Materials Engineer

Federal•Anoka, MN

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Kinetic Group is seeking a Materials Engineer with experience in steel metallurgy and material processing to support the company’s expanding steel case manufacturing capabilities. The role partners with Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, and Operations to improve material performance, optimize manufacturing processes, and reduce defects across operations. The position is based in Anoka, Minnesota, and reports to the Manager of Manufacturing Engineering. The Materials Engineer provides technical support in steel metallurgy, material performance, heat treatment, and manufacturing processes. The role investigates material-related issues, analyzes testing data, develops specifications and procedures, supports material and supplier qualification, and contributes to manufacturing improvements, process development, and capital projects involving steel processing and heat treatment. The engineer also shares metallurgical knowledge and keeps current with industry trends, materials, and manufacturing technologies. Work assignments may involve working in or being exposed to potentially hazardous areas, including areas with flammables and explosives. Safety training is provided to employees to support compliance with company and federal regulations.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Materials Science, Metallurgical Engineering, Materials Engineering, or a related field.
At least 3 years of experience in materials engineering, metallurgy, manufacturing engineering, or a related industrial environment.
Knowledge of steel metallurgy, heat treatment processes, microstructure-property relationships, and material characterization techniques.
Experience participating in failure analysis, root cause investigations, or metallurgical testing activities.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Ability to work effectively with engineering, operations, quality, suppliers, and external laboratories.

Nice To Haves

At least 5 years of experience supporting steel manufacturing, metal forming, heat treatment, or related industrial processes.
Experience with supplier qualification, material validation, and specification development.
Experience leading complex failure investigations and corrective action initiatives.
Knowledge of advanced steels, boron steels, or other high-performance alloy systems.
Background in ammunition, firearms, automotive, aerospace, heavy equipment, or other high-volume manufacturing environments.
Master's degree in Materials Science, Metallurgical Engineering, or a related discipline.

Responsibilities

Provide technical support related to steel metallurgy, material performance, heat treatment, and manufacturing processes.
Partner with Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, and Operations to improve product quality, process capability, and manufacturing efficiency.
Support investigations of material-related issues, including cracking, hardness variation, microstructural inconsistencies, and product performance concerns.
Analyze metallurgical and mechanical testing data to identify root causes and recommend corrective actions.
Develop and maintain material specifications, testing procedures, and best practices to improve quality and consistency.
Support qualification and validation of raw materials, suppliers, and alternative material solutions.
Contribute to manufacturing improvement initiatives, new process development, and capital projects involving steel processing and heat treatment.
Stay current on industry trends, emerging materials, and manufacturing technologies.
Share metallurgical knowledge and best practices across engineering and operational teams.