Materials Engineer

About the role

Eaton’s IS VEH Technology division is currently seeking a Materials Engineer. This is a full time, on-site position based at our Marshall, MI facility.

Responsibilities

• Engineering & Technical Analysis Support moderately complex materials engineering projects related to new product development, design validation, manufacturing support, and failure analysis.
  • Interpret metallurgical test results and provide technical recommendations to engineers, manufacturing, and quality teams.
  • Perform root cause investigations using structured problem-solving methodologies.
  • Apply foundational engineering principles and Design for Six Sigma (DFSS) or Lean tools to improve product robustness, quality, and cost.
  • Prepare engineering reports, test summaries, and presentations to communicate results and recommendations.
• Metallurgical Laboratory & Hands-On Execution
  • Conduct metallurgical characterization and testing, including: Macro and micro photographic documentation, metallographic sample preparation, microstructure evaluation
  • Superficial, bulk, and microhardness testing, case depth determination, x-ray fluorescence (XRF) elemental analysis
  • Carbon/Sulfur elemental analysis
  • Operate and maintain laboratory equipment such as cut-off saws, mounting presses, polishers, microscopes, and hardness testers
  • Support fractography and advanced analysis using stereoscope and SEM/EDX as proficiency develops.
  • Maintain laboratory calibration systems, consumable inventories, and equipment maintenance records.
  • Ensure safe laboratory practices, including chemical handling, disposal, and use of safety equipment.
• Project & Team Support
  • Review test requests and develop test plans in collaboration with engineers.
  • Cookordinate laboratory work within project schedules to meet engineering and program deliverables.
  • Maintain organized test data, reports, and sample traceability for future reference.
  • Train and mentor metallurgical technicians or new hires in laboratory methods, equipment use, and safety practices.
  • Serve as a technical resource in specialty areas such as metallography, NDT, heat treatment, or lab equipment operation.
• Continuous Improvement & Development
  • Drive personal technical growth through assigned projects, training, and exposure to Eaton products and manufacturing processes.
  • Support innovation, VAVE, and continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Develop proficiency or certification in one or more NDT techniques (MPI, Eddy Current, UT, X-ray/CT), as applicable.
  • Maintain compliance with Quality, Environmental, Health, and Safety management systems.

Qualifications

• Basic Qualifications:
  • Minimum Bachelor’s Degree in Materials Science, Metallurgical Engineering, Engineering Technology from an accredited institution.
  • Minimum two (2) years experience in materials engineering and/or materials lab environment.
• Preferred Qualifications:
  • Prior experience in an automotive or transportation materials laboratory.
  • Exposure to SEM/EDX (Scanning Electron Microscopy-Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy), fractography, or advanced materials characterization.
  • NDT certification or willingness to pursue certification.
  • Familiarity with production manufacturing environments and quality systems.

Skills

• Laboratory and office environment with exposure to production components and chemicals.
• Use of PPE and adherence to lab safety procedures required.
• Limited travel may be required for plant or supplier support.

Benefits

The expected annual salary range for this role is $86000 - $126000 a year. Please note the salary information shown above is a general guideline only. Salaries are based upon candidate skills, experience, and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.