Senior Materials Engineer

Responsibilities

• Lead failure investigations for metallic components across development, production, and field releases.
• Execute mechanical testing and metallurgical characterization, including SEM/EDS, metallography, and fractography, to determine root causes and mitigations.
• Advise Design, Manufacturing, and Quality teams on metal selection, process capability, and process-induced failure modes for forming, stamping, and casting operations, including DFMEA/PFMEA.
• Draft and maintain material and process specifications, quality acceptance criteria, and ASTM/ISO/SAE test procedures.
• Support supplier material and process qualification for formed, stamped, and cast metal components, including review of PPAP submissions and material certifications.
• Manage lab test plans, equipment calibration, SOPs, and safety standards.
• Direct external vendor laboratories and mentor junior engineers.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or master's degree in Materials Science and Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• 8+ years of experience in materials engineering, failure analysis, or metallurgical engineering, ideally in automotive, aerospace, or heavy equipment.
• Deep, hands-on expertise with metals, forming and stamping, casting processes, common failure modes, and process documentation.
• Strong experience with mechanical testing, including Instron/UTM systems, and failure analysis techniques such as fractography, SEM/EDS, metallography, and hardness testing.
• Demonstrated ability to independently lead root-cause investigations and drive corrective actions to closure with cross-functional teams.
• Working knowledge of ASTM, ISO, and SAE test standards and experience developing test specifications.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to translate technical findings for non-materials audiences and leadership.
• Experience mentoring or directing junior engineers or technicians.

Nice-to-Haves

• Experience with polymers, composites, adhesives or bonded joints, or coatings failure analysis.
• Familiarity with forming or stamping simulation tools such as AutoForm and LS-DYNA, casting simulation, or DFMEA/PFMEA processes.
• Experience with supplier quality engineering, PPAP, or material certification review.
• Prior experience in high-volume automotive manufacturing or vehicle development.
• Advanced degree in Materials Science or Metallurgy.

Compensation

• Annual salary range: $187,000-$225,000.