Job Title: Lead, Manufacturing Engineer (Compression Molding)  

Job Code: 30670

Job Location: Huntsville, AL

Job Schedule: 9/80: Employees work 9 out of every 14 days – totaling 80 hours worked – and have every other Friday off

Job Description:

The Aerojet Rocketdyne Segment of L3Harris is seeking an expert-level Lead, Manufacturing Engineer (Compression Molding) to work at our new state-of-the-art Advanced Manufacturing Facility (AMF) in Huntsville, AL, which will be our inert manufacturing facility for fabrication and assembly of composite rocket motor hardware.

The Lead, Manufacturing Engineer (Compression Molding) is a subject matter expert with comprehensive knowledge of job area and in-depth knowledge of project management. They manage large, complex project initiatives of substantial importance to the organization with minimal oversight or direction. They communicate within and outside of the organization to explain and influence changes to practices, processes and approaches. They make significant improvements in processes, systems, or products. They provide input into new products/processes and implements operational plans that have measurable impact on business or functional results.

This is a dynamic team that requires motivated, self-starting individuals with hands-on experience. Manufacturing Engineers lead process management activities and create associated documentation for their assigned processes. They must be able to follow company procedures and requirements for the manufacture of advanced, man-rated, and high value aerospace hardware.

Essential Functions:

• Provide expert-level knowledge in compression molding operations using a variety of materials (rubber, pre-preg carbon cloth, chopped fiber broadgoods, etc.)
• Lead equipment requirements specification writing and equipment qualification efforts
• Lead investigations into nonconforming hardware and implement corrective actions to prevent future occurrences.
• Manage large, complex project initiatives of strategic importance to the organization.
• Develop or champion new systems, concepts, or technologies
• Mentor junior level engineers.
• Plan, develop, initiate and maintain processes for the fabrication of advanced composite parts. 
• Create detailed work instructions, procedures, PFMEAs, and JSAs that meet design, process, quality, safety, and environmental requirements.
• Analyze engineering drawings and specifications in support of developing robust and advanced part and tooling designs.
• Typically, less than 5% travel may be required to support suppliers or other manufacturing sites, however, at times of high demand, more travel may be necessary.
• Occasional off-shift and weekend work required to support manufacturing schedules.

Qualifications:

Requires comprehensive level knowledge of job area. May have in-depth knowledge of project management. Bachelor’s Degree and minimum 9 years of prior relevant experience. Graduate Degree and a minimum of 7 years of prior related experience. In lieu of a degree, minimum of 13 years of prior related experience.

7+ years experience in compression molding with carbon fenolic broadgoods, rubber, or other similar materials.

Candidate must have the ability to obtain a US security clearance.

Preferred Additional Skills:

• Extensive demonstrated experience with compression molding is strongly desired.
• Experience operating and programming hydraulic presses (up acting, down acting, shuttle presses, and/or vacuum presses) is strongly desired.
• Surface preparation for primary substrates to bond rubber or composite is strongly desired.
• Knowledge of composite materials, including the behavior of different fibers (carbon, glass, aramid) and resin systems is strongly desired.
• Programming and operation of composite cure ovens is strongly desired.
• Hand layup and cure of insulation, composite and/or other materials is strongly desired.
• Experience with operation of robots, presses, ovens, winders, CNC machines, cutting tables and/or autoclaves is strongly desired.
• Strong GD&T background supporting part validation is desired.
• CAD modeling experience is desired.
• Strong cross-functional communication skills are required.
• Strong problem-solving skills are required.
• Adaptable to a changing work environment.

#LI-MRW