We are seeking a collaborative, detail‑oriented, and safety‑focused materials engineer to support materials selection, characterization, failure analysis, and process development across laboratory, pilot‑plant, and light industrial environments. The successful candidate will partner with R&D, process engineering, manufacturing, quality, and EHS teams to ensure material performance, manufacturability, and compliance with applicable specifications and regulations. This role requires strong technical judgment, clear cross‑team communication, hands‑on testing and characterization experience, and a commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, evaluate, and specify materials (metals, polymers, ceramics, composites, coatings, adhesives) for new products and manufacturing processes, balancing performance, cost, sustainability, and manufacturability.

• Perform materials characterization and testing including mechanical (tensile, hardness, fatigue), thermal, chemical, morphological, and surface analyses using laboratory tools such as DSC, TGA, FTIR, SEM, XRD, optical microscopy, and hardness testers.

• Lead root cause investigations for material failures, defects, or process quality issues; develop corrective and preventive actions (CAPA), recommend design or process changes, and validate solutions through testing and data analysis.

• Support scale‑up from lab to pilot and light production: design material trials, develop processing windows, provide process controls and work with manufacturing to implement robust material handling and processing practices.

• Prepare material specifications, acceptance criteria, inspection plans, and test methods to support procurement, incoming inspection, and supplier quality management.

• Collaborate with suppliers and vendors to evaluate material alternatives, review technical data sheets, witness supplier testing, and qualify new materials or vendors.

• Develop and maintain material data, drawings, and documentation with appropriate revision control and traceability to support audits, regulatory filings, and quality systems.

• Support reliability and life‑cycle assessments, including accelerated aging, environmental exposure testing, and failure mode analysis (FMEA) to inform design and maintenance strategies.

• Provide technical input on manufacturability, joining and assembly methods (welding, brazing, adhesives, fasteners), surface treatments, and coating selection to optimize product performance and serviceability.

• Prepare concise technical reports, test plans, and presentations that summarize scope, methods, results, recommendations, and costs; present findings to cross‑functional stakeholders and leadership.

• Participate in safety and incident investigations related to materials and processes; ensure corrective actions address safety and compliance concerns and follow through to closure.

• Mentor junior engineers and technicians in materials testing, failure analysis, and safe lab practices; contribute to the development and maintenance of standards, procedures, and training materials.

Required Qualifications - Skills & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Materials Science & Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering with a materials focus, or a closely related discipline, or equivalent professional experience.

• 3+ years of practical experience in materials selection, characterization, failure analysis, or process development in industrial, laboratory, or manufacturing environments.

• Hands‑on experience with materials testing and characterization techniques (mechanical testing, thermal analysis, microscopy, spectroscopy) and interpreting test data to support engineering decisions.

• Proficiency with materials and mechanical analysis tools (e.g., Instron, universal testing machines, SEM/EDS, XRD, thermal analyzers) and competence applying engineering calculations and data analysis to support design and qualification.

• Experience with failure investigation methodologies, root cause analysis, and implementation of CAPA; familiarity with sample preparation and chain‑of‑custody practices.

• Strong problem‑solving, technical writing, and communication skills: able to prepare clear technical reports, present findings to cross‑functional stakeholders, and coordinate with suppliers and contractors.

• Working knowledge of materials specifications, testing standards, and regulatory requirements relevant to the business (ASTM, ISO, MIL‑STD, industry‑specific standards) and experience ensuring designs meet safety and compliance requirements.

• Attention to detail, ability to manage multiple priorities, and commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement.

• Proficiency with data analysis tools (e.g., Excel, MATLAB, Python) and experience with lab information systems or quality/asset management software preferred.

Preferred Qualifications - Domain & Tools

• Advanced degree (MS or PhD) in Materials Science, Metallurgy, Polymers, or related field is advantageous.

• Experience with coatings, corrosion protection, additive manufacturing materials, or composite materials preferred.

• Familiarity with statistical process control (SPC), design of experiments (DOE), and reliability concepts (FMEA, MTBF/MTTR) as applied to materials and manufacturing processes.

• Certifications or training in failure analysis, non‑destructive testing (NDT), microscopy, or specific instrumentation are beneficial.

• Experience working with suppliers to qualify materials, performing supplier audits, or managing vendor quality agreements is a plus.

• Knowledge of sustainability and circular‑economy principles related to material selection and end‑of‑life considerations is desirable.

Work Environment & Compensation

• Full‑time position within an interdisciplinary engineering, manufacturing, and EHS organization; work includes office‑based design and analysis, laboratory testing, field support in pilot‑plant environments, and periodic presence in manufacturing areas.

• Competitive salary and benefits package commensurate with experience, including health coverage, retirement plan options, paid time off, and professional development support.

• Opportunities for training, certifications, conference participation, and career growth within a diverse, inclusive, and safety‑focused workplace.

• We are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion and foster a respectful work environment that supports work‑life balance and employee well‑being.