Role Overview

Our company is developing cutting-edge eVTOL aircraft, constantly pursuing innovative technology to realize the future of aerial mobility.

We are looking for an M&P (Materials & Processes) Engineer to own the certification, qualification, and control of materials and processes used in our aircraft, in addition to conducting research and development (R&D) of new materials and technologies for next-generation airframes. This is a high-impact role where you will work closely with design, structures, manufacturing, quality assurance, and aviation regulatory authorities to establish structural integrity, manufacturing repeatability, and technical superiority.

Responsibilities

Certification & Regulatory Compliance: Develop and execute certification plans for materials (metals, composites, specialty materials) and processes used in the aircraft. Liaise and negotiate directly with aviation regulatory authorities (e.g., JCAB, FAA) to obtain approval for the certification process.

Allowables & Materials Management: Generate and maintain material allowables (A-basis/B-basis) in accordance with industry standards (e.g., CMH-17, MMPDS), and own the company’s Approved Materials List (AML).

Fatigue & Damage Tolerance (F&DT): Define and maintain the fatigue and damage tolerance methodology for each material family (e.g., no-growth approach for composite structures, slow crack growth for metallic structures) in close coordination with the structural engineering team.

Process Specification & Control: Define, freeze, and control special manufacturing processes (curing, bonding, painting, surface treatments, NDI), and lead requalification decisions when supplier or process changes occur.

Testing & Quality Oversight: Manage testing and evaluation required for material qualification and certification. Collaborate with suppliers and external testing laboratories to ensure material quality and reliability.

Production & MRB Support: Participate in the Material Review Board (MRB) to support non-conformance dispositions and root-cause failure investigations (including fractography and NDI evaluation).

Technical Documentation: Create, review, and approve technical specifications, qualification reports, and certification documentation.

R&D for Next-Gen Airframes: Investigate and evaluate high-performance, lightweight advanced materials and innovative manufacturing processes for future aircraft platforms.

Essential Skills

Aerospace Materials Experience: Demonstrated experience in R&D, qualification, or technical evaluation of aerospace materials (composites, metals, adhesives, coatings, etc.).

Regulatory Knowledge: Practical knowledge of aviation materials/process standards and regulatory frameworks (e.g., JCAB AIM Part II, FAA Part 23/27/29, 21.17(b) powered-lift, or EASA SC-VTOL requirements).

Technical Communication: Ability to create formal engineering specifications, technical reports, and regulatory compliance documents.

Desirable Skills

Allowables Methodology: Practical experience using CMH-17, MMPDS, or equivalent industry frameworks to establish design allowables.

Special Processes & Quality Standards: Familiarity with AS9100, NADCAP audit/qualification requirements, and special process control.

Authority Engagement: Experience directly negotiating or coordinating certification plans with civil aviation authorities (JCAB, FAA, EASA).

Advanced Technical Expertise: Knowledge of Fracture Mechanics, Non-Destructive Inspection (NDI) methodologies, and fractography/failure analysis.

Program Experience: Certification experience on a new, clean-sheet aircraft or advanced air mobility program.

Degree: Bachelor's or Master's degree in Materials Science, Aerospace Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.

Language: Business-level English proficiency (Japanese proficiency is a strong advantage for direct JCAB coordination).

Skills for Collaborative Success

Ambiguity Management: Comfortable operating with incomplete or evolving requirements, and proactive in flagging engineering gaps rather than waiting for them to be resolved elsewhere.