Material Scientist

Material Scientist General Plastics & Composites, LP - 3.2 Houston, TX Job Details 1 day ago Qualifications Polymers experience in materials engineering Performance testing in mechanical engineering Materials engineering within manufacturing Engineering process optimization Material selection and characterization Managing laboratory teams Research project technical leadership Quality control problem-solving Operational excellence initiatives Laboratory management Research and development laboratory environment Quality improvement programs in engineering Research findings presentation Composites experience in material engineering Failure analysis Full Job Description

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Material Development & Innovation:

Extracts, develops, processes, and tests materials used in a wide range of products. Works with diverse materials including metals, plastics, composites, and semi-conductors to meet design, mechanical, and performance criteria. Leads research and implementation of new materials and fabrication technologies to support evolving product needs.

Lab & Technical Analysis:

Serves as a senior materials engineer guiding testing protocols, overseeing laboratory operations, and ensuring accurate data collection and analysis. Plans and executes lab operations to assess materials and validate fabrication processes. Reviews and interprets failure analysis data to determine root causes and corrective actions. Develops standard material testing protocols aligned with product and regulatory requirements.

Product Development & Engineering Support:

Evaluates technical and economic trade-offs to recommend materials and manufacturing solutions. Reviews new product designs for strength, weight, cost, and manufacturability; submits material selection recommendations. Advises design engineers and manufacturing teams on material behavior under operational conditions.

Testing, Analysis & Continuous Improvement:

Plans and implements test procedures and laboratory evaluations to develop and validate new materials and processes. Reviews failure data and interprets lab results to establish or rule out material and process-related causes. Drives continuous improvement in materials and manufacturing through root cause analysis and corrective/preventive actions.

Supplier & Cross-functional Collaboration:

Partners with material suppliers and vendors to evaluate and select materials suitable for product applications. Collaborates with cross-functional teams in engineering, quality, and operations to ensure successful integration of material solutions.

QUALIFITCATIONS & EXPERIENCE

Bachelor's degree in Materials Science, Metallurgical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline required. Proven track record in hands-on lab leadership, including the development and execution of material testing protocols and failure analysis. Experience selecting and qualifying materials (metals, polymers, ceramics, and composites) for performance-critical and cost-sensitive applications. Demonstrated success in applying continuous improvement tools and methodologies (Lean, Six Sigma) to enhance material and process performance.

SKILLS:

Proficient in analytical and modeling tools. In-depth knowledge of material behavior under mechanical, thermal, and chemical stresses. Familiarity with industry standards for material testing and validation. Strong understanding of laboratory instrumentation and testing techniques. Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with a data-driven mindset. Effective communicator capable of influencing cross-functional teams and presenting findings to technical and non-technical audiences. Collaborative, who thrives in fast-paced and technically complex environments.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORK ENVIRONMENT

Office-based role with visits to manufacturing sites as needed. Stand or walk for extended periods. Occasionally lift items weighing up to 20 pounds. Navigate the manufacturing floor, adhering to safety protocols. Equal Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.