Principle Engineer - Polymer Materials in Baltimore, Maryland at Middle River Aerostructure Systems

Position Title: Principle Engineer - Polymer Materials

Location: Baltimore, MD, US, 21220

Company Name: STENA

Description:

Who YOU are and what YOU can become

ST Engineering MRAS is seeking a Principle Engineer – Polymer Materials to serve as a senior technical authority for polymer science, composite materials, and advanced resin systems used across MRAS’s development and production programs.

In this role, you will lead the research, synthesis, formulation, characterization, evaluation, and qualification of polymer-based materials—including matrix resins, adhesives, films, coatings, and composite systems—supporting both new technology development and production maturation. You will partner with cross‑functional engineering, R&D, quality, production, and supplier teams to ensure our materials meet performance, processing, durability, and regulatory requirements.

This role is ideal for a highly technical, hands‑on engineer with a passion for understanding polymers at the molecular level and translating those insights into manufacturable composite technologies for next-generation aerostructures.

Who WE are and where WE are going

At ST Engineering MRAS, our employees have amazing opportunities to work on advanced technologies and systems that support thousands of customers and millions of people worldwide every day. From the first flight across the Pacific Ocean to developing highly complex structures for the most popular aircraft in the world, we have come a long way always with a can-do approach to problem solving while delighting customers with our high say-do ratio. We are looking for people with innovative ideas and the drive to help us grow into the future.

A pioneer in the production and assembly of complex aerostructures including aircraft and rocket components, engine nacelle systems, thrust reversers and advanced composite products, we apply the latest digital technologies and automation in composite design and manufacturing that are second to none. At ST Engineering MRAS, we are also rapidly augmenting our maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) capabilities leveraging the company’s expanded aircraft nacelle portfolio as well as it’s materials and processing expertise.

What YOU will do

Advanced Polymers & Composite Material Development

• Lead development of new polymer resin systems, adhesives, toughened matrix systems, and composite formulations for advanced structures.
• Direct synthesis, chemical modification, and formulation of polymer systems to achieve desired structural, processing, and durability characteristics.
• Develop new or improved composite lay-up, cure, bonding, and consolidation processes linked to material chemistry.
• Act as the technical focal point for all polymer material selection, performance definition, and risk assessment.

Material Testing, Characterization & Qualification

• Establish and lead test programs for polymer materials including chemical, thermal, rheological, physical, and mechanical characterization.
• Analyze material behavior under various environmental, structural, and processing conditions.
• Develop and maintain material specifications, process specifications, and qualification plans.
• Ensure compliance with customer requirements, regulatory standards, and industry specifications for composite materials.

Applications to Composite Manufacturing

• Work with manufacturing and process engineering teams to translate polymer material behavior into robust production processes.
• Support development of prototype parts, early process trials, and validation builds used to test new material systems.
• Investigate material-processing interactions (viscosity, cure kinetics, consolidation behavior, tack, drape, etc.) to support manufacturability and scalability.

R&D Leadership & Cross-functional Integration

• Provide expert technical guidance to multidisciplinary teams working on composite demonstrators, new product development, and advanced technology programs.
• Collaborate with suppliers, academia, and research institutes on polymer science innovation and material development partnerships.
• Deliver clear technical direction, documentation, and reporting to customers, leadership, and internal stakeholders. (Leveraging strong presentation and coordination skills from the candidate’s background.)

Material Issue Resolution & Continuous Improvement

• Lead root‑cause analysis of polymer and composite material deviations, defects, or process issues.
• Recommend material or process adjustments based on performance deviations and end‑use requirements.
• Develop and sustain continuous improvement initiatives related to material robustness, durability, quality, and long-term performance.

