Principal Materials Scientist/Engineer

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Rimkus (www.rimkus.com) is a worldwide leader in Engineering and Technical Consulting. Rimkus experts specialize in building envelope, engineering, forensic consulting, dispute resolution, construction management services, and solutions built for the environment.

NOW IS THE TIME to join this growing and stable company!  We offer our full-time employees a competitive salary, bonus opportunities and a full benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, life, disability, employer-matching 401(k), and opportunities for advancement! 

The Materials Laboratory, located in the Mooresville, NC area, is seeking a senior-level forensic materials consultant with laboratory experience. The company is firmly established as a recognized leader in failure/root cause analysis, corrosion damage assessment, materials testing, and consulting engineering. Our clients are typically from the commercial, industrial, manufacturing, and forensic workspaces from a wide range of industries, including performance (motorsports, aerospace, marine, automotive/transportation), industrial (power generation and utilities, pharmaceutical, petrochemical, pulp and paper), and forensics (insurance and litigation support). 

This position is located within the Rimkus Materials Testing and Investigation Laboratory located in Mooresville, NC. This role will provide expert consulting services on matters requiring materials science and engineering knowledge and expertise for a host of clients in the industries listed above. The job includes performing root cause/failure analyses, corrosion investigations, welding evaluations, and materials characterization of a variety of materials, components, and processes. Additionally, this role will provide technical leadership and oversight of the materials lab staff.

We produce data and analysis that are provided to our clients through verbal and written technical reports, presentations, and testimony (when required). This position has significant autonomy and is responsible for project management and technical oversight of multiple concurrent projects; reviewing and evaluating design and field engineering changes; ensuring work quality and adherence to procedures; and performing other related duties as assigned.

Responsibilities

• Performing assignments within the field of materials science and engineering expertise based upon a scope of work and budget prepared by the consultant and agreed upon by the client in advance of performing the work.
• Conducting or overseeing laboratory investigations: Leading and participating in laboratory examinations, including SEM-EDS, FTIR, DSC, OES, TGA, fractography, metallography, x-ray, and mechanical testing.
• Performing field investigations: Studying and determining the origin and cause of materials-related defects and/or damage.
• Gathering data for analysis from various sources and means including: test results, materials characterization, and root cause/failure analysis techniques.
• Using national and international codes and standards related to the design, fabrication, and testing of various products and materials.
• Provide legal deposition and testimonial as necessary.
• Producing written technical reports of findings detailing the origin and cause of materials-related defects, corrosion, and/or damage.
• Managing multiple projects, working in conjunction with other team members (including technical/peer reviewers) to produce client reports in a timely manner.
• Building and maintaining working relationships with clients.
• Educating materials technicians, technologists, engineers, and consultants on the proper use of materials science/engineering to answer complicated, multi-disciplinary questions.

Qualifications-

To be successful in this role you will need:

• S. in Metallurgical/Materials Science or Mechanical Engineering, required.
• S. in Metallurgy or Materials Science & Engineering; Ph.D. preferred.
• Professional Engineering license.
• Ideally 15 years of materials laboratory testing experience; experience and proficiency with ferrous, nonferrous, polymeric, ceramic, glass, and composite materials is a plus.
• Hands-on experience with optical/digital microscopy and SEM/EDS. Working knowledge of fractography, metallography, mechanical and corrosion testing. 
• Project management and field investigation experience
• High level of analytical skills, critical thinking, and creative problem-solving. Client success requires continual attention to detail with the ability to define problems, collect data, and generate conclusions and opinions.
• The ability to interact and communicate effectively both internally and externally.
• Knowledge of a variety of computer software applications including but not limited to Microsoft Office Applications
• Experience providing testimony is highly desirable.

Necessary Language and Writing Skills:

• Ability to read, analyze and interpret common scientific and technical reports, technical journals, product data sheets, industry specifications, financial reports, and some legal documents.
• Ability to write proposals clearly and coherently, scopes-of-work, develop budget estimates and schedules, reports of findings, general correspondence, and other technical documents.
• Ability to respond to inquiries from internal and external clients with the capability of effectively presenting information to top management, clients, public groups and/or boards of directors.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

• Work is performed both in an office/laboratory setting and occasionally at outside field locations (i.e., client’s office; laboratory; industrial, construction, and/or residential sites; etc.). Investigations require the ability to stand, walk bend, climb inside structures, crawl under structures, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, talk, hear, and drive a motor vehicle. You will also be required to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Clear vision and depth perception are necessary.
• Some travel will be required with occasional overnight travel.

At Rimkus, we value a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees feel valued and respected. We are committed to creating a work environment that supports and celebrates the unique perspectives and experiences of all employees. If you share our commitment to diversity and inclusivity and are excited about joining a welcoming and supportive team, we encourage you to apply for our open positions. 

Rimkus is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employee and will make all employment-related decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.  

THIS JOB DESCRIPTION IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE AND DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A CONTRACT FOR EMPLOYMENT OR A GUARANTEE OF CONTINUED EMPLOYMENT.

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