Ablatives Department Position The Ablatives Department is responsible for the manufacture, processing, inspection, and quality assurance of ablative thermal protection materials used in aerospace applications. These materials are critical for protecting structures and components from extreme thermal, mechanical, and environmental conditions during flight, re-entry, and propulsion events. Personnel in this department ensure that all ablative products meet strict engineering specifications, customer requirements, and regulatory standards for safety, performance, and traceability.
Key Responsibilities:- Manufacture and process ablative materials, including layup, molding, bonding, machining, and finishing operations
- Prepare and handle resins, fibers, fillers, and chemical compounds in accordance with approved procedures and safety requirements
- Operate specialized equipment such as mixers, presses, autoclaves, ovens, CNC machines, and curing systems
- Follow engineering drawings, work instructions, and process specifications to ensure product conformity
- Perform in-process and final inspections, documenting results per quality standards
- Maintain material traceability and lot control in compliance with aerospace quality systems
- Identify and report nonconformances, participate in root cause analysis, and support corrective actions
- Adhere to environmental, health, and safety (EHS) regulations when handling hazardous materials
- Support continuous improvement initiatives related to process efficiency, material performance, and defect reduction
- Collaborate with engineering, quality, and production teams to resolve technical and manufacturing issues
- Required Skills and Qualifications
- Knowledge of composite and ablative materials, resins, and thermal protection systems
- Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and process documentation
- Experience with aerospace manufacturing processes and controlled work environments
- Familiarity with quality systems such as AS9100, ISO 9001, or NADCAP (preferred)
- Strong attention to detail and documentation accuracy
- Ability to work with hazardous materials while following safety protocols
- Basic computer skills for data entry, reporting, and documentation
Education and Experience:- High school diploma or equivalent required
- Technical training or associate degree in manufacturing, composites, materials science, or a related field preferred
- Previous experience in aerospace, composites, or high-temperature material manufacturing is desirable
Working Conditions:- Manufacturing environment with exposure to resins, chemicals, dust, and elevated temperatures
- Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is required
- May require standing, lifting, and working in controlled cleanroom or industrial environments
