Materials Engineer

Role Purpose

The Material Engineer will support material, process, and manufacturing performance within plant operations by improving process capability, enhancing product quality, and investigating material and process-related issues. The role also contributes to the implementation of new materials and manufacturing technologies while working cross-functionally with operations, quality, engineering, and product development teams to improve efficiency, reduce waste, and ensure products consistently meet customer and internal performance requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead qualification and release of new materials, taking technical ownership while collaborating cross-functionally to ensure quality and seamless production integration.
• Collaborate with vendors to clearly communicate material requirements and ensure readiness to meet quality and delivery expectations.
• Lead and support process improvement trials and manufacturing studies to identify root causes of variation, defects, and process upsets.
• Apply statistical and data analysis methods to evaluate process performance, reduce yield loss, and improve efficiency.
• Investigate material-related defects, nonconformances, and failure mechanisms; implement corrective and preventive actions.
• Evaluate material properties and process capability to ensure alignment with product specifications and customer requirements.
• Support finished product quality through inspection methods, testing, data analysis, and process control improvements.
• Partner with production, quality, and engineering teams to implement sustainable process and performance improvements.
• Provide technical support for plant operations related to material selection, process conditions, and performance issues.
• Communicate findings, recommendations, and project updates to stakeholders.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, quality, productivity, and cost reduction.

Qualifications - Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Materials Science, Chemical, Mechanical, Metallurgical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Over two years of experience in materials, process, or manufacturing engineering in an industrial environment.
• Experience in manufacturing with responsibility for process improvement, quality, or material performance.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with data-driven decision-making ability.
• Experience with root cause analysis, defect investigation, and corrective action implementation.
• Working knowledge of material properties and their impact on manufacturing processes and product performance.
• Experience designing, executing, and documenting experiments, trials, or validation activities.
• Ability to work cross-functionally with production, quality, maintenance, and engineering teams.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Qualifications - Preferred

• Experience in panel manufacturing, composites, glass, ceramics, metals, or engineered materials.
• Familiarity with statistical tools and methods (SPC, DOE, Minitab, or similar).
• Experience with process control, Lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement methodologies.
• Knowledge of failure analysis and material characterization techniques.
• Project management experience supporting manufacturing or process improvements.

Key Skills

• Materials analysis & application
• Manufacturing process support
• Root cause analysis
• Statistical analysis & data interpretation
• Process optimization
• Defect characterization
• Technical documentation
• Cross-functional collaboration
• Continuous improvement
• Problem-solving & decision-making

Pay

The range for this position is $67,150.00 - $92,331.00 assuming full time status. Starting pay for the successful applicant is dependent on a variety of job-related factors, including but not limited to geographic location, market demands, experience, training, and education.