SLS Associate Chief Engineer - Weld

Job Description
At Boeing, we innovate and collaborate to make the world a better place. We're committed to fostering an environment for every teammate that's welcoming, respectful and inclusive, with great opportunity for professional growth. Find your future with us.
We are seeking a SLS Weld Associate Chief Engineer to join our team in New Orleans, LA.
As the SLS Weld Associate Chief Engineer, you will be at the forefront of human space exploration, providing crucial engineering leadership for NASA's Space Launch System - the rocket that will send astronauts to the Moon and eventually Mars. Reporting to the SLS Program Chief Engineer, you'll ensure the engineering technical integrity, safety, and quality of SLS Weld Operations.
This position will require up to 50% travel.
In this pivotal role, you will directly influence America's return to deep space exploration by:

• Oversight of the technical aspects of weld design, qualification, operations and sustainment for the core stage and upper stage of NASA's SLS rocket
• Solving complex engineering challenges that arise during weld operations, standard maintenance, and sustainment
• Establishing processes that ensure the highest quality and safety standards for human spaceflight
• Mentoring the next generation of aerospace engineers and technical leaders

For over six decades, Boeing has been at the forefront of human spaceflight, from the Apollo missions to the International Space Station and now the Space Launch System. When you join our team, you'll be part of a legacy of innovation while helping write the next chapter in space exploration history.
Position Responsibilities:

• Directly support and partner with the SLS Core Stage and Exploration Upper Stage IPTs, and Production Engineering leaders in the execution of SLS weld operations.
• Drive the establishment of a culture of proactive technical oversight, risk management, and rapid issue resolution, providing alternative paths for issue resolution and an open dialogue on technical issues.
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams across engineering, quality, and operations to ensure seamless technical integration of weld processes and operations.
• Implement comprehensive root cause and corrective action processes and discipline to address all significant technical issues within core stage and exploration upper stage weld operations.
• Prevent traveled technical risk and ensure that technical risks and issues are driven rapidly to closure.
• Collaborate with cross-functional and program teams to identify and address weld operations related issues and implement corrective actions.
• Provide technical guidance and support to weld teams, ensuring adherence to specifications and standards.
• Conduct regular assessments of weld processes to identify areas for improvement and implement necessary changes.
• Implement and enforce engineering functional excellence in people, processes, tools, and practices.
• Sponsor and support weld agenda topics at the SLS Program Engineering Review Board.
• Represent the Office of the Chief Engineer in technical and programmatic reviews, as delegated.
• Mentor and coach program engineering managers, technical leads, and engineers.

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills/Experience):

• Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering, Engineering Technology (including Manufacturing Technology), Computer Science, Data Science, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry or non-US equivalent qualifications directly related to the work statement
• 10+ years of experience as a subject matter expert in friction stir welding, including development, qualification, and operations
• 5+ years of experience in fusion welding and other welding processes, with a strong understanding of their applications in aerospace
• Experience across all aspects of weld engineering, including design, qualification, operations, and sustainment
• 5+ years of experience in technical leadership roles, guiding teams in weld engineering practices and processes

Preferred Qualifications (Desired Skills/Experience):

• Advanced degree in materials science, mechanical engineering, or a related field with a focus on welding technology
• Experience managing multiple welding-related technical projects simultaneously, with a proven track record of successful project execution
• Leadership training and demonstrated success in team leadership, with excellent communication skills to effectively convey technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences
• Excellent communication skills with both technical and non-technical audiences
• In-depth knowledge of industry standards and best practices related to welding, particularly in aerospace applications
• Familiarity with NASA standards and processes
• Experience with large-scale robotic weld operations (e.g. dry structures, propellant tanks, dome and gore welds, rings, and barrel)

NASA Site Access:
This position requires the ability to obtain access to a National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) facility.
Signing Bonus:
Potential Signing Bonus for Eligible/Qualified candidate.
Drug Free Workplace:
Boeing is a Drug Free Workplace where post offer applicants and employees are subject to testing for marijuana, cocaine, opioids, amphetamines, PCP, and alcohol when criteria is met as outlined in our policies.
At Boeing, we strive to deliver a Total Rewards package that will attract, engage, and retain the top talent. Elements of the Total Rewards package include competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities.
The Boeing Company also provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and several programs that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work.
The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements.
Pay is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
Summary pay range: $197,200 - $266,800
Applications for this position will be accepted until Feb. 14, 2026
Export Control Requirements:
This position must meet U.S. export control compliance requirements. To meet U.S. export control compliance requirements, a "U.S. Person" as defined by 22 C.F.R. §120.62 is required. "U.S. Person" includes U.S. Citizen, U.S. National, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee.
Export Control Details:
US based job, US Person required
Education
Bachelor's Degree or Equivalent Required
Relocation
This position offers relocation based on candidate eligibility.
Visa Sponsorship
Employer will not sponsor applicants for employment visa status.
Shift
This position is for 1st shift
Equal Opportunity Employer:
Boeing is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.