Coatings & Corrosion Specialist

Cummins•Troy, MI

11d•Onsite

About The Position

We are looking for a talented Coatings & Corrosion Specialist to join our Materials Engineering - Chemistry team in Troy, MI. CDBS (Cummins Drivetrain and Braking Systems) focuses on the underbody of heavy duty and military vehicles including supporting work on axles, drivelines, brakes, t-cases, specialty suspension, trailers, aftermarket, e-axles, etc. This role involves driving data-based decisions through statistical methods and data analysis, leading root cause investigations for component failures, and optimizing material and process selection for performance, durability, and cost. The specialist will ensure material integrity and compliance through characterization and testing, solve complex technical challenges using structured problem-solving, and strengthen technical knowledge sharing through documentation and effective communication. Building strong cross-functional partnerships and delivering results through sound judgment and leadership are also key aspects of this position.

Requirements

College, university, or equivalent Bachelor's degree in Engineering or appropriate STEM field is required.
Prior Senior or Lead Engineer equivalent work experience in a relevant discipline area is required with a demonstrated track record of technical problem solving and quality decision making.
Knowledge of MS Office tools is preferred.

Nice To Haves

Post-graduate (Master's) degree relevant to this discipline area may be required for select roles.
This position may require licensing for compliance with export controls or sanctions regulations.

Responsibilities

Demonstrate Strong Coatings and Corrosion Testing Expertise: Maintain and operate cyclic corrosion, salt spray, and humidity chambers; execute testing per specifications, prints, and industry standards such as ASTM, ISO, and BDCS requirements.
Ensure Laboratory Excellence and Compliance: Perform routine calibration of coating equipment, maintain laboratory cleanliness and organization, and consistently follow all safety requirements and established CDBS MT procedures.
Deliver Accurate Technical Evaluations: Conduct Windchill test requests, analyze results, and provide clear recommendations that support product quality, corrosion performance, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Build Technical Partnerships and Drive Improvement: Collaborate with manufacturing sites and cross-functional teams, travel as needed to support plant evaluations, contribute to industry groups, and identify opportunities to enhance coatings and corrosion processes.
Serve as the Coatings and Corrosion Subject Matter Expert: Operate as a recognized specialist in paint, coatings, plating, and corrosion, providing technical guidance and expertise across a diverse portfolio of heavy-duty, military, and electrified drivetrain products.
Support Global Product Quality and Compliance: Perform and interpret coating and corrosion testing for PPAP validation, product evaluations, R&D initiatives, and customer requirements across multiple substrate materials, including steel and cast components.
Influence Product and Process Improvements: Review customer and third-party reports, evaluate field-returned components, identify opportunities for improvement, and provide data-driven recommendations to Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, and customers.
Drive Continuous Improvement and Knowledge Sharing: Lead the development of laboratory processes, specifications, and testing methodologies while supporting cross-training efforts and knowledge transfer across teams and business units.
Communicate Technical Findings with Confidence: Prepare formal technical reports, present test results and recommendations to stakeholders, and effectively translate complex corrosion and coatings data into actionable business decisions.
Develop and Maintain Technical Standards: Create, update, and maintain paint specifications, coating requirements, and application process standards to support product durability, performance, and regulatory compliance.
Support a Diverse Product Portfolio: Contribute to materials engineering activities supporting axles, drivelines, brakes, transfer cases, specialty suspension systems, trailers, aftermarket products, and emerging e-axle technologies.
Leverage Advanced Laboratory Testing Expertise: Utilize specialized equipment and test methods including cyclic corrosion chambers, salt spray testing, humidity testing, adhesion testing, gloss measurement, creep evaluation, blistering assessment, mandrel bend testing, water immersion testing, and related coatings performance evaluations.