Rocket Manufacturing Engineer

Aerojet Rocketdyne is a world-recognized aerospace and defense leader providing propulsion and energetic solutions to its space, missile defense, strategic/tactical missile and armaments customers throughout domestic and international markets. We offer a complete line of propulsion products for launch vehicles, missile defense, and advanced hypersonic propulsion. 

Aerojet Rocketdyne is seeking a Rocket Manufacturing Engineer to support energetics / solid rocket motor propulsion initiatives at our growing site near Culpeper, in beautiful, rural Orange County, Virginia (1.5 hour drive from Washington DC). 

This current opening may be filled at this level as posted or at one level higher.  

The Rocket Manufacturing Engineer operates with general supervision to perform manufacturing engineering assignments requiring a wide application of standard principles, theories and concepts in the field, plus a working knowledge of other related disciplines. Operations applicable to this role may include propellant manufacture, insulation manufacture and machining, rocket motor assembly operations, machining, metal forming, assembly and material handling. This position is responsible for providing manufacturing engineering support for developmental and established solid rocket motor and associated programs. The Rocket Manufacturing Engineer prepares and maintains manufacturing process procedures, provides training and guidance to operations for personnel as related implementation of planning and assists in development and implementation of processing improvements. Assignments may involve support of theoretical and experimental investigations, assistance in planning of resources to support production requirements, and manufacturing / quality review boards.

• 35% – Work with more senior Manufacturing Engineering staff, Design Engineering, Quality Engineering and Environmental Health and Safety representatives to assist in the preparation and maintenance of detailed process work instructions to address manufacturing methods associated with facilities, processes, materials, and tooling. Develop/lead process hazards analyses (PHA) or job safety analyses (JSA) and Facility / Equipment / Tooling Acceptance (FETA) where applicable. Maintain and develop Maestro (Oracle ERP) routings, MBOMs, and other related items/tasks to support various programs as assigned.
• 25% – Assist in development of solutions to specific manufacturing problems through utilization of manufacturing engineering techniques such as application of technical principles, evaluation/analysis of test and production data, drawing / specification interpretation, and implementation of rework. Prepare process flow diagrams and work flows, lead Process Failure Mode & Effects Analysis (PFMEA), implement statistical process control, and address any product non-conformance issues through development of root cause / corrective analysis to reduce/minimize defects.
• 20% – Participate in proposal, cost estimate, and pre-contract activities. Review and maintain established solid rocket motor process work instructions, and monitor associated manufacturing activities for support / compliance of the Safety, Operations, and Quality Assurance program plans.
• 20% – Assist in preparing for and participate in process reviews. Participate in tooling and engineering design reviews and the review of applicable drawings (both product and tooling) to ensure manufacturability and inspection capability. Interface with internal/external customers.

Requires a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical Engineering preferred), and at least two (2) years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.  

• Previous energetics experience strongly desired
• Defense / aerospace experience is a plus
• Experience should include demonstrated ability in manufacturing, the ability to interpret end item drawings, Lean Manufacturing principles, and statistical process control tools
• Hands-on experience is a plus

Requires U.S. Citizenship, U.S. Permanent Residency or other status as a U.S. Person. Must be able to satisfy federal government requirements for access to government information and having dual citizenship may preclude you from being able to meet this requirement.

Work Environment/Physical Requirements:

The work environment may require a combination of indoor and outdoor activity (hot, cold, wet, humid conditions) with a varied amount of walking, standing, sitting, climbing (i.e. ladders, stair, scaffolding, ramps), balance (maintaining body equilibrium to prevent falling when walking, standing, or crouching on narrow, slippery, or erratically moving surfaces), bending, reaching, handling/fingering (seizing, holding, grasping, turning picking, pinching), stooping, kneeling, crouching and ability to lift/carry/push/pull up to 50 pounds. While performing the duties of this job, employees may work around variable noise levels. May require the use of personal protective equipment such as safety glasses, safety shoes, and shop coat. May also be required to work in a standard office setting and to use standard office equipment, including a computer. Ability to distinguish colors may also be necessary. Some employees may be required to drive between various locations within the Company facility or between locations. May require the ability to travel by air or auto. These positions may be expected to work varying shifts and hours to ensure successful operation of activities in the organization.