Chemistry/Materials Engineer 1 (Onsite)
The Chemistry/Materials Engineer 1 at Confidential Client is an entry-level role focused on analyzing, researching, and developing materials and fabrication processes for aerospace and defense applications, including energetic devices and aircraft escape systems. The engineer performs laboratory analyses, failure analysis, and applies principles of chemistry and material science to develop specifications and processes for metallic, non-metallic, and composite materials, collaborating with development teams to ensure optimal material selection and documentation.
About Careertakes
👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, Engineering.
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
Role overview
Confidential Client is hiring an entry-level Chemistry / Materials Engineer (Level 1) to support materials development, characterization, and failure analysis for aerospace and defense applications. This onsite role in Fairfield, CA focuses on developing and optimizing metallic, non‑metallic and composite materials and their fabrication processes for use in energetic devices and aircraft escape systems.
What You’ll Do
- Analyze, research, design and develop materials and related fabrication and application processes to support system and subsystem design.
- Perform laboratory material characterization and failure analysis, including life predictions and specification development.
- Apply principles of chemistry, physics and material behavior to develop material and processing specifications, fabrication and assembly methods.
- Maintain drawing and documentation requirements for materials selections.
- Collaborate with development teams and suppliers to ensure appropriate material selection for new products.
- Document rationale and key factors behind material choices and testing outcomes.
- May review and approve subcontractor material procedures as required.
Minimum qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Material Science, Materials Engineering, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or a related STEM discipline completed by the start date.
- Hands‑on experience (academic, research, internship or on‑the‑job) with thermal analysis tools such as DSC, calorimetry, TGA and TMA.
- Familiarity with composite materials, adhesives, epoxies, rubbers and their aging/failure behaviors.
- Experience with configuration management processes and documentation.
- Ability to work onsite in Fairfield, CA and comply with site access and hiring requirements.
"Experience may be obtained through on‑the‑job experience, research, coursework, or projects."
Preferred qualifications
- Experience reading and applying engineering drawings and drafting standards.
- Chemical laboratory experience (sample prep, instrumentation, chemical handling best practices).
- Experience or training related to handling explosive devices/explosive materials (where applicable and permitted).
Location & work type
- Work type: Onsite — position requires regular onsite presence at the Fairfield, CA facility.
- Location: Fairfield, California (Solano County).
- Immigration status: This opportunity requires a U.S. Person (U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or other protected status as defined by applicable law). Candidates must meet any site-specific access or export-control requirements.
Compensation & benefits
- Salary range (good‑faith estimate): USD 62,900 — USD 119,700 per year.
- Benefits (may include): medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short‑ and long‑term disability, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, employee assistance programs, tuition assistance (Employee Scholar Program), parental leave, paid time off and holidays. Specific benefits depend on business unit and employment classification.
- Relocation eligibility may be available.
A note on process
Careertakes supports a secure recruitment experience for Confidential Client. Candidates may be asked to attend select interview steps in person at a client location regardless of role designation.
Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency
Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.
If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.
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