Materials Engineering Associate - OCU - Technical - 3rd Shift

Cummins•Columbus, IN

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Materials Engineering Associate works in the Material Science Laboratory at the Columbus Midrange Engine Plant in Columbus, Indiana, supporting chemical and materials science work during the plant’s third shift. The role plans, schedules, and performs routine and non-routine testing on specialized analytical equipment; prepares specimens; analyzes Cummins parts and materials; and reports results in a technical format. Typical work includes incoming and assembled component Millipore testing, engine oil analysis using ICP, viscometry, and FTIR, chemical and mechanical property analysis of components and process fluids, component wear analysis, and warranty component failure analysis. The associate maintains and calibrates analytical equipment, develops and applies test methods, supports laboratory capability improvements, and works with external services and vendors. The role also trains and mentors technicians, supports quality procedures and audits, coordinates testing programs, and collaborates with plant functions—particularly quality and engineering—to respond to production-critical issues. The position requires flexibility to support production whenever the facility is operating, including weekends, and travel as required.

Requirements

High school diploma, GED, or equivalent with Department of Labor Certification; alternatively, an associate degree in a related field plus at least two years of relevant experience; or a bachelor’s degree in a related field.
The stated experience/education requirement may be met by Department of Labor Certification, a bachelor’s degree in a related field, or an associate degree in a related field plus at least two years of relevant experience.
Ability to prepare samples, verify equipment calibration, and perform testing in accordance with approved procedures or work instructions.
Ability to prepare clear technical documentation of methods, settings, data, and analysis.
Ability to interpret material properties and correlate them with field or component test results.
Ability to safely operate hoists and lifting fixtures and occasionally lift 30 pounds.
Flexibility to work with other plant functions and support production-critical issues.
Ability to work a third-shift schedule and support production when the facility is operating, including weekends.
Travel as required by the position.

Responsibilities

Plan and schedule testing on specialized analytical equipment.
Provide technical expertise and support for specialized analytical equipment.
Prepare specimens, analyze typical Cummins parts, and provide written results in technical report format.
Perform routine and non-routine analyses and data acquisition using specialized laboratory equipment.
Perform routine maintenance and calibration checks on analytical equipment.
Develop and apply test methods to measure material properties or detect defects in engine components, and participate in developing improved laboratory methods.
Coordinate with outside services and vendors to provide testing and analysis capabilities.
Train and lead technicians in the use of specialized equipment and methods; develop and conduct training, and provide counseling, mentoring, and coaching.
Apply company and department rules and guidelines, and participate in maintaining quality procedures.
Represent the company to customers, suppliers, and outside agencies as needed.
Use independent judgment and initiative to plan and carry out work, solve problems, manage budgets, and coordinate programs, including planning, scheduling, ordering, and tracking.
Participate in improvement projects and adapt to changing work needs and tasks.
Follow safety policies and procedures and maintain confidentiality as required.
Share work with exempt and other OCU employees as required.
Manage work and maintain a flexible schedule to meet priority demands; participate in self- and team-audits and corrective actions, and pursue continuous learning.
Travel as required by the position.
Perform other duties as required.
Prepare samples, verify equipment calibration, and conduct tests according to approved procedures or work instructions to produce reliable data.
Document testing methods, instrument settings, data, and analysis clearly so engineers and customers can understand results and form accurate conclusions and recommendations.
Interpret mechanical, chemical, microstructural, and physical properties to confirm compliance with specifications and correlate properties with field or component test results.
Define appropriate material characterization schedules and select laboratory equipment to ensure requirements are met.
Collaborate with plant functions, especially quality and engineering, to support production-critical issues.
Safely operate hoists and lifting fixtures and occasionally lift up to 30 pounds.
Support production whenever the facility is operating, including weekends.