Materials Engineer (onsite)

Johnson Controls•Glendale, AZ

24d•$70,000 - $90,000•Onsite

About The Position

Johnson Controls is seeking a Materials Engineer to join its Global Materials Lab in Glendale, Wisconsin. The role primarily targets entry-level or early-career candidates, though the final job level will depend on the candidate’s education, qualifications, technical expertise, and relevant industry experience. The engineer will support Johnson Controls businesses including HVAC, chillers, controls, and data center applications. Working under the direction of the Materials Lab Manager, the Materials Engineer will perform laboratory testing, materials characterization, failure analysis, and metallurgical investigations in support of product development, manufacturing, quality improvement, and customer support. The role involves investigating material-related issues, drawing data-driven conclusions, and communicating findings in professional technical reports. It is based at the test lab facility in Glendale, Wisconsin; candidates must be within commuting distance or able to relocate. Various relocation packages are available.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university in Materials Science & Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
GPA of 3.4 or above.
Understanding of metals, polymers, ceramics, and composite materials, including their properties, processing methods, and failure mechanisms.
Hands-on laboratory experience gained through coursework, research, internships, co-ops, or industry experience.
Familiarity with materials characterization techniques such as microscopy, hardness testing, spectroscopy, or thermal analysis.
Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to work independently and collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary teams.
Demonstrated commitment to laboratory safety and safe work practices.

Nice To Haves

Advanced coursework or research experience in metallurgy, failure analysis, corrosion, welding, brazing, polymers, or materials characterization.
Experience preparing metallographic specimens using laboratory equipment and interpreting microstructures.
Experience operating analytical equipment such as optical microscopes, SEM/EDS, FTIR, DSC, TGA, and hardness testing equipment.
Internship, co-op, undergraduate research, graduate research, or industrial experience in a materials laboratory environment.
Experience presenting technical findings to engineering or business audiences.
Industry experience.

Responsibilities

Prepare metallurgical and materials characterization samples through sectioning, mounting, grinding, polishing, and other laboratory preparation techniques.
Conduct materials testing and analysis using laboratory equipment and methods including optical microscopy, hardness testing, spectroscopy, thermal analysis, and other characterization methods.
Perform failure analysis and root-cause investigations on metallic, polymeric, ceramic, and composite materials.
Analyze experimental data and prepare clear, concise, technically sound laboratory reports with conclusions and recommendations.
Support engineering, manufacturing, quality, supplier quality, and customer support teams in resolving material- and process-related issues.
Assist in evaluating new materials, manufacturing processes, and product designs to improve performance, reliability, and sustainability.
Participate in corrective and preventive action activities by identifying material and process nonconformances and recommending solutions.
Maintain laboratory equipment and comply with laboratory safety procedures and best practices.
Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders on testing programs, product investigations, and materials qualification projects.
Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives that enhance laboratory efficiency, capability, and technical excellence.