years of work experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience
- Experience in analyzing technical data and providing clear written and verbal presentations of the results
- 3+ years of experience in component engineering, failure analysis, reliability engineering, Destructive Physical Analysis (DPA) testing or Materials & Processes (M&P)
- Experience working in an interdisciplinary team to identify and implement solutions for complex testing and characterization efforts
- Technical report writing and presentation experience
Additional Responsibilities
- Must be able to lift 500 lbs
What We Offer:
- Work with a team of best-in-class engineers building the foundation of planetary surface exploration
- Ownership in the company
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage
- 401(k) with matching
- Flexible time off and parental leave
- On-site snacks, beverages, and 2x weekly lunches
- Flexible work environment
