Senior Materials Engineer

Job Summary

The Senior Materials Engineer serves as a senior technical authority responsible for leading material selection, development, and qualification across the product lifecycle. In this role, you will drive data-based decisions for new product development and manufacturing, ensuring all materials meet rigorous performance and regulatory standards. You will lead complex failure investigations and root-cause analyses to mitigate risks and improve product reliability. Beyond technical execution, you will influence enterprise-wide material strategies and mentor early-career engineers to foster a culture of technical excellence.

Salary Range $115k-$162k

Responsibilities

• Serve as the subject matter expert (SME) for engineering, manufacturing, and supply chain functions, providing final approval on material specifications and standards.
• Lead the selection and validation of metals, polymers, ceramics, and composites, overseeing comprehensive characterization and testing plans.
• Direct root-cause investigations for manufacturing non-conformances and field returns, applying materials science fundamentals to develop corrective actions.
• Partner with design and manufacturing teams to optimize material processing, improve production yields, and ensure supply continuity.
• Coach junior engineers and influence enterprise-wide best practices and long-term materials technology roadmaps.
• Ensure all materials meet global regulatory and safety standards while driving initiatives for cost optimization and environmental impact reduction.

Preferred Skills

• Master's or PhD in Materials Science or a related engineering discipline.
• Experience working within high-reliability or strictly regulated sectors such as Aerospace, Medical Devices, or Energy.
• Technical familiarity with Nickel/Chromium based alloys.
• Proficiency in statistical analysis, Design of Experiments (DOE), or material modeling software.
• Background in supporting product commercialization and advanced manufacturing environments.
• A track record of patents, publications, or significant recognized technical achievements.

Required Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Materials Science, Metallurgical Engineering, Polymer Science, or a related field.
• At least 10 years of progressive experience in materials engineering or materials science roles.
• Proven mastery of materials characterization, selection methodologies, and lifecycle management.
• Demonstrated ability to lead complex technical projects and influence cross-functional stakeholders without formal authority.
• Strong written and verbal skills for technical reporting and organizational knowledge sharing.