Castelion · 2 days ago
Senior NDE Engineer - Solid Rocket Motors
Torrance, CA
Full-time
Onsite
Senior Level
7+ years expCastelion is bringing a new approach to defense development and production, focusing on short design cycles and rapid testing. The Senior NDE Engineer will own all non-destructive evaluation activities for solid rocket motor programs, developing advanced inspection techniques and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.
AerospaceGovernmentManufacturingMilitaryNational Security
No H1B
Security Clearance RequiredU.S. Citizen OnlyHiring Manager
Andy R.
Responsibilities
Own the full NDE lifecycle for solid propellant motors: technique development, procedure creation, personnel training, equipment selection, and daily execution
Architect and qualify next-generation NDE solutions including digital radiography (DR), computed tomography (CT), phased-array ultrasonics (PAUT), thermography, and shearography
Design and implement high-throughput inspection cells (robotic manipulators, conveyorized X-ray, real-time CT reconstruction)
Author and maintain NADCAP-compliant NDE procedures, technique sheets, and Level III responsibilities
Lead NDE support for root-cause investigations of in-process and flight anomalies
Identify, evaluate, and deploy emerging NDE technologies (e.g., high-energy CT for thick-section propellant, AI-assisted ultrasonics)
Partner with Manufacturing Engineering to design inspectable features into new motor designs
Qualification
Required
Bachelors degree in Engineering, Physics, Materials Science, or related field
Minimum 7 to 10 years of hands-on NDE experience, preferably in the Aerospace industry
Active Secret clearance (or ability to obtain). U.S. Person required for ITAR compliance
Preferred
Proven track record developing and qualifying NDE techniques for large solid rocket motors (30 in diameter, case-bonded grains)
Deep expertise in digital radiography systems, high-energy linear accelerators, and industrial CT reconstruction software
Experience achieving NADCAP accreditation for NDE in propulsion or explosives environments
Hands-on implementation of automated defect recognition and phased-array UT on complex geometries
Prior work supporting rapid-response anomaly investigations on strategic or launch vehicle programs
Strong aptitude for scripting (Python, MATLAB) to automate image processing and reporting
Demonstrated ability to train and certify Level I/II technicians in high-hazard environments
Benefits
Long-term stock incentives
Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental insurance
Four weeks of paid time off per year
Company
Castelion
Castelion is a defense tech company that applies modern hardware development and manufacturing processes to national security challenges.
51-200 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Growth StageTotal Funding
$469.61MKey Investors
Lightspeed Venture PartnersSilicon Valley BankAndreessen Horowitz
2025-12-05Series B· $350M
2025-01-29Series A· $70M
2025-01-29Debt Financing· $30M
Leadership Team
Bryon Hargis
Founder // CEO
Andrew Kreitz
Co-Founder and CFO
Recent News
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