Entry Level R&D Mechanical Engineer Jobs in Portland, ME

Fiber Materials Inc. | solutions for the most extreme places in the universe

FMI's manufacturing facility has been a leading solutions provider of high temperature materials and composites for more than 50 years, serving the Department of Defense and NASA. The focus in Maine is on multidirectional reinforced Carbon/Carbon (C/C) and Ceramic Matrix Composites (CMCs) that enable high-temperature components such as: thermal protection systems, re-entry vehicle nose tips as well as rocket motor throats and nozzles. 

Our materials are being used on ground-breaking space initiatives such as the Orion Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle and the heat shield for NASA's Mars 2020 mission, important missile programs, airfoils in commercial and military jet engines, and as lightweight armor for U.S. military ground vehicles. 

Your role: FMI is seeking an experienced and motivated R&T Engineer to join the Advanced Materials group within the Research and Technology team. As the R&T Engineer, you will support and lead the development, prototyping, and processing of novel carbon and ceramic composite materials and structures in coordination with materials engineers, process engineers, project managers, machinists, manufacturing and quality. Tasks could include process development, tooling innovation, structural prototyping, process automation and test plan definition and execution.  You will also handle activities that will encompass the full development cycle, from fundamental research to process development to prototype manufacture and test to production support. The R&T Engineer also applies sound scientific reasoning and fundamentals when conducting experiments and research activities to advance the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) and Manufacturing Readiness Level (MRL) of the material systems. 

Job Responsibilities:

• Works with team members to develop manufacturing methods for high temperature thermal protection material systems
• Assists materials, process, manufacturing, and quality engineers to solve processing and procedural issues, and create component fixtures and tooling solutions 
• Develops, implements, and sustains policies, standards, and procedures for the engineering and technical work performed 
• Adhere to good manufacturing procedures and document all activity for component traceability 
• Participate and lead design review documentation creation 
• Write technical reports and give technical updates  
• Develops technical documentation for all projects to support parametric outcomes 
• Confer with management, production, facilities, and EHS staff to discuss project specifications, objectives, and procedures 
• Ensures that safety procedures and processes are followed and compliant 
• Applies quality standards to projects to ensure compliance with certification requirements in plant applications

What we need from you:

• Bachelors’ degree in an Engineering discipline; mechanical engineering preferred 
• 2+ years of relevant experience
• Prior experience with fabrication of composite materials
• Demonstrate results in technical problem solving, product and process development and supporting customer focused programs and services 
• Ability to follow technical direction and communicate results 
• Ability to follow all safety practices for handling materials and operating processes 
• Experience with writing basic process procedures or instructions 
• Awareness of potential hazards and to apply proper care and consideration 
• Ability to read, interpret, and execute technical instructions, procedures, drawings, manuals, work orders and travelers, as well as document applied processes 
• Capable of working independently as well as in a team environment
• Respectful, with a strong work ethic
• Excellent attention to detail 
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Familiarity with SolidWorks or other CAD design tools
• Basic computer skills; Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word, and Microsoft Outlook

Preferred: 

• Possess an active security clearance or the ability to obtain a clearance.  
• PLC programming experience preferred 
• Experienced in CAD (Solidworks, Abaqus) 
• Experienced with GD&T and engineering drawings 

What you'll get from us:

• 16 ETO days
• 12 paid holidays (including Winter Closure!)
• Medical / Dental / Vision
• 401k Company Match
• Tuition Reimbursement
• The anticipated salary range for this position is $80,000-$110,000 dependent on experience