Materials Science Engineering Technical Specialist

Cummins • Troy, MI

2d • Onsite

About The Position

We are looking for a talented Materials Science Engineering Technical Specialist to join our Engineering team of Cummins Drivetrain and Braking Systems (CDBS) in Troy, MI. In this role, you will make an impact in the following ways: Drive Data ‑ Based Decisions: Apply advanced statistical methods—descriptive analytics, probability modeling, regression, DOE, and hypothesis testing—to deliver rigorous, evidence‑driven recommendations that improve product and process outcomes. Strengthen Failure Prevention: Conduct thorough component failure analyses to identify true root causes, evaluate design and manufacturing intent, and recommend corrective actions that protect customers and prevent recurrence. Optimize Material & Process Selection: Evaluate component requirements and select the most appropriate materials and manufacturing routes, ensuring best‑fit solutions that meet performance, cost, and reliability targets. Enhance Material Robustness: Perform mechanical, chemical, microstructural, and physical property characterization to confirm compliance and correlate lab results with field performance, improving component durability and reliability. Improve Technical Knowledge Transfer: Produce clear, accurate technical documentation that captures learnings, supports decision‑making, and enables efficient knowledge sharing across engineering, operations, and cross‑functional teams. Elevate Cross ‑ Functional Collaboration: Build strong internal and external networks to accelerate problem‑solving, align stakeholders, and ensure seamless communication across engineering, manufacturing, and supplier teams. Accelerate Problem Resolution: Apply structured problem‑solving methodologies to identify assignable and systemic root causes, implement robust corrective actions, and mentor others in effective analytical approaches. Advance Organizational Effectiveness: Demonstrate strong decision quality, resourcefulness, and the ability to manage complexity—consistently driving results while valuing diverse perspectives and adapting to challenging circumstances.

Requirements

• Deep Technical Expertise in Materials & Casting: A solid understanding of casting processes, material behavior, and material‑processing interactions to accurately diagnose issues, validate design intent, and make sound material and process selections.
• Strong Analytical & Laboratory Skills: Proficiency with sectioning, sample preparation, and material characterization equipment—along with the ability to interpret mechanical, chemical, microstructural, and physical property data—to support root‑cause analysis and robust decision‑making.
• Supplier Collaboration & PPAP/Process Improvement Capability: The ability to work effectively with suppliers on PPAP requirements, process validation, and continuous improvement initiatives, ensuring components meet specifications and quality standards.
• Clear Technical Communication & Documentation: Strong report‑writing skills to document investigations, communicate findings, justify decisions, and support cross‑functional alignment with Quality, Supply Chain, and Engineering.
• College, university, or equivalent Bachelor's degree in Engineering or appropriate STEM field is required.
• Prior Senior or Lead Engineer equivalent work experience in a relevant discipline area is required with a demonstrated track record of technical problem solving and quality decision making.

Nice To Haves

• Post-graduate (Master's) degree relevant to this discipline area may be required for select roles.
• This position may require licensing for compliance with export controls or sanctions regulations.
• Knowledge of MS Office tools is preferred.
• Casting experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Apply advanced statistical methods—descriptive analytics, probability modeling, regression, DOE, and hypothesis testing—to deliver rigorous, evidence‑driven recommendations that improve product and process outcomes.
• Conduct thorough component failure analyses to identify true root causes, evaluate design and manufacturing intent, and recommend corrective actions that protect customers and prevent recurrence.
• Evaluate component requirements and select the most appropriate materials and manufacturing routes, ensuring best‑fit solutions that meet performance, cost, and reliability targets.
• Perform mechanical, chemical, microstructural, and physical property characterization to confirm compliance and correlate lab results with field performance, improving component durability and reliability.
• Produce clear, accurate technical documentation that captures learnings, supports decision‑making, and enables efficient knowledge sharing across engineering, operations, and cross‑functional teams.
• Build strong internal and external networks to accelerate problem‑solving, align stakeholders, and ensure seamless communication across engineering, manufacturing, and supplier teams.
• Apply structured problem‑solving methodologies to identify assignable and systemic root causes, implement robust corrective actions, and mentor others in effective analytical approaches.
• Demonstrate strong decision quality, resourcefulness, and the ability to manage complexity—consistently driving results while valuing diverse perspectives and adapting to challenging circumstances.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior