Material & Process Engineer 3
Date: Oct 6, 2026
Location: Centennial, CO, US, 80112
Company: United Launch Alliance
Requisition ID: 2210
Standard Weekly Hours: 40.00
Location: ULA - Denver
Relocation: Yes- Relocation may be available
Travel Requirements: 10%
At ULA, success comes through the efforts of a strong, united team.
Thanks for your interest in United Launch Alliance, the world's most experienced and reliable space launch company! Successfully launching more than 155 consecutive missions with 100% mission success doesn't happen by accident. It's a testament to the commitment and dedication of our team of rocket scientists and support employees combined with the systems and processes we use to pull them together. As a ULA employee, you'll have the opportunity to grow in your career while working in a team-oriented culture that combines technology, innovation, ingenuity and a commitment to the extraordinary. Whether you are in college just launching your career, or, have experience and want to come work with the best rocket team in the world, our unshakable unity yields stronger solutions and better results as we carry out our mission to save lives, explore the universe, and connect the world. Our team is excited to meet you!
Job Overview & Responsibilities
ULA is seeking a Metallurgical Engineer to join the Parts, Materials, and Processes (PMP) Engineering team in Centennial, Colorado.
This position is for a Material and Process Engineer with responsibilities to include the following:
- Support design, analysis, material selection, process development, and material qualification for launch vehicles.
- Provide metallurgical engineering expertise throughout the hardware development lifecycle from conceptual design through production and flight qualification.
- Evaluate the effects of alloy composition, processing history, heat treatment, microstructure, and manufacturing processes on material and hardware performance.
- Support development of material and process specifications, design criteria, and engineering standards.
- Lead or support development and qualification of new materials, material forming techniques, heat treatment procedures, and manufacturing processes.
- Evaluate technical implications of changes to materials, suppliers, manufacturing processes, and heat treatments.
- Lead metallurgical investigations and failure analyses involving development and flight hardware.
- Apply fracture mechanics, failure analysis, and metallurgical principles to understand hardware anomalies and establish root cause.
- Develop and review material test plans and evaluate results.
- Establish technical requirements for suppliers.
- Mentor less-experienced PMP Engineers.
- Communicate complex metallurgical concepts and technical recommendations to engineering leadership, design teams, and production.
- Review and approve Engineering drawings.
Required Education
Bachelor
Required Years of Experience
Minimum of 4 years of related work experience
Basic Qualifications
- Bachelor of Science degree in Materials Science, Materials Engineering, or Metallurgical Engineering.
- Minimum four years' experience in metallurgical or materials engineering.
- Demonstrated experience in the resolution of complex material and process anomalies.
- Working knowledge of Military and Commercial Materials and process Specifications.
- Strong ability to multitask and able to prioritize both daily tasks and long-term projects.
- Experience working independently and in a team environment.
- Experience with Microsoft Office.
- Strong technical writing, communication, presentation, and time management skills.
- Demonstrated experience developing and executing test campaigns for qualification of components, materials, and processes.
- Experience managing materials and process related databases.
- Ability to travel to suppliers, test houses, and other ULA sites.
- Demonstrated experience applying materials engineering to hardware design and development.
- Strong technical knowledge of metallic materials, processing, microstructure, and mechanical properties.
Preferred Qualifications
- Demonstrated experience with nickel-based superalloys and their processing, properties, and applications such as Alloy 718.
- Experience with fatigue, crack growth, fracture toughness, and cryogenic material testing.
- Experience developing or evaluating material allowables.
- Advanced degree in Metallurgical Engineering, Materials Science, or related discipline.
- Experience leading technical projects or mentoring engineers.
Summary Salary Range (for ULA - Denver only): $99,604.00 - $166,007.00
Please note that the salary information shown above is a general guideline only. Salaries are based upon a candidate's experience and qualifications, as well as internal equity, market and business considerations. Employees may be eligible for a discretionary annual bonus in addition to base pay.
What makes ULA different?
Because we understand launch success comes through the collective efforts of a team, we seek the best to join us. We value ethics, ingenuity, engagement and professional development for employees at all levels.
We offer our employees competitive pay and benefits including:
- 401(k) match plus an additional employer contribution
- Discretionary annual incentive bonus for eligible employees
- Generous paid time off
- Flexible work environments
Additionally, most salaried ULA team members work a "9/80 schedule," meaning they enjoy every other Friday off.
Benefits and work schedules may vary for union-represented hourly positions and are described in the applicable collective bargaining agreement.
The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.
Security Clearance / International Traffic In Arms Regulations (ITAR). This position requires use of information which is subject to the International Traffic In Arms Regulations (ITAR). Therefore, all applicants must be U.S. Persons as defined in ITAR 22 CFR 120.62 (e.g., U.S. Citizen, Lawful Permanent Resident (Green Card holder) or protected individual. See 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(20) and 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) for additional information).
ULA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment.
ULA is a participant in the federal E-Verify Program. Posters in PDF format pertaining to this program can be accessed by clicking on the links identified below. E-Verify Participation poster (English / Spanish) and Right to Work Poster (English / Spanish).
Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act requires covered employees to follow a post selection notification process. A hired candidate may opt out of this process by notifying the hiring manager in writing at the time the offer is accepted
Nearest Major Market: Denver