Materials Engineer - Accelerated Growth
About The Position
IDEX Material Science Solutions (MSS), a newly formed group of materials-science businesses, is seeking a Materials Engineer to support the development, characterization, and failure analysis of metallic materials and infrared (IR) optical crystals used in advanced manufacturing and precision optical applications. The role uses advanced analytical techniques and requires hands-on materials-characterization experience and collaboration across engineering, manufacturing, and quality teams. The engineer will characterize metals and IR optical crystals; investigate material- and process-related failures; analyze microstructure, composition, crystallography, and surface characteristics; and evaluate ultra-precision cutting tooling and laser-material interactions. The role also develops characterization plans, supports product development and manufacturing, prepares technical reports, contributes to material selection and qualification, and supports supplier evaluations. Travel may be required up to 20%. The position requires compliance with applicable quality, safety, export-control, and information-security requirements. Candidates must qualify as a “U.S. person” under applicable U.S. export-control regulations, including U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Materials Science and Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, Physics, or a related field, with 3–5 years of relevant industry experience; alternatively, a Master’s degree with 2 or more years of relevant industry experience.
- Must qualify as a “U.S. person” under applicable U.S. export-control regulations; this includes U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents.
- Experience working with one or more of metals, alloys, infrared optical materials or crystals, semiconductor materials, or aerospace materials.
- Strong understanding of relationships between composition, processing, microstructure, properties, and performance of metals and/or optical materials.
- Experience conducting materials-based root-cause analysis and failure investigations using analytical characterization techniques.
- Hands-on expertise in materials characterization and analytical testing, with core proficiency in SEM/EDS, XRD, FTIR, and tensile/compression testing.
- Knowledge of statistical data analysis and Design of Experiments (DOE).
- Familiarity with ISO quality systems and laboratory best practices.
- Strong understanding of material composition, microstructure, mechanical and physical properties, and material behavior, including how materials respond to ultra-precision machining, finishing, handling, and environmental conditions.
- Ability to select and apply characterization methods and interpret results to support engineering and manufacturing decisions.
- Ability to evaluate candidate materials against application requirements, including optical properties, mechanical performance, thermal stability, machinability, durability, availability, and cost.
- Ability to develop structured experiments with appropriate controls, variables, and success criteria.
- Ability to research scientific literature, technical publications, supplier data, and emerging technologies.
- Knowledge of single-point diamond turning and how material properties, cutting conditions, tool geometry, machine dynamics, and environmental factors influence results.
- Ability to collaborate with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Metrology, Supply Chain, and external material suppliers.
Nice To Haves
- Exposure to precision manufacturing processes such as milling, polishing, coating, brazing, or heat treatment.
- Ability to develop new approaches to material evaluation, process compatibility, surface improvement, and manufacturing challenges.
Responsibilities
- Characterize metallic materials and IR optical crystals using advanced analytical techniques.
- Conduct failure analysis and determine root causes of material- or process-related issues.
- Analyze microstructure, composition, crystallography, and surface characteristics.
- Evaluate and enhance current and next-generation ultra-precision cutting tooling.
- Study laser-material interactions and evaluate how laser processing affects material properties and machining performance.
- Develop and execute material-characterization plans to support product development and manufacturing.
- Prepare technical reports and present findings to engineering and management teams.
- Collaborate with manufacturing, quality, and design engineers to improve material performance and process capability.
- Support material selection, qualification, and supplier evaluations.
- Travel up to 20% to support technical activities as needed.
- Maintain compliance with applicable quality, safety, export-control, and information-security requirements.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
