Summary
CACI is currently searching for a highly skilled Ceramics Material Engineer to serve as a Subject Matter Expert. This part-time, on-call role is designed to support manufacturers working within the Maritime Industrial Base. The position focuses on solving difficult manufacturing problems and improving the way materials are used in production. By providing expert advice, this engineer will help ensure that critical defense equipment is built to the highest standards of quality and reliability.
Main Impact
The primary goal of this role is to strengthen the American defense manufacturing sector. When manufacturers face issues with materials, it can slow down the production of important equipment for the Navy and other military branches. This expert will step in to find the root causes of these problems, which helps reduce waste and speeds up delivery times. By improving "first pass yield"—which means getting the product right the first time—the engineer helps save money and ensures that national defense projects stay on schedule.
Key Details
What Happened
CACI has opened a specialized position for a materials engineering expert who can work on a flexible schedule. This person will act as a consultant for various manufacturers, helping them understand why certain materials might be failing or how to make their production lines more efficient. The work involves a mix of remote consultation and occasional visits to manufacturing sites to see the processes in person.
Important Numbers and Facts
The position comes with specific requirements and a wide salary range based on experience and location. Key facts include:
- Salary Range: The national average for this role is between $90,300 and $189,600 per year.
- Experience Needed: At least 7 years of hands-on experience in materials engineering within a manufacturing setting.
- Education: A Master’s degree or a Ph.D. in Materials Science or a related engineering field is required.
- Security Clearance: Applicants must be U.S. citizens and hold an active Secret clearance from the Department of Defense.
- Travel: The job requires up to 10% travel, mostly to local manufacturing sites.
Background and Context
The Maritime Industrial Base is a network of companies that build and maintain ships, submarines, and other equipment for the sea. In this industry, the materials used must be incredibly strong and reliable. Ceramics, metals, and polymers are often used in high-tech defense tools because they can withstand extreme heat, pressure, and salt water. However, working with these materials is difficult. If a ceramic part cracks during cooling or a metal alloy does not bond correctly, it can cause a major delay.
Materials science is the study of how things are made and why they behave the way they do. Engineers in this field look at the tiny structures inside a material to understand how it will react under stress. In a manufacturing plant, these experts are the ones who figure out why a machine is breaking or why a batch of parts is coming out defective. Their work is essential for keeping the United States competitive in modern manufacturing.
Public or Industry Reaction
The defense industry is currently seeing a high demand for specialized engineers. As technology becomes more advanced, the materials used in military equipment become more complex. Industry experts note that having "on-call" specialists is a smart move for large companies like CACI. It allows them to bring in high-level knowledge exactly when it is needed without the cost of a full-time executive role. This trend is growing as more retired or semi-retired experts look for ways to contribute their skills to national security on a flexible basis.
What This Means Going Forward
As the U.S. continues to modernize its fleet, the need for material experts will only grow. New technologies like 3D printing with metal and ceramics are changing how parts are made. The person in this role will likely help manufacturers transition to these new methods while maintaining strict quality standards. In the long run, this helps create a more resilient supply chain. If manufacturers can solve their own technical problems with the help of an expert, they become more self-sufficient and better prepared to meet the needs of the military.
Final Take
This role is a vital link between scientific theory and practical manufacturing. By hiring a Subject Matter Expert to support the Maritime Industrial Base, CACI is investing in the quality of national defense. It provides a unique opportunity for a seasoned engineer to apply years of knowledge to solve real-world problems that have a direct impact on the safety and success of the nation's maritime operations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a Ceramics Material Engineer do?
They study and test materials like ceramics and glass to see how they can be used in products. In this role, they help manufacturers fix problems when these materials fail during the building process.
Why is a Secret clearance required for this job?
Because the work involves supporting the Maritime Industrial Base and national defense projects, the engineer will have access to sensitive information that must be protected for national security reasons.
What is the Maritime Industrial Base?
It is the group of businesses, factories, and workers that design, build, and repair ships and submarines for the government and private industry.