Product Engineer - Aero Materials Engineer

Job Description

The Materials Engineer supports the development and FAA certification of replacement aircraft parts through reverse engineering in accordance with AC 21.303-4. They lead the materials strategy across multiple concurrent projects, including defining materials testing scope, coordinating independent laboratory work, interpreting results, and selecting materials, processes, and specifications. They ensure all material, process, and finish selections meet functional performance and safety requirements for aircraft installation, while aligning with standard aerospace manufacturing practices. They prepare certification documents justifying material selections to show compliance with requirements for Test & Computation PMA (Parts Manufacturer Approval). This role actively coordinates with internal and external resources to shape decision making (e.g., business development, project managers, manufacturers, materials laboratories, FAA DERs, and engineers). 

Essential Responsibilities

· Own the materials strategy across multiple concurrent reverse engineering projects.

· Evaluate materials analysis scope and determine appropriate testing requirements based on part materials, function, and operating environment

· Coordinate materials analysis with independent laboratories, including quote requests, purchase orders, shipping logistics, and schedule tracking

· Interpret laboratory results and recommend materials, processes, finishes, and applicable specifications with defensible technical substantiation

· Prepare engineering reports documenting evaluation approach, findings, materials and process selections, and substantiation 

· Work closely with design engineers to ensure material selections align with design intent and functional requirements, and certification engineers to confirm compliance with FAA requirements

· Manage materials-related records in the company ERP system

· Provide engineering support for sales, procurement, manufacturing, quality, and receiving

· Any other duties as assigned

Experience and Skills

· 5 years of relevant work experience

· Experience interpreting materials lab reports and test data (metallic and polymeric)

· Familiarity and experience with aerospace specifications (AMS, ASTM, AS, MIL) and processes (heat treatment, plating, coatings, surface treatments)

· Detail oriented and highly organized with ability to manage multiple concurrent projects

· Strong technical writing and cross-functional communication skills (engineering, manufacturing)

· Materials testing and characterization experience (chemical analysis, mechanical testing, metallographic analysis, etc.) preferred

· Experience with aircraft components and systems preferred

· Shop time or other hands-on experience preferred

· Experience with ERP systems preferred

Education

• Bachelor's degree in materials science engineering, mechanical or similar engineering discipline

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary position commensurate with experience; Bonus based on company and individual performance. Paid Vacation and Sick leave. Healthcare - Medical, Dental, Vision, FSA, HSA Life and other voluntary insurance products like STD and LTD. 401k Plan Traditional and Roth with 4% ER dollar for dollar match, immediately vested. and other perks annual training or educational budget and referral bonuses.

 Jet Parts Engineering, Inc. (JPE) is an equal opportunity employer. In business since 1994, JPE is an aerospace engineering firm that has established a reputation for supplying high quality parts while providing exceptional service to its customers. For more information, go to our website at: www.jetpartsengineering.com.