The Materials Engineer will use advanced analytical techniques to characterize metallic materials and IR optical crystals.
The successful candidate will support the development, characterization, and failure analysis of metallic materials and infrared (IR) optical crystals used in advanced manufacturing and precision optical applications. This role requires hands-on experience with materials characterization techniques and the ability to collaborate across engineering, manufacturing, and quality teams.
Key accountabilities and responsibilities for the Materials Engineer include but are not limited to:
- Characterize metallic materials and IR optical crystals using advanced analytical techniques.
- Conduct failure analysis and determine root causes of material or process-related issues.
- Analyze microstructure, composition, crystallography, and surface characteristics.
- Evaluate and enhance current and next gen ultra-precision cutting tooling.
- Study laser-material interactions and evaluate the effects of laser processing on material properties and machining performance.
- Develop and execute material characterization plans to support product development and manufacturing.
- Prepare technical reports and present findings to engineering and management teams.
- Collaborate with manufacturing, quality, and design engineers to improve material performance and process capability.
- Support material selection, qualification, and supplier evaluations.
- Travel up to 20% to support technical activities as needed.
- Maintain compliance with applicable quality, safety, export-control, and information-security requirements.
Requirements & Experience:
· Due to the position’s access to export-controlled technical data, candidates must qualify as a “U.S. person” under applicable U.S. export-control regulations. This includes U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents.
- Bachelor’s degree in Materials Science and Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, Physics, or a related field with 3–5 years of relevant industry experience, or a Master’s degree with 2+ years of relevant industry experience.
- Experience working with one or more of the following areas: metals, alloys, infrared optical materials/crystals, semiconductor materials, or aerospace materials.
- Strong understanding of the relationships between composition, processing, microstructure, properties, and performance of metals and/or optical materials.
- Experience conducting materials-based root cause analysis and failure investigations using analytical characterization techniques.
- Demonstrated hands-on expertise in materials characterization and analytical testing, with core proficiencies in SEM/EDS, XRD, FTIR, and tensile/compression testing.
- Knowledge of statistical data analysis and Design of Experiments (DOE).
- Familiarity with ISO quality systems and laboratory best practices.
- Exposure to precision manufacturing processes such as milling, polishing, coating, brazing, or heat treatment is a plus.
Characteristics:
- Material science expertise: Demonstrates a strong understanding of material composition, microstructure, mechanical and physical properties, and material behavior. Applies this knowledge to predict how materials will respond to ultra-precision machining, finishing, handling, and environmental conditions.
- Material characterization proficiency: Understands and applies appropriate methods to evaluate material properties, composition, surface condition, microstructure, defects, and variability. Selects suitable characterization techniques and interprets results to support engineering and manufacturing decisions.
- Material selection and evaluation: Evaluates candidate materials against application requirements, including optical properties, mechanical performance, thermal stability, machinability, durability, availability, and cost. Recommends materials based on technical evidence and intended use.
- Experimental design: Develops structured experiments to investigate material behavior, compare candidate materials, evaluate process conditions, and test engineering hypotheses. Establishes appropriate controls, variables, and success criteria.
- Research and technical investigation: Reviews scientific literature, technical publications, supplier data, and emerging technologies to identify materials and methods that may improve manufacturing capabilities or product performance.
- Innovation and creative thinking: Develops new approaches to material evaluation, process compatibility, surface improvement, and manufacturing challenges. Identifies opportunities to use new materials or technologies to expand product capabilities.
- Diamond turning process knowledge: Understands the fundamentals of single-point diamond turning and how material properties interact with cutting conditions, tool geometry, machine dynamics, and environmental factors to influence results.
- Cross-functional collaboration: Works effectively with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Metrology, Supply Chain, and external material suppliers to solve problems and support product development.
Salary Range - $112-169k
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