Find & Apply For Manufacturing Engineer Jobs in Rio Rancho, New Mexico

Between $29.00 and $51.00 Per Hour DOE (Depends on Experience) Position range in Albuquerque MSA $28.72 - $51.39 Per hour Manufacturing Engineer, Propellant Castelion

Occupation:

Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians

Location:

Rio Rancho, NM - 87124

Job Type:

Regular, Full Time (30 Hours or More), Permanent Employment

Posted:

08/20/2026 Positions available: 1

Source:

New Mexico Jobs

Web Site:

New Mexico Jobs Onsite /

Remote:

Work onsite all of the time

Updated:

08/24/2026

Expires:

11/30/2026 Job #: 961361 Job Requirements and Properties Help for Job Requirements and Properties. Opens a new window. Work Onsite Full Time Education Bachelor's Degree Experience 60 Month(s) Schedule Full Time Job Type Regular Duration Permanent Employment Public Transit Available Benefits Job Description Help for Job Description. Opens a new window. Manufacturing Engineer, Propellant We are seeking a Propellant Manufacturing Engineer to lead and propellant manufacturing processes for solid rocket motors (SRM) supporting Castelion's hypersonic strike programs, including Blackbeard. This role focuses on the development, optimization, qualification, and scaling of propellant formulation, mixing, casting, curing, and related processes. You will work hands-on with energetic materials in a high-consequence environment, driving process reliability, yield, safety, and throughput as we transition from prototype and research builds to high-rate production. Partnering closely with Propulsion Design, Manufacturing, Quality, Automation & Controls, and Test teams, you will ensure propellant processes meet stringent performance, safety, and producibility requirements. Responsibilities Own or lead propellant manufacturing processes, including ingredient preparation, batch mixing, vacuum casting, grain forming, curing, and finishing operations. Develop, document, and continuously improve process parameters, work instructions, and control plans for propellant production. Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and process FMEA activities; drive statistical process control (SPC) and yield improvement initiatives. Support new product introduction (NPI) by translating propellant formulation and grain design requirements into robust, scalable manufacturing processes. Perform root-cause analysis and implement corrective/preventive actions for process deviations, defects, or quality issues. Collaborate with Automation & Controls teams to introduce or improve mixing, casting, and handling automation while maintaining strict safety and process control. Ensure full compliance with energetic materials handling protocols, DoD 4145.26-M, ATF regulations, ITAR, and site-specific explosive safety standards. Support equipment selection, qualification, maintenance, and process validation for mixers, casting systems, ovens, and related tooling. Interface with suppliers on propellant ingredients and intermediate materials; contribute to incoming quality and supplier process improvements. Mentor junior engineers and technicians; contribute to training programs and process standardization across production sites. Support facility ramp and capability expansion at the Midland, TX operations and Project Ranger campus in New Mexico. Basic Qualifications Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related technical field. 5+ years of manufacturing or process engineering experience, with at least 3+ years hands-on work involving solid propellants, energetic materials, or analogous high-hazard chemical/process manufacturing. Demonstrated experience developing or scaling mixing, casting, or similar batch/process operations in a regulated environment. Hands-on experience with propellant or energetic mixing (planetary, vertical, or similar mixers), vacuum casting, and curing processes. Strong understanding of propellant rheology, ingredient interactions, process sensitivity, and quality attributes (density, voids, mechanical properties, ballistic performance). Proficiency with process documentation, statistical tools (Minitab or similar), PFMEA, and root-cause methodologies. Familiarity with process equipment design/qualification, instrumentation, and data collection for batch processes. Working knowledge of energetic materials safety, hazardous location requirements, and large-scale chemical handling practices. Ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and material data sheets. Preferred Skills and Experience Direct experience manufacturing solid rocket motor propellants for DoD, NASA, or commercial space/hypersonic programs. Background in fast-paced aerospace or defense production environments (startups or primes). Experience scaling processes from laboratory/prototype to low-rate or high-rate production. Familiarity with insensitive munitions practices, motor case interfaces, or propellant-to-liner bonding processes. Prior involvement in facility stand-up, equipment commissioning, or production ramp of energetic materials lines. Experience with ITAR-controlled programs and classified manufacturing environments. Other Duties Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.