Materials Engineer

About the role

We at Freudenberg-NOK Sealing Technologies run the business operations of Freudenberg Sealing Technologies (FST) in the Americas. Being part of the global Freudenberg Group, our company is a leading producer of advanced sealing technologies for automotive and general industries. Freudenberg-NOK Sealing Technologies is a joint venture between Freudenberg and NOK Corp. in Japan, is headquartered in Plymouth, MI, operates more than 20 facilities and employs about 4,700 people across the Americas.

Responsibilities

• Provide advanced technical leadership to support site performance, solving complex material and process challenges.
• Lead materials, process, and product development projects from concept through production implementation.
• Evaluate, select, and implement thermoplastic materials, including emerging film and foam technologies.
• Partner cross-functionally with Manufacturing Engineering to develop and scale robust production processes.
• Build strong relationships with customers and translate requirements into material solutions and development strategies.
• Collaborate with suppliers, vendors, and industry networks to introduce innovative materials and technologies.
• Analyze and interpret physical, chemical, and performance data to drive decision-making and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Materials Science, Polymer Science, Chemistry, Engineering, or related technical field.
• 5+ years of industry experience in thermoplastics, with hands-on expertise in compounding, extrusion, or injection molding.
• Proven experience working with or developing film and/or foam materials strongly preferred.
• Strong background in translating customer needs into material specifications and technical solutions.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently while influencing cross-functional teams and driving results.
• Experience in customer-facing roles, with strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret complex data and guide technical decisions.

Benefits

• 401K Match: Save for retirement with the company's help.
• Health Insurance: Rely on comprehensive services whenever you need it.
• Vacation: We offer time off to refresh and recharge.
• Paid Holidays: With paid-time off, local holidays are all the way more relaxing.
• Personal Development: We offer a variety of trainings to ensure you can develop in your career.