Senior Materials & Process Engineer

VALT Enterprizes, Inc. is revolutionizing aerospace with cutting-edge hypersonic research and development to pioneer America’s first-of-its-kind hypersonic launch system, combining rocket and air-breathing propulsion to empower our nation’s warfighters with the tools they need to safeguard our country. We envision a world where access to space is no longer a privilege for the few but an opportunity for all. Our team is driven by data, fueled by passion, and united by a shared commitment to innovation and resilience. Challenges are embraced head-on in a culture that values creativity, autonomy, determination, and collaboration. Join us in shaping the future of aerospace and making history – together.

We are seeking an experienced Senior Materials & Processes Engineer to support the development, qualification, and implementation of materials and manufacturing processes for advanced aerospace propulsion systems. In this role, you will collaborate with cross-functional engineering, manufacturing, and test teams to ensure materials and processes meet performance, reliability, and manufacturability requirements in demanding environments.

You will contribute to materials selection, testing, and characterization, as well as failure analysis and process development, playing a key role in advancing next-generation aerospace systems.

• Support the selection, evaluation, and qualification of materials used in propulsion systems, structural components, and vehicle subsystems to ensure performance, durability, and reliability in demanding aerospace environments
• Develop and implement materials testing and characterization plans to evaluate mechanical, thermal, chemical, and environmental performance of proposed materials
• Conduct failure analysis and root cause investigations on components, materials, and manufacturing processes to identify contributing factors and support corrective actions
• Collaborate with engineering and manufacturing teams to develop, evaluate, and optimize manufacturing processes used in the production of aerospace components and systems
• Support the evaluation and qualification of specialized equipment, tooling, and materials processing methods used in the development and production of aerospace hardware
• Contribute to the development and qualification of materials and processes for new designs, including documentation of test results, material properties, and engineering recommendations
• Review engineering drawings, specifications, and material requirements to verify compliance with materials and processes standards
• Support the evaluation and development of protective coatings, thermal protection materials, and high-temperature material systems used in propulsion hardware and aerospace vehicle structures
• Work with suppliers and internal teams to evaluate materials, manufacturing methods, and process capabilities used in aerospace component production
• Utilize advanced materials characterization and analytical techniques to investigate material behavior and support engineering decisions
• Contribute to cross-functional engineering efforts by supporting design reviews, technical investigations, and development programs
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to early-career engineers and technicians involved in materials testing, analysis, and process development

• Bachelor’s degree in materials engineering, materials science, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related engineering field
• 8+ years of experience in materials engineering, materials science, or materials and processes engineering within aerospace, defense, advanced manufacturing, or a related technical industry
• Experience supporting the selection, evaluation, and qualification of engineering materials used in aerospace or high-performance applications
• Demonstrated experience conducting materials testing, characterization, and analysis to evaluate mechanical, thermal, chemical, or environmental material properties
• Experience performing failure analysis and root cause investigations related to materials, coatings, or manufacturing processes
• Familiarity with materials characterization techniques such as microscopy, spectroscopy, thermal analysis, or other analytical methods used to evaluate material performance
• Experience supporting the development, evaluation, or optimization of manufacturing processes used to produce engineered components or assemblies
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, technical specifications, and material requirements
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to evaluate complex technical challenges and recommend practical engineering solutions
• Ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary engineering, manufacturing, and test teams in a fast-paced research and development environment
• Eligibility to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance

• Master’s or Ph.D. degree in materials science, materials engineering, chemical engineering, or a related field
• Experience supporting aerospace, propulsion, or flight hardware development programs
• Experience working with high-temperature materials, ceramic materials, composite materials, or thermal protection systems used in aerospace applications
• Experience evaluating or developing protective coatings, surface treatments, or material systems used to enhance component durability and performance
• Familiarity with advanced materials characterization and analytical techniques such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), spectroscopy, or thermal analysis
• Experience supporting materials and process qualification for aerospace or high-performance hardware
• Experience working in R&D environments transitioning technologies from development into production
• Familiarity with aerospace standards, materials specifications, or quality requirements used in regulated engineering environments

• Competitive salary
• 90% Employer-paid comprehensive health benefits
• 4% 401(K) Match
• Unlimited PTO
• Flexible working schedule
• Employee stock options
• Opportunities for professional development and advancement
• Exciting and challenging work environment
• Relocation assistance available

Join us in shaping the future of hypersonic flight development and play a key role in advancing the materials and manufacturing processes that enable next-generation aerospace systems. If you are motivated by solving complex materials challenges and supporting high-performance hardware development, we encourage you to apply today.

Enterprizes, Inc., is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, or disability.