Aerospace Manufacturing Engineer SME

1w1 week ago

Amentum

Huntsville, US · Full-time · $150,000 – $200,000

About this role

This position supports Amentum Space Exploration Division (ASED) to the NASA EM32 Welding & Manufacturing team under the ESSCA contract. Primary focus is manufacturing large aluminum aerospace structures using fusion welding and friction stir welding processes. Expertise is evaluated from a manufacturing engineering perspective, not welding engineering.

Develop and validate manufacturing processes for large-scale aluminum assemblies ensuring compliance with NASA, aerospace, and internal quality standards. Provide authoritative review and approval of design-for-manufacturing (DFM), process specifications, weld tooling concepts, and manufacturing plans. Collaborate with design, materials engineering, NDE, quality, and production teams to optimize weld performance and throughput.

Work integrally with ASED and customer engineers and technicians to resolve unprecedented complex problems in manufacturing large welded aluminum structures. Initiate and maintain extensive contacts with key engineers, scientists, and officials requiring skills in deliberating, advising, advocating, and negotiating. Support production readiness reviews, process hazard analyses, and manufacturing risk assessments for major parts.

Mentor junior and mid-career manufacturing engineers in fundamentals while evaluating emerging technologies like automation, advanced NDE, robotic welding, and adaptive machining for integration. At ASED, growth is priority with Team Lead Academy, education reimbursement, personalized mentoring, and networking events. Join a dynamic team of 10 companies venturing from Moon to Mars and beyond.

Requirements

BS degree in Manufacturing Engineering or related field from an ABET-accredited university
Educational requirements typically equivalent to a minimum of a master’s
Expertise in manufacturing large aluminum aerospace structures using fusion welding and friction stir welding processes
Knowledge of NASA, aerospace, and internal quality standards for manufacturing processes
Experience reviewing design-for-manufacturing (DFM), process specifications, and weld tooling
Ability to resolve complex problems pertaining to manufacture of large welded aluminum structures
Skills in process controls, acceptance criteria, and root-cause investigations for high-impact challenges

Responsibilities

Develop and validate manufacturing processes for large-scale aluminum assemblies, ensuring compliance with NASA, aerospace, and internal quality standards
Provide authoritative review and approval of design-for-manufacturing (DFM), process specifications, weld tooling concepts, and manufacturing plans
Collaborate with design engineering, materials engineering, NDE, quality, and production teams to optimize structural weld performance and manufacturing throughput
Establish and maintain advanced manufacturing specifications, process controls, and acceptance criteria for large, welded aluminum aerospace structures
Support production readiness reviews, process hazard analyses, and manufacturing risk assessments for major parts
Lead root-cause investigations for complex, high-impact manufacturing challenges and drive permanent corrective actions
Mentor junior and mid-career manufacturing engineers in manufacturing engineering fundamentals
Evaluate emerging technologies (automation, advanced NDE, robotic welding, adaptive machining) and lead integration efforts into production environments