Senior Materials Science Engineer

About the role

A company dedicated to innovation in construction, engineering, manufacturing, and renewable energy seeks a Senior Material Science Engineer to join its Product Engineering team in Menasha, WI. This role combines technical expertise with hands-on experimentation and collaboration to ensure materials meet performance, reliability, cost, and regulatory requirements.

Responsibilities

• Identify, evaluate, and select materials (metals, polymers, ceramics, composites, coatings, adhesives) for use in new or existing products.
• Develop material specifications, material libraries, datasheets, and acceptance criteria.
• Innovate and explore new materials, formulations, or treatments to improve performance or reduce cost.
• Plan and execute material characterization testing (mechanical, thermal, chemical, electrical).
• Interpret test data, generate reports, and make recommendations based on performance results.
• Conduct failure analysis and root cause investigations on material related issues.
• Collaborate with design, manufacturing, quality, and supply chain teams to ensure materials are manufacturable and reliable.
• Support prototype builds, pilot runs, and process development activities.
• Provide technical guidance on material processing (molding, casting, coatings, heat treatment, etc.).
• Work with suppliers to validate material properties, ensure consistency, and resolve technical issues.
• Review supplier documentation and audit material related processes when necessary.
• Assist in qualifying new suppliers or materials.
• Ensure materials comply with applicable industry standards and regulatory requirements (e.g., ASTM, ISO, RoHS).
• Develop and maintain internal material standards and testing protocols.
• Create clear technical documentation, reports, specifications, and presentations.
• Communicate material decisions and technical findings to cross-functional teams and leadership.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Materials Science & Engineering (MSE), Metallurgy, Polymer Science, or related field with 5+ years of relevant industry experience.
• Master’s or PhD in Materials Science & Engineering (MSE), Chemical Engineering, Metallurgy, Polymer Science, or related field with 3 years of relevant industry experience.
• Strong knowledge of materials used in electrical systems such as metals, metal plating, protective/insulative coatings.
• Experience evaluating properties, failure modes, and manufacturing processes, along with material characterization methods such as microscopy, XRF, FTIR, hardness testing, corrosion testing, and non-destructive evaluation of various physical properties.
• Experience collaborating with suppliers in production-scale environments.
• Excellent communication and documentation abilities.
• Collaborative mindset to effectively work with multiple teams and engineering disciplines.
• Familiarity with environmental and regulatory compliance related to materials.

Qualifications

• Preferred qualifications include experience with reliability testing and qualification methods, materials selection, materials specifications, manufacturability, and failure analysis.

Skills

• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills.
• Ability to solve complex technical problems.
• Collaboration with suppliers and cross-functional teams.
• Technical writing and presentation skills.
• Knowledge of environmental and regulatory compliance related to materials.

Benefits

• Industry-leading benefits including competitive compensation, career development, and a robust benefits package.

Pay

Competitive salary commensurate with experience.

Schedule

This position works between the hours of 7 AM and 5 PM, Monday- Friday. Works a sufficient schedule to meet the expectations of the role.

Location

This role requires work to be done Onsite from our Menasha, WI office. Our onsite roles include a high level of workplace and schedule flexibility to support a healthy work-life balance. Menasha, WI offers an excellent quality of life with a low cost of living, short commute times, and a strong sense of community. Located in the heart of the Fox Valley and along Lake Winnebago, the area provides access to outdoor recreation, safe neighborhoods, and top-rated schools. Just minutes from Appleton and within easy reach of Green Bay and Milwaukee, Menasha combines small-town living with convenient access to dining, entertainment, sports, and regional travel, making it an ideal place to relocate and build a long-term career.