Materials Engineer

Hiring for an Materials Engineer in East Hartford, CT

Job Description

The Engineering Technician provides hands-on support to the Materials Process Engineering team, working closely with engineers in a large development group to test, analyze, and document material properties that directly influence the design and manufacture of commercial and military engine components. This role focuses heavily on laboratory testing, metallography, polymer composite and adhesive sample preparation, operation of microscopes and scanning electron microscopes, and detailed data analysis and reporting in Excel and other software tools. The position offers a long-term opportunity with clear career paths, exposure to cutting-edge aerospace technologies, and meaningful contribution to flight safety and product durability.

Responsibilities

• Support the Materials Process Engineering team by executing laboratory tests and material evaluations as requested by engineers.
• Review engineering work requests, identify required materials, and locate appropriate material samples for testing.
• Cut material samples into sections, prepare approximately 1" pieces, and perform mounting and polishing for metallographic analysis.
• Conduct metallography and microstructural evaluations using microscopes and scanning electron microscopes.
• Use image analysis software to measure features and characterize material properties.
• Perform a variety of mechanical and materials tests, including tensile testing, heat treating, and other relevant laboratory procedures.
• Fabricate polymer composite and adhesively bonded test samples according to established procedures and specifications.
• Carry out testing and characterization of polymer composites, adhesives, and elastomers using appropriate techniques and equipment.
• Organize, analyze, and interpret test data, applying engineering statistics where appropriate.
• Document test procedures, observations, and results clearly and accurately in MS Word and PowerPoint reports.
• House, manage, and maintain large volumes of test data and results in Excel spreadsheets with a high level of accuracy.
• Communicate test findings, data trends, and material performance results effectively to engineers and other stakeholders.
• Troubleshoot test equipment and laboratory setups to ensure reliable operation and accurate data collection.
• Read and interpret mechanical drawings and blueprints to understand sample requirements and test configurations.
• Follow established laboratory processes, safety protocols, and quality standards in production and overhaul environments.
• Collaborate with team members and engineers, demonstrating strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively in a structured, process-driven setting.
• Maintain an organized work area, including proper labeling, storage, and tracking of samples and test records.
• Continuously develop new skills in microstructural analysis, measurement, instrumentation, and report writing to support evolving project needs.

Essential Skills

• Associate degree in a technical discipline such as engineering, physics, machining, materials science, or a closely related field.
• Internship experience or a minimum of 6 months of experience in a manufacturing or laboratory environment, gained through work or school.
• Strong familiarity with polymer composites, adhesives, and elastomers, including basic understanding of testing and characterization methods.
• Proficiency in Excel, including the ability to manage, analyze, and organize large data sets.
• Ability to document work clearly in MS Word and create concise, informative reports and presentations in PowerPoint.
• Experience operating laboratory test equipment and basic engineering tools in a hands-on environment.
• Ability to perform metallographic sample preparation, including cutting, mounting, polishing, and microstructural evaluation.
• Comfort working with microscopes and scanning electron microscopes for materials analysis.
• Excellent written communication skills for documenting procedures, results, and technical reports.
• Excellent verbal communication skills for discussing test plans, findings, and issues with engineers and team members.
• Strong organizational skills to manage multiple tests, samples, and data sets simultaneously.
• Basic troubleshooting skills for test equipment and laboratory setups.
• Ability to read and understand mechanical drawings and blueprints.
• Ability to work effectively in production and overhaul environments, adhering to structured processes and procedures.
• Solid interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate with engineers and technicians in a team-oriented setting.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in engineering or a related technical field a background in materials, machining, physics, or BSMET is highly relevant.
• Experience with NDE (nondestructive evaluation), measurement, and instrumentation is preferred.
• Experience with design-related tasks and technical report writing is a plus.
• Familiarity with testing and characterization techniques specific to polymer composites, adhesives, and elastomers is preferred.
• Experience with SAP or similar enterprise systems is beneficial.
• Advanced technical degree or additional formal training in engineering or materials science is an advantage.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy when handling and documenting large amounts of test data.
• Ability to adapt to new microstructural analysis techniques and laboratory methods as needed.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a structured, process-driven organization.
• Interest in aerospace, flight safety, and the design and durability of advanced engine systems.
• Motivation to pursue long-term career growth, including dedicated technician career paths and professional career paths for those with four-year degrees.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of East Hartford, CT.

The pay range for this position is $26.00 - $30.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

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 the following: 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)

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of East Hartford, CT.

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 29, 2026.

This is a fully onsite position in East Hartford,CT.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.

Salary : $26 - $30