Material Scientist

General Plastics & Composites LP•Houston, TX

3h•Hybrid

About The Position

The Material Scientist will be responsible for the development, processing, and testing of materials used in a wide range of products. This role involves working with diverse materials such as metals, plastics, composites, and semi-conductors to meet specific design, mechanical, and performance criteria. The scientist will lead research and implementation of new materials and fabrication technologies to support evolving product needs. Key responsibilities include guiding testing protocols, overseeing laboratory operations, ensuring accurate data collection and analysis, and planning/executing lab operations to assess materials and validate fabrication processes. The role also involves reviewing failure analysis data, developing standard material testing protocols, evaluating technical and economic trade-offs, recommending materials and manufacturing solutions, and advising design and manufacturing teams on material behavior. Continuous improvement in materials and manufacturing through root cause analysis and corrective actions is also a key aspect of this position, as is collaboration with suppliers and cross-functional teams.

Requirements

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.
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.

Responsibilities

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.