Staff Materials Science Engineer

Position Summary

The Staff Materials Science Engineer serves as a senior technical individual contributor responsible for providing expert leadership in materials selection, development, qualification, and lifecycle management. This role supports the design, manufacturing, and sustainment of products by applying advanced materials science principles, driving data‑based decisions, and influencing material strategy across the organization.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Technical Expertise and Leadership

• Serve as a recognized technical authority in materials science, providing guidance to engineering, manufacturing, quality, and supply chain functions.
• Lead material‑related decision‑making for new product development, design changes, and long‑term technology initiatives.
• Provide expert review and approval of material specifications, standards, and design guidelines.

Materials Development and Qualification

• Lead the evaluation, development, selection, and qualification of materials, including metals, polymers, ceramics, composites, and coatings, to meet performance, cost, reliability, and regulatory requirements.
• Define and oversee comprehensive material characterization and validation test plans.
• Analyze and interpret mechanical, thermal, chemical, and microstructural data to support technical recommendations.

Failure Analysis and Risk Mitigation

• Lead material‑related failure investigations for manufacturing issues, non‑conformances, and field returns.
• Apply root‑cause analysis methodologies and materials science fundamentals to identify corrective and preventive actions.
• Support risk assessments related to material performance, reliability, and supply continuity.

Cross‑Functional Collaboration

• Partner with design engineering teams to ensure material selections align with functional requirements, product life expectancy, and manufacturability.
• Collaborate with manufacturing engineering to improve material processing methods and production yields.
• Support supplier selection, qualification, and audit activities related to material capability and quality.

Mentorship and Organizational Impact

• Provide technical mentorship and coaching to early‑ and mid‑career engineers.
• Lead technical design and materials reviews and contribute to knowledge sharing across the organization.
• Influence long‑term materials technology roadmaps and enterprise‑wide best practices.

Compliance and Sustainability

• Ensure materials meet applicable regulatory, safety, and environmental requirements, including regional and international standards.
• Support initiatives related to sustainability, cost optimization, material reuse, and environmental impact reduction.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Materials Science and Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, Polymer Science, or a related discipline
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in materials science or materials engineering roles
• Demonstrated expertise in materials characterization, selection, and lifecycle management
• Proven ability to lead complex technical efforts and influence cross‑functional teams without direct authority
• Strong written and verbal communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s or PhD in Materials Science or a related field
• Experience within regulated or high‑reliability industries (e.g., medical devices, aerospace, automotive, energy)
• Experience with Nickel/Chromium based alloys
• Experience supporting product commercialization or advanced manufacturing environments
• Knowledge of statistical analysis, design of experiments (DOE), or material modeling techniques
• Record of significant technical contributions, patents, or publications

Core Competencies

• Advanced technical judgment and analytical capability
• Strategic thinking and problem solving
• Cross‑functional collaboration and influence
• Technical mentorship and knowledge leadership
• Ownership, accountability, and attention to detail

Role Level Characteristics

• Operates with a high degree of autonomy on complex and high‑impact technical challenges
• Recognized internally as a subject matter expert in materials science
• Influences product, process, and technology decisions beyond individual programs or projects
• Provides leadership through expertise and influence rather than formal people management

Safety

This position will adhere to the BorgWarner Environmental Health and Safety Program by following all safety rules, procedures, practices, training, and safe use of equipment; this includes use of personal protective equipment (PPE) as required. This individual will work in a way that stresses the importance of preventing injury, accidents, or illnesses to themselves or co-workers by correcting or reporting unsafe situations, incidents, or occurrences to their Team Lead immediately.

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