This role will be responsible for developing and executing the company's FSW technology roadmap, advancing process capabilities, leading customer-funded and internally funded R&D programs, and creating differentiated manufacturing solutions that support growth in defense markets, including missile systems, munitions, launch systems, hypersonics, aerospace structures, naval systems, next-generation defense platforms, and nuclear plant welding applications.
The successful candidate will combine deep technical expertise in friction stir welding and solid-state joining technologies with strong leadership, customer engagement, and commercialization experience. This position will play a key role in transforming Ascentec's FSW capability from a manufacturing process into a strategic growth platform.
This position is onsite (not remote, not hybrid) with a travel expectation of 10%. This position is not eligible for Visa sponsorship or transfer of Visa sponsorship.
Requirements
Technology Strategy & Innovation:- Develop and execute a multi-year FSW technology roadmap aligned with corporate growth objectives.
- All welding and joining technologies - including e-beam welding, mig and tig welding, robotic/manual welding, diffusion bonding, vacuum brazing, rotary welding, orbital welding, etc.
- Identify emerging technologies and applications that can create competitive advantages.
- Lead development of advanced FSW processes for:
- Aluminum alloys
- Copper alloys
- Dissimilar material joining
- High-strength aerospace materials
- Thick-section structural components
- Evaluate and implement adjacent technologies including:
- Friction stir processing
- Refill friction stir spot welding
- Friction stir additive manufacturing
- Hybrid manufacturing processes
- Automation and robotic FSW systems
Research & Development Leadership: - Lead internal and customer-funded R&D initiatives.
- Establish and manage FSW development laboratories and testing capabilities.
- Direct process qualification and validation efforts.
- Develop experimental plans, process characterization methodologies, and statistical process controls.
- Lead Design of Experiments (DOE) programs to optimize process performance.
- Manage technology maturation from concept through production implementation.
Defense & Government Programs - Identify and pursue government-funded R&D opportunities.
- Support proposal development for:
- Department of Defense
- U.S. Army
- U.S. Navy
- U.S. Air Force
- Missile Defense Agency
- DARPA
- NASA
- Department of Energy
- Build relationships with government laboratories and defense innovation organizations.
- Represent Ascentec in technical reviews and customer engagements.
Product & Process Development - Develop new FSW applications for defense and aerospace customers.
- Establish qualification methodologies and acceptance criteria.
- Drive development of proprietary tooling, fixtures, and process technologies.
- Work with engineering teams to transition R&D projects into production.
- Support customer qualification and first article programs.
Customer Engagement - Serve as the technical face of Ascentec's FSW capabilities.
- Engage directly with customer engineering organizations.
- Support business development efforts through technical presentations and demonstrations.
- Participate in industry conferences and technical forums.
- Publish technical papers and represent Ascentec in industry working groups where appropriate.
Team Leadership - Build and lead a high-performance FSW R&D organization.
- Recruit, mentor, and develop engineers and technical specialists.
- Establish laboratory safety and engineering standards.
- Manage budgets, capital investments, and resource planning.
- Collaborate with manufacturing, quality, operations, and business development teams.
Required Qualifications: Education - Bachelor's degree in:
- Manufacturing Engineering
- Materials Science
- Mechanical Engineering
- Metallurgical Engineering
- Aerospace Engineering
Required: - Master's degree required for the senior level role.
- PhD in a related engineering discipline required for the director level role.
Required Experience:Director Level:- 12+ years of engineering and technology development experience.
- 8+ years working directly with friction stir welding technologies.
- Experience leading R&D organizations or advanced manufacturing technology groups.
- Proven history developing new manufacturing technologies from concept through commercialization.
- Experience supporting defense, aerospace, or space programs.
Senior Manager Level: - 8+ years of engineering experience.
- 5+ years of direct FSW process development experience.
- Experience managing technical teams and customer development programs.
- Demonstrated success leading advanced manufacturing projects.
Technical Requirements: Strong knowledge of:
- Friction Stir Welding process fundamentals
- All joining technologies
- Metallurgy and materials science
- Aerospace and defense materials
- Process qualification methodologies
- Weld characterization and testing
- Nondestructive evaluation techniques
- Design of Experiments (DOE)
- Statistical analysis and process control
- Manufacturing automation
- Finite Element Analysis (FEA) concepts
- Product development lifecycle management
Preferred Qualifications:Experience with:
- Missile and munitions manufacturing
- Rocket motor hardware
- Aerospace structures
- Cryogenic tanks and pressure vessels
- Space launch systems
- Hypersonic vehicle components
- Naval systems
- Defense manufacturing environments
Knowledge of:
- AWS standards
- ASME standards
- AS9100
- NADCAP
- ITAR
- DFARS
- Government R&D contracting
Compensation: Senior Manager, FSW R&D: - Salary Starts at $145,000 per year and may be higher based on experience, skills, and qualifications
- Annual Discretionary Commission, based on performance metrics: Commission earnings of 15%+ of base salary, with additional upside based on performance
Director, FSW R&D: - Salary Starts at $160,000 per year and may be higher based on experience, skills, and qualifications
- Annual Discretionary Commission, based on performance metrics: Commission earnings of 20%+ of base salary, with additional upside based on performance
Benefits:- Dental and Medical w/vision coverage insurance plans offered
- STD/LTD & Life insurance plans offered
- FSA and DCA available
- PTO and Holiday pay
- Immediate 100% vesting Safe Harbor 401(k) retirement saving plan with matching contributions
- Educational aid program available
- Purchase discounts, membership discounts, and many other incentives
Applicant must be able to pass a drug screen and criminal background check prior to employment.
