Staff Materials Science Engineer

BorgWarner•Arden, NC

1d•$115,200 - $162,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Staff Materials Science Engineer serves as a senior technical individual contributor responsible for providing expert leadership in materials selection, development, qualification, and lifecycle management. This role supports the design, manufacturing, and sustainment of products by applying advanced materials science principles, driving data‑based decisions, and influencing material strategy across the organization.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Materials Science and Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, Polymer Science, or a related discipline
Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in materials science or materials engineering roles
Demonstrated expertise in materials characterization, selection, and lifecycle management
Proven ability to lead complex technical efforts and influence cross‑functional teams without direct authority
Strong written and verbal communication skills

Nice To Haves

Master’s or PhD in Materials Science or a related field
Experience within regulated or high‑reliability industries (e.g., medical devices, aerospace, automotive, energy)
Experience with Nickel/Chromium based alloys
Experience supporting product commercialization or advanced manufacturing environments
Knowledge of statistical analysis, design of experiments (DOE), or material modeling techniques
Record of significant technical contributions, patents, or publications

Responsibilities

Serve as a recognized technical authority in materials science, providing guidance to engineering, manufacturing, quality, and supply chain functions.
Lead material‑related decision‑making for new product development, design changes, and long‑term technology initiatives.
Provide expert review and approval of material specifications, standards, and design guidelines.
Lead the evaluation, development, selection, and qualification of materials, including metals, polymers, ceramics, composites, and coatings, to meet performance, cost, reliability, and regulatory requirements.
Define and oversee comprehensive material characterization and validation test plans.
Analyze and interpret mechanical, thermal, chemical, and microstructural data to support technical recommendations.
Lead material‑related failure investigations for manufacturing issues, non‑conformances, and field returns.
Apply root‑cause analysis methodologies and materials science fundamentals to identify corrective and preventive actions.
Support risk assessments related to material performance, reliability, and supply continuity.
Partner with design engineering teams to ensure material selections align with functional requirements, product life expectancy, and manufacturability.
Collaborate with manufacturing engineering to improve material processing methods and production yields.
Support supplier selection, qualification, and audit activities related to material capability and quality.
Provide technical mentorship and coaching to early‑ and mid‑career engineers.
Lead technical design and materials reviews and contribute to knowledge sharing across the organization.
Influence long‑term materials technology roadmaps and enterprise‑wide best practices.
Ensure materials meet applicable regulatory, safety, and environmental requirements, including regional and international standards.
Support initiatives related to sustainability, cost optimization, material reuse, and environmental impact reduction.