Materials Engineer – Polymers & Composites

Materials Engineer – Aerospace / Aircraft Interiors

Location: Torrington, CT 06790

Position Type: Full-Time | Direct Hire

Work Arrangement: Onsite

Salary: $75,000 to $105,000 based on experience

Position Overview

This company is seeking a Materials Engineer to support the research, development, testing, and implementation of innovative materials used in the aircraft interiors industry.

This position will focus on material selection, product development, performance testing, and manufacturing process improvements, working closely with Design Engineering, Manufacturing, Sales, Marketing, customers, and suppliers.

The ideal candidate will have a strong foundation in materials science, polymers, plastics, fiber-reinforced composites, adhesives, and mechanical engineering principles, along with hands-on experience evaluating material properties, developing test procedures, and supporting new product development.

This is an excellent opportunity for an early-career engineer with 1–5 years of experience who enjoys solving technical challenges, developing innovative products, and contributing to engineering projects from initial concept through production qualification.

Key Responsibilities

Materials Research & Development

• Research, identify, and evaluate new materials and technologies for aerospace and aircraft interior applications.
• Apply materials science principles to evaluate polymers, plastics, fiber-reinforced composites (FRP), adhesives, and other engineered materials.
• Analyze material properties, durability, performance, and suitability for specific product applications.
• Recommend material selections based on customer requirements, performance specifications, manufacturability, and cost considerations.
• Identify opportunities to improve existing products through innovative material applications and engineering solutions.
• Research industry developments, emerging technologies, and competitive products to support innovation.

Materials Testing & Validation

• Develop and execute material testing plans, procedures, and validation protocols to ensure products meet technical and performance requirements.
• Conduct physical and mechanical testing using standardized testing methods.
• Evaluate material characteristics, durability, structural performance, and potential failure mechanisms.
• Analyze testing results, identify technical issues, and recommend corrective actions or design improvements.
• Prepare detailed technical reports documenting test methods, findings, conclusions, and recommendations.
• Support the selection, evaluation, and maintenance of material testing equipment and laboratory capabilities.
• Perform internal testing and support customer evaluations, product trials, and technical feedback activities.

Product Development & Engineering

• Support new product development projects from concept through design, prototyping, testing, manufacturing trials, and production qualification.
• Collaborate with Design Engineering and Manufacturing teams to develop innovative and cost-effective material solutions.
• Assist with designing, constructing, modifying, and evaluating physical prototypes.
• Troubleshoot material-related design and manufacturing challenges.
• Recommend product design improvements based on engineering analysis, testing results, and customer feedback.
• Ensure new materials and products meet established specifications, project timelines, and cost objectives.
• Prepare and maintain engineering documentation, technical specifications, test reports, and project records.

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Project Support

• Partner with Sales, Marketing, and Engineering teams to understand customer requirements and identify appropriate material solutions.
• Collaborate with suppliers and internal technical teams to evaluate material capabilities and product development opportunities.
• Present technical findings, material recommendations, and innovative concepts to management and cross-functional stakeholders.
• Monitor project milestones, technical objectives, and development costs.
• Communicate project progress, testing results, and potential risks to relevant stakeholders.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on product performance, manufacturing efficiency, quality, and cost reduction.

Quality, Safety & Compliance

• Ensure materials, testing activities, and engineering documentation comply with applicable company quality requirements.
• Support AS9100 quality management standards and established engineering procedures.
• Participate in continuous improvement and quality initiatives.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe laboratory and work environment.
• Follow company environmental, health, and safety policies.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Materials Science, Materials Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related engineering discipline.
• 1–5 years of relevant engineering experience in materials engineering, materials testing, product development, or a related technical field.
• Strong understanding of materials science principles, particularly polymers, plastics, composites, adhesives, or engineered materials.
• Knowledge of material properties, performance characteristics, and material selection methodologies.
• Experience conducting engineering analysis, material evaluations, or physical and mechanical testing.
• Ability to interpret technical specifications, engineering drawings, and testing results.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple engineering projects and meet established deadlines.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare technical documentation and present engineering findings.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with cross-functional engineering and manufacturing teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with fiber-reinforced composites (FRP), polymer materials, plastics, adhesives, or other advanced engineered materials.
• Previous experience in aerospace, aircraft interiors, automotive, or advanced manufacturing environments.
• Experience supporting new product development, prototyping, and production qualification.
• Background in mechanical design or design engineering.
• Familiarity with standardized material testing methods and laboratory equipment.
• Experience evaluating material durability, mechanical properties, and product performance.
• Knowledge of advanced manufacturing technologies and manufacturing process optimization.
• Familiarity with AS9100 quality standards or other regulated manufacturing quality systems.
• Experience collaborating with suppliers, customers, and multidisciplinary engineering teams.