Materials Scientist

We are seeking a dedicated Materials Laboratory Chemist to support product development, quality investigations, and material validation through comprehensive laboratory testing and characterization of polymers, elastomers, plastics, composites, and related materials.

About the role

This role involves hands-on testing, data analysis, and problem-solving to enhance material performance and support manufacturing operations in a dynamic laboratory setting. The team is collaborative, working closely with engineering, quality, manufacturing, and product development departments.

Responsibilities

• Perform mechanical, physical, thermal, and chemical testing of materials according to industry standards.
• Conduct tests such as tensile strength, elongation, hardness, compression set, tear resistance, abrasion, chemical compatibility, and accelerated aging.
• Operate laboratory instruments including Universal Testing Machines (UTM), FTIR, DSC, TGA, DMA, rheometers, and microscopy equipment.
• Support failure investigations, root cause analysis, and material qualification projects.
• Analyze test results and prepare technical reports, recommendations, and data summaries.
• Develop and improve laboratory test methods and procedures.
• Maintain laboratory equipment, documentation, and safety standards.
• Collaborate with engineering, quality, manufacturing, and product development teams.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science, or a related scientific field.
• 1-3 years of experience in laboratory, materials testing, quality, or R&D.
• Experience with polymers, elastomers, plastics, composites, or other engineered materials is preferred.
• Familiarity with industry testing standards.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and data interpretation skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and laboratory data systems.

Skills

• Experience with material characterization techniques such as FTIR, DSC, TGA, DMA, and rheological testing.
• Knowledge of wet chemistry and chemical resistance testing using various industrial fluids.
• Experience in failure analysis, method development, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Experience in supporting manufacturing, automotive, consumer products, or industrial materials environments.

Pay

The pay range for this position is $28.00 - $33.50/hr.

Benefits

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include:

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Schedule

Standard work hours apply. This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Auburn, IN, and is fully onsite.