Equipment Engineer
Confirmed on the employer's own hiring board on Oct 13, 2026. First seen by Alion on Sep 10, 2026.
FMI | solutions for the most extreme places in the universe
FMI's manufacturing facility has been a leading solutions provider of high temperature materials and composites for more than 50 years, serving the Department of Defense and NASA. The focus in Maine is on multidirectional reinforced Carbon/Carbon (C/C) and Ceramic Matrix Composites (CMCs) that enable high-temperature components such as: thermal protection systems, re-entry vehicle nose tips as well as rocket motor throats and nozzles.
Our materials are being used on ground-breaking space initiatives such as the Orion Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle and the heat shield for NASA's Mars 2020 mission, important missile programs, airfoils in commercial and military jet engines, and as lightweight armor for U.S. military ground vehicles.
Your role: FMI is seeking an experienced and hands-on R&T Engineer to join the Advanced Materials group within the Research and Technology team. This position will take responsibility for the installation and operation of pilot and full-scale manufacturing equipment for FMI’s new Innovation Center, which is designed to be a world class R&D-to-production pipeline. This equipment will enable rapid development of C/C, CMC, and UHTC material systems, processes, and structures. As a core member of the Innovation Center startup team, you will participate in the full life cycle of high temperature thermal processing equipment, from collaborating on the specification and procurement of RTM work cells, autoclaves, tape wrappers, high temperature furnaces, and CVI reactors to leading the installation, commissioning, and operation of each.
Job Responsibilities:
- Primary liaison with Facilities, Manufacturing Engineering, EHS, Security, and IT for new R&T equipment ownership
- Represent the R&T department during the selection, specification, and commissioning of pilot and full-scale processing equipment and specialized support equipment (gas delivery, cooling water, scrubbers, etc.)
- Provide input and requirements to implement health, safety and environmental controls and equipment to meet applicable standards and specifications
- Participate in the development and execution of IQ/OQ/PQ (installation, operation, and performance qualification) protocols
- Collaborate with R&T to translate lab-scale processes into robust, scalable manufacturing equipment designs
- Implement Design for Manufacturability (DFM) principles to ensure materials and structures are not only functional but easy to maintain and scale
- Develop SOPs and assist on preventative maintenance schedules
- Works with team members to develop manufacturing methods for high temperature thermal protection material systems
- Develops, implements, and sustains policies, standards, and procedures for the engineering and technical work performed
- Adhere to good manufacturing procedures and document all activity for component traceability
- Participate in and lead DFMEAs and PFMEAs
- Contribute to technical reports and give technical updates
- Ensures that safety procedures and processes are followed and compliant
- Apply quality standards to projects to ensure compliance with certification requirements in plant applications
What we need from you:
- Bachelor’s degree in an Engineering discipline; Mechanical, Manufacturing, Industrial, or Chemical preferred
- Minimum 5+ years of relevant experience with a BS, or 3+ with an MS
- Familiarity with manufacturing methods for advanced high temperature carbon and/or ceramic matrix composite materials and structures
- Experience with equipment ownership and/or new facility startup
- Experience with equipment and processing methods for composites, ceramics, or CVI
- Demonstrate results in technical problem solving, product and process development and supporting customer focused programs and services
- Ability to follow and provide technical direction and communicate results
- Ability to follow all safety practices for handling materials and operating processes
- Experience with writing basic process procedures or instructions
- Awareness of potential hazards and proper care and consideration
- Ability to read, interpret, and execute technical instructions, procedures, drawings, manuals, work orders and travelers, as well as document applied processes
- Capable of working independently as well as in a team environment
- Respectful, with a strong work ethic
- Excellent attention to detail
- Strong oral and written communication skills
- Familiarity with SolidWorks or other CAD design tools
- Basic computer skills; Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word, and Microsoft Outlook
- Ability to obtain a security clearance
Preferred:
- BS and 8+ years of experience preferred
- Strong experience in the manufacture of advanced high temperature carbon and/or ceramic matrix composite materials and structures
- Possess an active security clearance
- PLC programming experience
- Experience with Ignition or similar MES
- Experienced in CAD (Solidworks, AutoCAD)
- Experienced with GD&T and engineering drawings
What you'll get from us:
- 16 ETO days
- 12 paid holidays (including Winter Closure!)
- Medical / Dental / Vision
- 401k Company Match
- Tuition Reimbursement
- The anticipated salary range for this position is $80,000-$125,000 dependent on experience