Senior Materials & Processes Engineer, Corrosion

As the Senior Materials & Processes Engineer, Corrosion at Relativity Space, you will be solely accountable for implementing corrosion control for the Terran R rocket. Your main responsibilities will include defining the Corrosion Control Plan, mentoring fellow engineers, guiding interdisciplinary teams, and researching novel materials and processes that enhance corrosion control. Additionally, you'll work directly with different departments such as materials engineering, manufacturing, and design to ensure that corrosion control measures are effectively integrated across the vehicle.

To qualify for the Senior Materials & Processes Engineer, Corrosion role at Relativity Space, candidates should possess a bachelor’s degree in materials science, engineering, or a closely related field. More than five years of relevant experience in materials science or engineering is preferred, demonstrating a solid foundation in these principles. We look for individuals who are committed to accountability, collaboration, and interdisciplinary teamwork, along with the ability to foster strong working relationships across the company.

Having specialized knowledge in corrosion control methods relevant to aerospace, such as understanding the property-process-performance-structure relationships of materials, will be beneficial for your candidacy as a Senior Materials & Processes Engineer, Corrosion at Relativity Space. Experience with coastal launch vehicles or naval aerospace products, alongside hands-on skills in failure investigations and laboratory techniques, will further showcase your expertise. Familiarity with relevant engineering disciplines like fracture mechanics and lifelong learning in the field will highlight your dedication to professional growth.

Relativity Space is dedicated to the continuous growth and development of its employees, including the Senior Materials & Processes Engineer, Corrosion. The company offers benefits such as an annual learning and development stipend, mentorship opportunities, and access to industry events. You will be encouraged to cultivate not only technical expertise but also interpersonal skills in a collaborative and inclusive environment, allowing for comprehensive professional growth.

The work culture at Relativity Space is centered around innovation, collaboration, and inclusivity. As a Senior Materials & Processes Engineer, Corrosion, you'll find yourself in a creative environment where interdisciplinary teamwork thrives. The company places a strong emphasis on accountability and values each engineer as a vital contributor to its mission of building cutting-edge aerospace technology. Enjoy a chance to work alongside passionate individuals and share in the responsibility of pushing the boundaries of what is possible in space exploration.

In your response, focus on specific projects where you implemented corrosion control measures effectively. Highlight your understanding of materials' properties and how they relate to corrosion resistance. Discuss any successes or challenges you faced and the outcomes of your efforts. This shows not only your technical knowledge but also your problem-solving skills.

Identify common corrosion issues, such as pitting, stress corrosion cracking, and galvanic corrosion. Discuss techniques you would use to analyze these problems, such as using inhibitors or coatings, and demonstrate your thought process on how you might develop strategies to mitigate these issues in the Terran R project.

Share your approach to mentorship, emphasizing the importance of fostering an open, encouraging environment. You could discuss how you would provide hands-on training, facilitate discussions on theoretical concepts, and guide the junior engineer through practical applications of corrosion control on projects to build their confidence and expertise.

Talk about your strategy for establishing strong communication channels among various teams such as engineering, manufacturing, and inspectors. Emphasize the importance of collaborative meetings, shared documentation, and continuous updates to ensure everyone is aligned and understands the corrosion control requirements.

Detail a specific case where you conducted a failure investigation on corrosion. Discuss the analysis methods you utilized, the root causes you identified, and how the findings informed future design or material selection, focusing on lessons learned that could prevent similar issues.

Reflect on your practical experience in a laboratory setting, highlighting specific techniques like electrochemical tests and immersion tests. Discuss how you utilized these methods to gather data on material performance and what you learned from the results to guide future material selections on projects.

Mention any conferences, seminars, and workshops you attend, as well as journals or publications you read. Discuss your proactive efforts to engage with professional organizations such as AMPP or NACE, showcasing your commitment to continuous learning and professional networking.

Explain how you use data analysis to assess performance trends in materials. Share specific examples of how you analyze predictive data to inform your corrosion control strategies, making data-driven decisions that enhance performance and longevity of aerospace materials.

Outline your systematic approach to creating a Corrosion Control Plan, including material selection processes, risk assessment strategies, and ongoing monitoring schedules. Emphasize your collaboration with affected departments to tailor the plan’s implementation according to the rocket's specifications.

Identify potential challenges such as varying environmental conditions during launches and storage, and discuss proactive strategies you might implement to overcome these challenges, such as developing adaptable coatings or utilizing robust materials designed for extreme conditions.