Senior Materials Engineer
Position Summary
The Senior Materials Engineer supports Materials and Processing Engineering through failure analysis, material and process evaluations, environmental testing, and new product qualification activities. This position performs hands-on laboratory analysis, interprets results, and effectively communicates technical findings through written reports and oral presentations.
The Senior Materials Engineer is also responsible for maintaining the Materials and Process Laboratory in good working condition and supporting activities performed within an A2LA-accredited ISO/IEC 17025 quality management system.
Key Responsibilities
- Perform failure analysis and materials evaluations on metallic and non-metallic materials.
- Conduct testing and analysis of materials and manufacturing processes.
- Prepare and communicate findings through clear written technical reports and oral presentations.
- Utilize materials and process engineering equipment and tools, including:
- Digital imaging equipment
- Metallographic sample sectioning, mounting, polishing, and etching equipment
- Light microscopes
- Hardness testers
- Mechanical load frames
- Environmental exposure and corrosion chambers
- Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM)
- Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS)
- Electron Backscatter Diffraction (EBSD)
- Perform and interpret material failure analysis activities.
- Support evaluations involving welding, fabrication, heat treatment, finishing, and other manufacturing processes.
- Maintain the Materials and Process Laboratory and associated equipment in good working order.
- Perform work in accordance with the department's A2LA-accredited ISO/IEC 17025 quality management system.
- Coordinate and interface with external analysis laboratories as needed.
- Support the supervisor and broader organization through execution of assigned engineering and laboratory activities.
- Provide general instruction, scheduling, and review of work performed by others in the same or directly related areas, functioning as a lead worker when required.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
- Maintain regular and reliable attendance.
Minimum Qualifications
- Accredited Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related technical field.
- Three (3) or more years of relevant professional experience.
- U.S. citizenship with no dual citizenship.
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Materials Science & Engineering or Metallurgical Engineering.
- Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) certification or ability to renew an expired certification.
- Experience in materials engineering environments involving welding, casting, forging, heat treating, metal finishing, extrusion, foundry operations, steel/aluminum mills, or failure analysis.
- Experience or certification in:
- Welding engineering or welding inspection
- Fabrication
- Nondestructive Testing (NDT/NDE)
Core Competencies
Technical Communication
- Ability to effectively communicate technical findings to internal and external stakeholders.
- Ability to prepare technical reports, correspondence, and presentations.
- Ability to read, analyze, and interpret technical procedures, scientific journals, safety requirements, operating and maintenance instructions, and applicable government regulations.
Decision-Making & Problem Solving
- Ability to evaluate technical information and make sound engineering decisions.
- Apply established engineering practices and procedures to moderately complex or non-routine materials and processing issues.
- Exercise judgment when established practices do not clearly address a specific problem or situation.
Collaboration & Leadership
- Work effectively with engineering peers, laboratory personnel, internal stakeholders, and outside testing laboratories.
- Gather, analyze, and communicate technical information, including sensitive or confidential information when required.
- Provide general instruction and review of work performed by others in related technical areas.
Working Conditions
Physical Demands
- Frequent standing, walking, sitting, reaching, hearing, talking, visual work, and typing.
- Occasional driving, fine dexterity, manual dexterity, and repetitive upper-extremity motion.
- Infrequent lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling up to approximately 25 lbs.
Cognitive Demands
Frequent analytical reasoning, technical communication, mathematical computation, reading, writing, problem-solving, and sustained technical analysis.
Work Environment
- Frequent independent work, changing priorities, and detailed or exacting technical assignments.
- Occasional interaction with high volumes of internal or external contacts.
- Work demands and deadlines may vary and periodically require management of multiple priorities.
Schedule
- Routine shift hours.
- Infrequent overtime, weekend work, or shift rotation may be required.
Citizenship Requirement
- U.S. Citizen required.
- No dual citizenship.
Top Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Materials Science & Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, or a closely related engineering discipline.
- Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) certification. Candidates with an expired certification may be considered if eligible for renewal.
- Industry experience in one or more of the following areas:
- Welding
- Casting or forging
- Metal heat treating
- Metal finishing
- Metal extrusion
- Foundry operations
- Steel or aluminum mill operations
- Materials failure analysis
EOE (Veteran/Disability)