What YOU must bring to Succeed

• Ph.D. in Chemistry with a specialization in polymer materials, ceramic–polymer nanocomposites, thermosets, and advanced materials systems.
• More than 8 years of experience in polymer synthesis, advanced composites, thermoset chemistry, nanocomposites, and multifunctional material development for high-performance applications.
• Expertise in polymer synthesis, functionalization, and structure–property relationships, including benzoxazine, epoxy, polyurethane, polyamide, PVC, elastomeric systems, and ceramic‑reinforced composites.
• Strong hands-on experience with polymer and composite characterization, including FTIR, NMR, DSC, TGA, DMA, SEM, rheometry (ARES G2), mechanical testing, and cure kinetics analysis.
• Proven record of designing, developing, and optimizing thermosets, polymer–ceramic nanocomposites, and multifunctional composite materials for aerospace and high-performance applications.
• Experience leading end-to-end R&D, including material synthesis, purification, formulation, scaling, processing, and laboratory-to-pilot transition activities.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct thermal, mechanical, dielectric, insulation, and aging studies for materials intended for demanding environments.
• Strong cross-functional collaboration skills—capable of partnering with engineering, manufacturing, and research teams to translate material innovations into deployable components and manufacturable composite systems.
• Excellent scientific communication skills, with a substantial record of peer-reviewed publications in polymer science, composites, dielectric materials, and advanced nanocomposites.
• This position involves access to export-controlled technology which requires U.S. Person status or government authorization. A ‘U.S. Person,’ as defined by 22 C.F.R. §120.62, includes U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, individuals lawfully admitted for permanent residence (green card holders), and individuals granted asylum or refugee status in the United States. To be considered for this position, you must either be a U.S. Person or fall within a legally recognized export control exception or authorization. If hired, you will be required to provide valid proof of such status.

Desired Characteristics

• Deep technical strength in polymer chemistry, composite synthesis, nanocomposite engineering, and high-performance thermoset development.
• Strong background performing structure–property analyses, dielectric behavior evaluations, and environmental/aging studies under multi-stress conditions.
• Demonstrated leadership in academia and industry through mentoring, supervising research, and guiding milestone-driven materials R&D programs.
• Hands-on experience with composite processing, resin infusion, extrusion, compression molding, thermal processing, and densification techniques.
• Creative, analytical, and research-driven mindset with an established track record of delivering innovative polymer material systems from concept through validation.
• Excellent aptitude for cross-functional problem solving, including resolving complex materials issues using advanced testing and characterization tools.
• Evidence of scientific leadership and innovation through multi-publication contributions in high-impact journals focused on polymers, composites, and sustainable materials systems.

At ST Engineering MRAS, we offer great rewards, competitive pay, career advancement and growth opportunities.

Estimate salary range for this role: $130,000 to $170,000 per year. ST Engineering MRAS considers several factors with extending job offers, including but not limited to candidates’ key skills, relevant work experience, education/training/certification, job level, and work location. Base salary is only one component of our competitive Total Rewards package.

ST Engineering - MRAS Benefits:

As a full-time employee of ST Engineering- MRAS, you are eligible for our benefits package including:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage starting from start date
• Health Flexible Spending Accounts
• Free Onsite Gym with weekly fitness classes
• Immediate 401k vesting
• Educational Assistance
• Life Insurance
• Paid Time off (Permissive for exempt staff)

Employment Notice: Background and Drug Screening Requirements

As part of our commitment to maintaining a safe and secure workplace, successful completion of a background check and drug screening is a mandatory condition for employment. All offers of employment are contingent upon satisfactory results from these screenings.

It takes diverse talent to solve real-world problems. ST Engineering is deeply committed to building a workplace community where inclusion is valued, and everyone feels welcomed. We’re proud to consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, family status, marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, or veteran status, or any other legally protected grounds. So, bring us your personal experience, your perspectives, and your background. It’s through our differences that innovative changes are made.

ST Engineering is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in the employment application process. To request an accommodation, please contact our Talent Strategies team at 571-771-0101, or by email at stena.careers@stengg.us.

Nearest Major Market: Baltimore