Are you a hands-on technician or materials science specialist who thrives in a laboratory environment, analyzing metal samples, troubleshooting lab equipment, and keeping quality processes running smoothly? Do you bring a strong mechanical aptitude, experience reading part prints, and the drive to solve complex materials engineering challenges with minimal oversight? As Cerebral Staffing , we are seeking a detail-oriented Materials Engineering Technician to join our team supporting our client, John Deere Waterloo Works , in Waterloo, IA . Whether you bring an Associate degree in a technical field, hands-on lab experience with ferrous metals and heat-treat processes, or strong organization using SAP and MS Office, we want to hear from you. Materials Engineering Technician - John Deere Waterloo Works (Waterloo, IA) This is a long-term 2+ year contract opportunity paying up to $35/hr , including 1 week of PTO . Operating 100% onsite in Waterloo, IA , you will perform routine and complex laboratory testing, prepare material samples, troubleshoot process equipment, manage lab inventory, and support factory quality and heat-treat operations.

Position Details & Compensation Pay Rate:

Up to $35/hr (W2) .

Location:

100% Onsite at John Deere Waterloo Works ( Waterloo, IA ).

Duration:

2+ Years (Providing long-term contract stability).

Schedule & Hours:

Standard 1st Shift (40 hours weekly).

Benefits:

1 Week PTO , Health, Dental, Vision, Life, 401k, and Referral Bonuses.

Visa Sponsorship:

Not available now or in the near future for this position.

Core Responsibilities Sample Preparation & Testing:

Complete laboratory analytical tasks and sample preparation (cutting, polishing, auditing) with minimal engineering oversight.

Equipment & Process Maintenance:

Maintain lab equipment, monitor coolant levels on saws, support heat-treat process adjustments (e.g., crankshaft heat treat), and sustain 5S lab standards.

Work Request & Inventory Management:

Process internal Materials Engineering Work Requests, communicate with requestors, order/stock lab consumables, and enter crib reservations in SAP .

Process Improvement & Quality:

Partner with production and maintenance teams to troubleshoot analytical or process issues, maintain lab procedures, and participate on continuous improvement teams.

Audit Tracking:

Collect parts, conduct quality audits, and update monthly/quarterly tracking spreadsheets using MS Office.

Required Qualifications & Technical Skills Education:

Associate degree in a technical field (Pre-Engineering, Metallurgy, Manufacturing/Engineering Technology, CAD, etc.) or equivalent work experience.

Blueprints & Standards:

Excellent understanding of part prints, process instructions, and industry/Deere standards.

Machining & Metallurgy:

Knowledge of ferrous machining processes, materials analysis, and production/analytical equipment.

Mechanical & Computer Aptitude:

Solid mechanical troubleshooting abilities coupled with proficiency in MS Excel/Office Suite and electronic engineering software.

Communication:

Very good written and verbal communication skills to interact with requestors, engineers, and plant personnel.

Preferred / Standout

Qualifications Hands-on experience in a shop floor, metallographic, or materials testing laboratory environment. Prior experience in a John Deere manufacturing facility or heat-treat environment. Experience using SAP (PDX transactions) for inventory ordering and crib reservations.

APPLY NOW

to direct materials lab testing, support factory quality, and build your engineering career with John Deere !

Pay:

Up to $35.00 per hour Expected hours: 40.0 per week

Benefits:

401(k) Dental insurance Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Referral program Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person