Materials Engineer

At Tenneco, we don’t follow industry standards; we set them, and we don’t settle for being best-in-class because we hustle to be better than best-in-class. Whether it’s our Core Values – radical candor, simplify, organizational velocity, tenacious execution and win – or our Get Stuff Done (GSD) mindset, we’re determined to become the most trusted partner and best manufacturer and distributor to the transportation industry.

With a product portfolio as expansive as it is innovative, an obsessive commitment to quality and excellence, and a global presence, we’re all about getting stuff done, so we can win.

How do we make it happen? Through the Tenneco Way. Fueled by our Core Values, a winning mindset and a relentless commitment to excellence, the Tenneco Way is how we win. It’s what keeps Team Tenneco bold, driven, and unapologetically focused on pushing past limits and redefining success.

Here, you’ll work alongside a team of relentless problem-solvers who are committed to making a tangible impact. If you’re ready to break boundaries, deliver results, and enjoy the ride along the way, you’ll thrive here.

Want to learn more about who we are? Check out our website to discover the Tenneco Way

Job Description:

This role centers on advanced material analysis and quality support within Tenneco’s engineering operations. Key responsibilities include conducting thermal and chemical characterization of polymer compounds, performing thermal conductivity measurements across diverse materials, and leading failure analysis investigations to support product development. Additional duties involve preparing technical reports and presentations, as well as providing technical guidance to manufacturing plants, customers, and suppliers.

This role will be in-person and primarily based in Plymouth, Michigan.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conduct thermal and chemical characterization of polymer compounds, ensuring accurate analysis and reporting.
• Perform thermal conductivity measurements across Tenneco’s material portfolio, including steels, aluminum, bronze, and various powder metals.
• Conduct failure analysis investigations on Tenneco materials to support engineering development for current and future products.
• Prepare and deliver technical reports for internal teams and external customers, including presentations when required.
• Provide quality support to Tenneco manufacturing plants, occasionally serving as a neutral liaison between plants, customers, and suppliers.
• Develop, maintain, and comply with standardized procedures and work instructions.
• Prioritize and manage test requests to meet critical deadlines for customers and manufacturing operations.
• Oversee inventory management for designated laboratory consumables to ensure uninterrupted testing operations.
  

Qualifications:

At Tenneco, it’s not just about experience; it’s about mindset, and we’re looking for someone with:

Education:

• B.S. in Materials Science & Engineering or related field
• M.S. in Materials Science & Engineering or related field is preferred
  
  

Experience:

• 5 years of previous experience in a related role.
• Experience with TGA, DSC, FTIR, SEM/EDX, Dilatometry, Thermal Diffusivity measurement, and metallic sample preparation
• Experience with any of the following tools/techniques is preferred : XPS, GCMS, polymer swell, polymer solvent extraction
• Ability to develop, perform, and document analysis that contributes to the advancement of research projects at the technical center or manufacturing sites is highly preferred .
• Experience supporting research projects for product development is preferred
• Capable of interfacing with outside resources to aid in the development of new sources or products for Tenneco is preferred .
  
  

Skills:

• Materials characterization
• Failure analysis
• Thermal Conductivity Testing
• Data Analysis & Interpretation
• Attention to detail
• Cross Functional Collaboration
• Time & Priority Management
• Organization
  
  

Equal opportunity employer as to all protected groups, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities