Process Engineer Jobs in Arizona

About us: What you'll do: The day-to-day:

• Lead materials and process engineering efforts for satellite structures, mechanisms, payload systems, and deployable assemblies.
• Apply principles of chemistry, physics, and material behavior to develop composite, metallic, and non-metallic material specifications, processing guidelines, and assembly procedures.
• Independently define problems, evaluate trade studies, and develop engineering solutions that balance performance, schedule, cost, and risk.
• Own material properties characterization, design allowable, material test programs, and engineering process specifications from concept through qualification, production, and on-orbit support.
• Perform and direct material failure analysis of components and subsystems, life predictions, and Design of Experiments (DOE) to improve manufacturing efficiency and quality.
• Review and approve engineering documentation including drawings, specifications, Manufacturing Work Instructions, and down-flowed process requirements.
• Lead materials and process qualifications, hardware integration, shop floor support, and Cause and Corrective Action (C/CA) activities.
• Drive Design Reviews (PDR, CDR, TRR, FRR) and provide material/process technical recommendations to program leadership.
• Collaborate closely with mechanical, systems, thermal, manufacturing, quality, and supply chain teams to ensure successful product execution, including reviewing and approving subcontractor processing procedures.
• Evaluate new technologies, materials, and manufacturing processes to improve product capability, quality, and scalability.
• Provide technical mentorship and guidance to junior engineers and designers.
• Serve as a recognized subject matter expert in one or more areas of spacecraft materials and process engineering.

What you'll need:

• Bachelor's degree in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Metallurgy, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related engineering discipline.
• 10+ years of materials and process engineering experience, including significant experience developing spaceflight hardware.
• Demonstrated experience leading materials and process development for spacecraft, satellites, launch vehicles, or other aerospace systems.
• Strong working knowledge of high-performance composite materials (carbon/epoxy, carbon/cyanate resin systems), core materials, surface treatments/coatings, and adhesive bonding processes.
• Hands-on working experience with composite manufacturing processes, including hand lay-up, vacuum bagging, and cure cycle optimization.
• Familiarity with material characterization and analytical test methods such as FTIR, DSC, DMA, and mechanical property testing.
• Experience defining, qualifying, and troubleshooting manufacturing shop floor processes, as well as developing Cause and Corrective Actions (C/CA).
• Ability to independently solve complex technical problems with limited direction.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including presentation of technical data to management and customers.
• Experience working within cross-functional product development teams.
• U.S. Citizenship required.

What will help you on the job:

• Master's degree or PhD in Materials Science and Engineering or related field.
• Experience with small satellite, broadband constellation, or spacecraft bus development programs.
• Experience with composite structures, lightweight design, and outgassing/radiation environmental impacts on materials.
• Familiarity with DFM/DFA principles, SPC methodologies, and production scaling of aerospace materials and hardware.
• Experience with Teamcenter, Windchill, or other PLM systems.
• Experience supporting suppliers and contract manufacturers, including reviewing subcontractor material processing procedures.
• Knowledge of spaceflight material standards, workmanship requirements, and environmental qualification methodologies.
• Experience performing root cause failure investigations and driving corrective actions.
• Previous experience mentoring engineers and providing technical leadership across teams.

Salary range: $141,500.00 - $224,000.00 / annually. For specific work locations within San Jose, the San Francisco Bay area and New York City metropolitan area, the base pay range for this role is $176,000.00- $264,000.00/ annually : At Viasat, we consider many factors when it comes to compensation, including the scope of the position as well as your background and experience. Base pay may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Additional cash or stock incentives may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to a range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the position offered. Learn more about Viasat’s comprehensive benefit offerings that are focused on your holistic health and wellness at https://careers.viasat.com/benefits. EEO statement: