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Staff Manufacturing Engineer (CMC Applications)

Impulse· Manufacturing
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Redondo Beach, CA$175k - $215kFull-timePosted 1mo ago

About the role

Lead the end-to-end ceramic matrix composite (CMC) manufacturing capability for ultra-high-temperature applications, from material selection and process development to flight-ready parts. Collaborates across propulsion, structures, materials, and quality, working with technicians to scale from prototype to rate production.

Responsibilities

  • Own and mature the end-to-end manufacturing process for C/SiC and related ceramic composite hardware in ultra-high-temperature applications, from preform architecture through densification, machining, and coating.
  • Develop and qualify densification and joining processes (CVI, PIP, brazing), including furnace cycle definition, tooling, fixturing, and run-to-run repeatability.
  • Analyze candidate fiber, matrix, and coating systems and build the supply chain strategy: qualify vendors, dual-source critical materials, and de-risk long-lead precursors.
  • Define the inspection, acceptance, and validation approach for manufactured parts, NDI methods (CT, ultrasonic, thermography), coupon tests, allowable development, and first-article inspection.
  • Author and own process specifications, travelers, and work instructions; drive configuration control and change management.
  • Design tooling, mandrels, and shop aids for CMC part fabrication and assembly.
  • Partner with propulsion, structures, and thermal teams on DFM feedback so producibility is built into the design rather than discovered on the shop floor.
  • Lead root-cause investigations on process escapes and drive corrective actions using RCA and structured problem-solving.
  • Scale from prototype to rate production: capital equipment selection, facility layout, cycle time, yield, and cost per part.
  • Work directly with technicians and machinists on the floor to produce flight hardware.
  • Own the technical roadmap for CMC manufacturing capability, sequencing process development, capital investment, and qualification milestones against vehicle program needs.
  • Mentor engineers and technicians, and influence the technical standard for high-temperature materials manufacturing across the organization.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in engineering, materials science, chemistry, physics, or a related technical field.
  • 5+ years of experience developing or producing high-temperature materials or advanced composites, ceramic matrix composites, carbon-carbon, refractory metals, ablatives, or comparable systems; or a Master's degree with 3+ years; or a PhD in a relevant field with 1+ years of hands-on experience.
  • Demonstrated experience in aerospace, defense, hypersonics, gas turbine, nuclear, energy, or industrial ceramics.

Skills

Required:CMC manufacturing experienceCMC densification methods (CVI, PIP, CVD, melt infiltration)DFM (Design for Manufacturability) collaboration
Nice to have:Vacuum and high-temperature furnace operationNDI methods for ceramic composites

Benefits

  • long-term incentives in the form of stock options
  • medical, vision & dental coverage
  • access to a 401(k) retirement plan
Last updated Sep 3, 2026. Interested? Apply on the company site.

About Impulse

Accelerating our future beyond Earth

Accelerating our future beyond Earth

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