Director, Materials & Manufacturing (Aerospace Systems)
About the Role
Monarch Space Systems seeks a Director of Materials & Manufacturing to lead the engineering architecture associated with the Exotic Material Additive Manufacturing Facility (EMAMF) — connecting advanced materials research, additive manufacturing process development, qualified external capacity, characterization, and materials-propulsion integration. The Director will serve as the institution's principal authority for advanced materials and manufacturing pathways supporting space systems programs. The role is associated with the Greater Cleveland and Northeast Ohio aerospace corridor; work-location requirements will be defined with the position and program need.
Responsibilities
- Lead EMAMF materials, process-development, qualification, and technology-transition architecture for aerospace systems
- Define internal and qualified external pathways for materials characterization, inspection, and high-temperature testing
- Develop and maintain materials databases, specifications, and process control documentation aligned with aerospace standards
- Lead materials selection and qualification for propulsion components, thermal protection systems, and structural applications
- Coordinate EMAMF integration with QPRL propulsion research programs and advanced propulsion development
- Build and lead materials engineering and manufacturing team
- Oversee supplier qualification and raw materials governance in compliance with federal acquisition requirements
- Partner with Quality Director on materials-related quality processes and configuration control
- Support technology-transition evaluations for EMAMF-related materials and manufacturing processes
Ideal Candidate Profile
- Ph.D. or Master's degree in Materials Science, Metallurgical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field
- 10+ years of experience in advanced materials engineering or aerospace manufacturing
- Demonstrated experience with additive manufacturing for aerospace or defense applications
- Knowledge of materials characterization techniques and aerospace materials standards (ASTM, AMS, NASA-STD)
- U.S. citizenship required
The qualifications above describe the ideal candidate profile for this position — not an inflexible checklist. Monarch Space Systems evaluates the whole of a candidate's experience, judgment, and mission alignment, and welcomes a conversation with individuals of exceptional ability whose backgrounds differ from the profile in some respects. If you believe you can contribute at the level this role demands, we encourage you to apply or to initiate a confidential inquiry through the Careers Portal. Certain criteria — including U.S. citizenship and export-control (ITAR/EAR) eligibility, where stated — are legal mandates and cannot be waived.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with exotic or refractory materials for high-temperature aerospace applications
- Background in materials for propulsion systems (combustion chambers, nozzles, thermal protection)
- Experience establishing materials processing facilities in a government contractor environment
- Familiarity with additive manufacturing qualification for flight hardware
This position may require eligibility to access controlled or proprietary information and may be subject to confidentiality and employment agreements, including an NDA and role-specific restrictive covenants, in accordance with applicable laws.
Benefits
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) retirement plan with employer match
- Paid time off, federal holidays, and personal leave
- Professional development and continuing education support
- Downtown Cleveland parking or transit subsidy
- Collaborative, mission-driven institutional culture
- Performance incentive compensation
- Leadership role shaping an advanced materials-to-hardware pathway
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