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Ball Aerospace is powered by endlessly curious people with an unwavering mission focus. We pioneer discoveries that enable our customers to perform beyond expectation and protect what matters most. We create innovative space solutions, enable more accurate weather forecasts, drive insightful observations of our planet, deliver actionable data and intelligence, and ensure those who defend our freedom go forward bravely and return home safely.

At our core, we're passionate, committed people who believe together we can achieve extraordinary things. We work collaboratively with each other, our customers and partners to solve the world's greatest challenges. That means listening to one another, providing feedback and partnering across all levels. We value our inclusive culture where everyone is heard equally and creativity thrives. Each team member is fully invested in our mission and we bring an energy to work every day that propels our business and motivates us all to Go Beyond.®

For more information, visit Ball Aerospace Career Site or connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

The Engineering Strategic Capabilities Unit comprises the organizational talent and technical leadership that enables the successful delivery of high-impact discriminating technologies for our customers’ missions. Our collaborative, cross-functional teams are committed to innovation, integrity, continual learning and strong execution.

­Associate Engineer – Materials and Process Contamination Lab

Ball Aerospace Materials and Process Development Labs is looking for a capable employee to fill a multidisciplinary role on its Boulder/Broomfield and Westminster campuses. The successful candidate will have the following:

• Solid general chemical laboratory skills.
• Experience performing manual titrations of acid/alkaline samples to a visual end point.
• Solid basic mathematic skills to perform unit conversions and calculate area and volume of regular and irregular geometries.
• Excellent communication skills to communicate results to those that may not be verse in the subject matter.

What You’ll Do:

• Primary Responsibilities:
  • Provide support to a molecular and particle contamination laboratory (Boulder/Broomfield).
    • Perform all activities associated with a molecular and particle contamination laboratory, including but not limited to, sampling of flight hardware within a cleanroom environment, process samples for molecular contamination, perform particle counts under a microscope and with automated equipment, identify materials using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, interpreting spectra thereof, and reporting results.
  • Provide support to plating bath analytical laboratory (Westminster).
    • Perform all activities associated with an analytical laboratory providing support to a through hole plating line, including but not limited to, sample baths, prepare bath samples, titrate bath samples, maintain acidic and caustic baths based on results of titration, perform titration analysis using automated titrator, perform manual titration analysis, perform elemental analysis using Atomic Absorption, perform analysis of bath samples using Ultra-violet spectroscopic techniques, perform associated mathematical calculations, and report results.
  • Work with chemicals (flammable, combustible, corrosive, caustic), cryogenics, hand tools, and power tools in a safe manner within a laboratory setting.
  • Work within general laboratory, machine shop, cleanroom, plating shop, and production floor settings.
  • Daily work effort is in support of existing test procedures and assist in development of new test protocols.
  • Work on multiple campuses in the Boulder, Westminster, and Broomfield area.
  • Work with minimal supervision, working to both verbal and written instruction.
  • Accurately complete work in a timely manner.
  • Support all programs at Ball Aerospace, including but not limited to, the Military, National Defense, and Civil business sectors.
  • Reporting location will depend on business needs (Westminster, Broomfield, and/or Boulder campuses) and individual skill sets.
• Secondary Responsibilities:
  • Perform all activities in environment testing laboratory, including operation and maintenance of vacuum/oven, thermal cycle equipment, perform testing of materials in those environments, interpret data, perform cryogenic tests and processes, and other related activities.
  • Process, blend, apply, and test lubricants in a laboratory and production floor setting. Inspect lubricated parts for compliance, and other related activities.
  • Test materials and assemblies for mechanical properties at elevated and cryogenic temperatures. Assist in designing experiments, programing instrumentation, and summarizing data.
  • Perform instrumental analysis of materials for thermal properties at cryogenic and elevated temperatures in a laboratory setting. Process data in standard format and report.
  • Test and evaluate materials and assemblies for electrostatic properties, set up workstations and equipment to support manufacture of electrostatic sensitive hardware, perform periodic testing of materials, work stations, and facilities, and other similar activities.
  • Mix, blend, apply, process, and test adhesive systems to various substrates. Cure such materials at elevated temperature and pressure.
  • Process and perform cross sectional analysis and inspection using optical and digital microscopy.

• Maintain a regular and predictable work schedule.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships within the department, the Strategic Business Units, Strategic Capabilities Units and the Company. Interact appropriately with others in order to maintain a positive and productive work environment.
• Perform other duties as necessary.

What You’ll Need:

• BS degree or higher in Engineering or a related technical field is required.
• Each higher-level degree, i.e., Master's Degree or Ph.D., may substitute for two years of experience. Related technical experience may be considered in lieu of education. Degree must be from a university, college, or school which is accredited by an agency recognized by the US Secretary of Education, US Department of Education.
• BS degree in Chemistry, Physics, Chemical Engineering or related chemical field preferred.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Demonstrated computer and mechanical, electrical, and/or laboratory skills.
• Demonstrated ability to perform manual titrations of acidic and alkaline samples.
• Basic laboratory skills including working knowledge of laboratory glassware, working with chemicals, and familiarity working with laboratory personal protective equipment.

On-Site Work Environment: This position requires regular in-person engagement by working on-site five days each normally scheduled week in the primary work location. Travel a​nd local commute between Ball campuses and other possible non-Ball locations may be required.

Working Conditions:

• Ball Aerospace is a drug-free workplace, which is imperative to the health and safety of all employees and is required as a condition of receiving contracts from federal agencies. Please remember that regardless of the legalization of marijuana in Colorado and other states, possession and use continues to be illegal under the federal Controlled Substances Act. This includes the use of some CBD products. A post-offer, pre-employment drug test is a condition of employment.
• Work is performed in an office, laboratory, production floor, or cleanroom, outdoors or remote research environment.
• May occasionally work in production work centers where use of protective equipment and gear is required.
• May access other facilities in various weather conditions.
• Daily commute across Ball campus transporting by hand less than 20 pounds materials/chemical/equipment or pushing greater than 20 pounds material/chemical/equipment.

A security clearance or access with Polygraph is not required to be eligible for this position. However, the applicant must be willing and eligible for submission, depending on program requirements, after an offer is accepted and must be able to maintain the applicable clearance/access.

Relocation for this position is available.

Compensation & Benefits:

• HIRING SALARY RANGE: $72,000 - $89,000 (Salary to be determined by the education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities of the applicant, internal equity, and alignment with market data.)
• This position includes a competitive benefits package. For details, copy and paste https://bit.ly/3pNSnxv into your browser or visit our careers site.

US CITIZENSHIP IS REQUIRED

Ball Aerospace is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status.

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