Job Summary :
We are seeking an experienced Materials Engineer to lead the research, evaluation, selection, and implementation of elastomeric materials, sealants and adhesives solutions, and foams and gasket systems used in demanding product applications. This role will serve as the technical focal point for materials used in sealing and environmental protection, supporting product design, manufacturing, supplier development, and customer qualification activities from concept through production.
The ideal candidate combines deep knowledge of polymer and elastomer materials science with hands-on experience in material characterization, product development, process support, and failure analysis. This engineer will work cross-functionally with design engineering, manufacturing, quality, sourcing, and suppliers to deliver robust, manufacturable, and cost-effective elastomers, sealant, and adhesive solutions that meet performance, durability, and regulatory requirements.
Key Responsibilities :
- Lead the research and selection of elastomers, sealants, pressure-sensitive and structural adhesives, gasketing materials, foams, and interface sealing systems for new and existing products.
- Serve as the subject matter expert for material behavior, compatibility, durability, and application performance across environmental, chemical, thermal, and mechanical exposure conditions.
- Support product development teams by translating performance requirements into material specifications, design guidance, and validation plans.
- Design and execute test programs for compression set, adhesion strength, peel/shear, chemical resistance, thermal aging, environmental exposure, sealing performance, creep/stress relaxation, thermal and/or electrical conductivity, and long-term reliability.
- Partner with design, manufacturing, and tooling teams to optimize dispensing, bonding, curing, molding, extrusion, die-cutting, lamination, foaming process, and gasket assembly processes.
- Conduct root cause analysis for field and manufacturing issues related to leaks, bond failures, sealing degradation, contamination, cure variation, or material incompatibility, and implement corrective actions.
- Evaluate new materials and supplier technologies to improve performance, manufacturability, cost, and sustainability.
- Work with suppliers to review formulations, process windows, technical data, approval process, qualification packages, and change notifications.
- Develop and maintain material specifications, validation reports, test methods, and engineering documentation.
- Support compliance with applicable customer, industry, and environmental requirements such as RoHS, REACH, flammability, and product-specific material restrictions, as applicable.
- Participate in design reviews and provide recommendations on joint design, sealing geometry, adhesion interfaces, conductive polymers, and failure prevention.
- Support scale-up and launch activities, including pilot builds, process validation, and transfer of qualified materials into production.
Required Qualifications :
- Bachelor's degree in Materials Science, Polymer Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Plastics Engineering, or a related field.
- Demonstrated practical and knowledge experience in materials engineering, product development, or application engineering involving elastomers, adhesives, sealants, gaskets, foams or related polymer systems.
- Advanced knowledge of silicones, rubbers and specialty elastomers, polymeric foams, acrylic, epoxy, urethanes, and/or rubber-based adhesive systems.
- Experience with material characterization and validation methods for polymeric and elastomeric systems.
- Working knowledge of manufacturing processes relevant to sealing systems, such as injection molding, compression molding, extrusion, foaming processes, die cutting, adhesive dispensing, curing, lamination, or over-molding.
- Experience supporting cross-functional teams including design engineering, manufacturing, quality, sourcing, and suppliers.
- Strong problem-solving and failure analysis skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate technical recommendations clearly to both engineering and non-engineering stakeholders.
Preferred Qualifications :
- Master's or higher degrees in relevant engineering or materials discipline.
- Technical Project management involving cross-functional teams
- Working knowledge of English, both written and verbal.
- Experience in automotive, connector/interconnect, cable/accessory, industrial, electronics, medical device, conductive polymers, and demanding-environment applications.
- Working knowledge of DOE, statistical analysis, rheology, FTIR, DSC/TGA, DMA, environmental aging, leak testing, and surface/interface analysis.
- Experience with supplier qualification, control plans, and manufacturing validation.
- Knowledge of regulatory and environmental material compliance requirements.
- Experience with simulation or product design tools used to support materials/process decisions.
