Senior Materials Engineer - GM Defense
On-siteWarren, Michigan, United States
Job Summary
Coach suppliers on program execution and resolve sophisticated technical issues through advanced research and root cause investigations. Own materials engineering decisions for assigned components, defining specifications and approving alternate materials to meet performance, cost, and timing targets. Lead failure analysis and corrective actions for field, plant, and test issues while supporting design reviews focusing on material risks and manufacturability. Interpret GMW, ASTM, and DoD standards to ensure traceable compliance in documentation and data packages. Evaluate and qualify materials for extreme defense and space environments, including armor, thermal protection, and survivability solutions. Partner with suppliers to mature advanced materials from prototype through production readiness.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Materials Science, Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or related field
- 5+ years of experience in materials engineering in automotive, defense, or related industry
- Strong knowledge of metallic materials (e.g., steels, aluminum alloys) and/or polymers/composites, including processing and property relationships
- Experience with material characterization and testing (e.g., tensile, hardness, microstructure, corrosion, coatings)
- Familiarity with engineering standards (e.g., GMW, ASTM, ISO) and drawing/specification practices
- Demonstrated problem-solving skills and ability to lead cross-functional technical investigations
- Experience applying materials engineering principles to automotive, defense, aerospace, or space systems, including understanding of how environment and mission profile drive material selection and qualification
- Candidate must be a U.S. Person (U.S. citizen, U.S. permanent resident, asylee or refugee)
- Must be available for weekend shifts
- Must be available for travel <25%
Desired Qualifications
- Experience with corrosion engineering, surface treatments, and protective coatings for automotive/defense applications
- Experience working with suppliers and manufacturing plants (launch, quality, continuous improvement)
- Proficiency with data analysis tools and report writing for test and validation results
- Vehicle launch experience
- General knowledge of cost drivers within the material forming space
- Advanced degree (MS/PhD) in Materials or related field
- Experience with DoD and aerospace/space material and test standards (e.g., MIL-STD/MIL-PRF, MIL-STD-810, NASA materials and processes specifications) and associated qualification approaches
- Background in materials for survivability and space environments, such as armor systems, high-temperature alloys, ceramic and composite materials, thermal protection systems, and radiation- or space-environment–tolerant polymers and coatings
- Experience collaborating with U.S. Government/DoD customers on materials-related requirements, compliance, and data packages (e.g., qualification reports, material allowables, configuration-controlled specifications)
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