Materials Science Engineering Technical Specialist

About the role

We are seeking a Materials Science Engineering Technical Specialist to join our Engineering team at Cummins Drivetrain and Braking Systems (CDBS) in Troy, MI. This role involves driving data-based decisions, strengthening failure prevention, optimizing material and process selection, enhancing material robustness, improving technical knowledge transfer, elevating cross-functional collaboration, accelerating problem resolution, and advancing organizational effectiveness.

Responsibilities

• Apply advanced statistical methods to deliver rigorous, evidence-driven recommendations that improve product and process outcomes.
• Conduct thorough component failure analyses to identify true root causes, evaluate design and manufacturing intent, and recommend corrective actions that protect customers and prevent recurrence.
• Evaluate component requirements and select the most appropriate materials and manufacturing routes, ensuring best-fit solutions that meet performance, cost, and reliability targets.
• Perform mechanical, chemical, microstructural, and physical property characterization to confirm compliance and correlate lab results with field performance, improving component durability and reliability.
• Produce clear, accurate technical documentation that captures learnings, supports decision-making, and enables efficient knowledge sharing across engineering, operations, and cross-functional teams.
• Build strong internal and external networks to accelerate problem-solving, align stakeholders, and ensure seamless communication across engineering, manufacturing, and supplier teams.
• Apply structured problem-solving methodologies to identify assignable and systemic root causes, implement robust corrective actions, and mentor others in effective analytical approaches.

Requirements

• A solid understanding of casting processes, material behavior, and material-processing interactions to accurately diagnose issues, validate design intent, and make sound material and process selections.
• Proficiency with sectioning, sample preparation, and material characterization equipment, along with the ability to interpret mechanical, chemical, microstructural, and physical property data to support root-cause analysis and robust decision-making.
• The ability to work effectively with suppliers on PPAP requirements, process validation, and continuous improvement initiatives, ensuring components meet specifications and quality standards.
• Strong report-writing skills to document investigations, communicate findings, justify decisions, and support cross-functional alignment with Quality, Supply Chain, and Engineering.

Qualifications

• College, university, or equivalent Bachelor's degree in Engineering or appropriate STEM field is required. A Master's degree in relevant disciplines may be required for select roles.
• Prior Senior or Lead Engineer equivalent work experience in a relevant discipline area is required with a demonstrated track record of technical problem solving and quality decision making.
• Knowledge of MS Office tools is preferred.
• Casting experience is preferred.

Benefits

This position involves working with suppliers for PPAP and process improvements. Use of sectioning and sample preparation equipment. Report writing is necessary.

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Skills

Deep Technical Expertise in Materials & Casting, Strong Analytical & Laboratory Skills, Supplier Collaboration & PPAP/Process Improvement Capability, Clear Technical Communication & Documentation.

Benefits

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