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.
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
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
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
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