Materials Development & Test Engineer

Job Description:

Job Description:  

Analytical Mechanics Associates, Inc. (AMA) is seeking a Materials Development and Test Engineer with hands-on experience testing silicon carbide (SiC) composite materials for space nuclear propulsion applications. This position supports the Structural Mechanics and Concepts Branch at NASA’s Langley Research Center in Hampton, VA. The engineer will lead efforts in developing and fabricating SiC composite tube structures with advanced cladding systems (SiC-SiC, SiC-C, or SiC-ZrC) designed to provide hermetically sealed containment of nuclear fuel, heat pipes, and moderating materials. 

Responsibilities:  

• Demonstrate feasibility of hermetically sealed multi‑purpose SiC composite cladding geometries for nuclear fuel and moderating material containment. 

• Develop and evaluate continuous tow‑coating processes for SiC fibers, including feasibility assessments and documentation of technical approaches and required testing. 

• Manufacture SiC composite tube structures using filament winding, perform analyses to determine required wall thickness, and conduct permeability testing on fabricated samples. 

• Rapidly fabricate SiC composite test articles, integrate NASA‑provided ampules when required, apply approved sealing and overcoat methods, and deliver sealed units for NASA testing. 

• Perform helium (or NASA‑approved) permeability testing and high‑temperature hot burst testing of fabricated SiC tubes, including pre‑test measurements, imaging, and test result reporting. 

• Provide subject‑matter expertise in the research, design, manufacture, testing, and evaluation of high‑temperature composite structures for nuclear applications, including experimental work and computational modeling. 

• Share characterization results (CT, SEM, XRD), prepare technical presentation materials for bi‑weekly NASA meetings, and contribute to final reporting and technical interchange meetings within the continental United States. 

Required Experience:                                                                                                   

• B.S. Degree in Aerospace Engineering or other applicable degree. 

• 2 years’ relevant experience in advanced composites testing. 

Desired Skills: 

• Experience with SiC composite fabrication processes, including tow coating, filament winding, and high temperature sealing or joining techniques. 

• Proficiency in materials characterization methods such as CT, SEM, and XRD, along with the ability to interpret and communicate results. 

• Hands-on experience conducting permeability and high temperature mechanical testing of ceramic or composite structures. 

• Ability to develop technical documentation and present progress clearly, including slide preparation for technical meetings and contribution to formal reports. Ability to write clear and concise technical reports. 

Must be a US Citizen or US Permanent Resident. 

Salary range is $100k-$120k

Analytical Mechanics Associates (AMA) is proud of our customer relationships, our diverse and dynamic work environment, and our employees' career satisfaction. AMA is a small business with a wide reach; headquartered in Hampton, VA, AMA has operations in Greenbelt, MD; Huntsville, AL; Dallas and Houston, TX; Denver, CO; Mountain View, CA; and Edwards Air Force Base, CA. With over 60 years of experience, AMA specializes in aerospace engineering, science, analytics, information technology, and visualization solutions. AMA combines the best of engineering, science, and mathematics capabilities with the latest in information technologies, visualization, and multimedia to build creative solutions. We offer competitive salaries and a substantial benefits package, including but not limited to paid personal and federally recognized holiday leave, salary deferrals into a 401(k)-matching plan with immediate vesting, tuition reimbursement, short/long term disability plans, and a variety of medical, dental, and vision insurance options.

AMA is committed to the professional growth of every employee, understanding that the successes of our employees drive our success. We provide a work environment that is engaging, collaborative, and supportive. To learn more about our company, please visit our website at www.ama-inc.com/careers and follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn.

AMA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any applicant for employment or employee because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic prohibited under federal, state, or local laws.