Materials Engineer (onsite)

Johnson Controls•Glendale, AZ

22d•Onsite

About The Position

The Johnson Controls Global Materials Lab is seeking a Materials Engineer to work at its test lab facility in Glendale, Wisconsin. The role is primarily targeted toward entry-level or early-career candidates, although the final job level will depend on the candidate’s education, qualifications, technical expertise, and relevant industry experience. Candidates must be within commuting distance of the facility or able to relocate; various relocation packages are available. Working under the direction of the Materials Lab Manager, the Materials Engineer performs laboratory testing, materials characterization, failure analysis, and metallurgical investigations. The work supports product development, manufacturing, quality improvement, and customer support across Johnson Controls businesses, including HVAC, chillers, controls, and data center applications. The engineer uses hands-on laboratory skills and technical knowledge to investigate material-related issues, draw data-driven conclusions, and communicate findings in professional technical reports. The role involves collaboration with cross-functional teams to improve product performance, reliability, safety, and cost-effectiveness.

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 material 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 techniques.
Conduct materials testing and analysis using equipment and methods such as optical microscopy, hardness testing, spectroscopy, and thermal analysis.
Perform failure analysis and root cause investigations involving metallic, polymeric, ceramic, and composite materials.
Analyze experimental data and prepare clear, concise technical 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 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 follow laboratory safety procedures and best practices.
Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders on testing programs, product investigations, and materials qualification projects.
Contribute to initiatives to improve laboratory efficiency, capability, and technical excellence.