Research & Development Engineer

Coachella, CA
Full Time
CAO - R&D
Mid Level
Research and Development Engineer, Armtec Defense Technologies

Armtec Defense Technologies (Armtec) is an operating unit of the TransDigm Group (NYSE: TDG), an industry leader in aerospace and defense products and services. Armtec is comprised of three business units producing subcomponents for ordnance in Coachella, CA; decoy countermeasure flares in Camden AR; and radar countermeasure chaff in Lillington NC. At Armtec, we welcome skilled and enthusiastic people who share our determination and high standards to join us in our mission-critical work supporting the US and allied war-fighters who serve us all by defending democracy and protecting freedom. This position is staffed in Coachella, at Armtec’s world-class, sole-source production facility for felted fiber nitrocellulose combustible cartridge cases for medium and large caliber military ammunition; and pyrophoric payloads for training grenades.

Company Profile

Company: Armtec Defense Technologies is an operating unit of the TransDigm Group (NYSE: TDG).
Industry: Manufacturing Combustible Ordnance and Countermeasures

Job Overview

Title: Research and Development Engineer
Job Family: Engineering Services, Research and Development
Reports to: Research and Development Program Engineer
Works with: Mid-level managers, program managers, supervisors, planners and employees; as well as significant direct interface with vendors and or customers.
Location: Coachella, California
Type:  Full-Time

Job Summary

The Research and Development Engineer is energized by challenges and uses creativity and intelligence to solve difficult problems.  They are tenacious in working through obstacles and collaborate with a cross-functional team to create deep scientific understanding across our ordnance products and processes.
The Research and Development Engineer thinks outside the box and identifies and acts on opportunities for improvement.  They communicate clearly with technical peers inside and outside the organization and secure support from stakeholders.  They review and analyze internal product and process data and results of experiments and stay abreast of industry research activities in order to create better analytical models, and continually generate improved scientific understanding within Armtec on the assigned products and processes.  Will be assigned to conduct complex, multi-disciplined, product development, failure analysis, and engineering projects.

Primary Responsibilities
  • Uses knowledge of engineering, chemistry, physics, and materials science to solve problems.
  • Analyzes and spots trends in data, including performing statistical analysis.
  • Troubleshoots product and process malfunctions using engineering tools such as FMEA, 8D, DOE, and root-cause analysis.
  • Effectively utilizes technicians and interns to help accomplish objectives.
  • Rapidly prototypes processes using 3D printing and hand tools.
  • Researches, identifies, and understands key product and process parameters.
  • Supports program management with development of program plans and technical cost estimates, evaluation of alternatives, risk management, cost-performance trade-offs, analysis of data, status updates and presentations at customer reviews.
  • As a thought leader, provides guidance to Project and Manufacturing Engineer(s) as necessary, on areas including but not limited to, variability reduction, failure analysis, product performance, and desirable process characteristics and standard work.
  • Participates in customer interface activities as necessary, ensuring that all company products and services are meeting customer requirements, goals, and expectations.
  • Assists functional managers with developing and implementing improved procedures and standards to ensure that output is high quality, accurate, on-time, and within budget.
  • Supports business development efforts both through building relationships and acquiring funding for development efforts and in preparation of quotes and proposals.
  • Maintains the highest ethical standards, even when challenged from above.
  • Understands and live by Armtec’s ethics and business conduct policies.
Qualifications
  • Strong understanding and experience with scientific and engineering fundamentals as well as new product development and introduction.
  • Excellent computer skills and ability to develop numerical models for the simulation of complex physical systems.
  • Good troubleshooting and failure analysis skills, including design of experiments and statistical analysis.
  • Demonstrated ability in hands-on making/assembling proof of principle prototypes or equipment.
  • Strong presentation preparation and delivery skills with audiences such as Subcontractors, Prime and Government.
  • Must be dependable, responsible, and accurate and can deal with people effectively.
  • Excellent communication and relationship skills with Senior Leadership, Program Management, Customers, and engineering team members.
Armtec Competencies
  • Demonstrate ability in the Armtec competencies as an employee: customer focus, ethics and values, problem solving, integrity and trust, functional/technical skills, listening, action-oriented, composure and values diversity.
Education/Previous Experience Requirements
  • Must be authorized to work in the U.S.
  • To conform to U.S. export control regulations, applicant should be eligible for any required authorization from the U.S. Government
  • MS or PhD degree in engineering or physical sciences.  Candidates with a BS and significant research experience will be considered.
Work Hours
4/10 workweek

To Apply

Please apply on-line on the Armtec Career Website, www.armtecdefense.com  

Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/Disability/Protected Vet

Annual Range: $68,432 - $119,168

Benefits
  • Medical
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Health Savings Account (HSA) with generous company contribution
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA - Medical & Dependent Care)
  • Life and Accident Death and Dismemberment Insurance
  • Disability Insurance
  • Parent Leave Pay
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Vacation
  • Sick Leave
  • Holidays (9 paid holiday including holiday shutdown weeks in July and December)
  • 401(k) matching
  • Tuition Assistance
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