Materials Characterization Research Engineer

Position Overview

CCAM is seeking a detail-oriented Materials Characterization Research Engineer to join our team. The successful candidate will primarily focus on conducting metallographic evaluations of ceramic and metallic specimens in support of material characterization, quality control, and research initiatives in addition to other materials characterization testing and analysis. This role involves hands-on sample preparation, microscopic analysis, and the generation of technical reports contributing to advanced manufacturing research and industry collaborations.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform metallographic sample preparation of varied materials and inspect them using optical and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) in accordance with CCAM’s research objectives, client requirements, and internal protocols.
• Sample preparation may include cutting, mounting, polishing, etching, and other processes
• Analyze samples’ microstructure for features of interest including porosity, cracking, layer thickness, and homogeneity using microscopic examinations.
• Collaborate on and conduct materials testing such as hardness, tensile strength, grain size analysis, or chemical composition.
• Document and interpret findings, including basic statistical analysis and the creation of charts, graphs, and images for technical reports or presentations.
• Author detailed reports with conclusions and recommendations based on analysis.
• Develop or modify standard operating procedures for new materials or applications based on research goals or customer requirements.
• Maintain compliance with safety and quality standards during all laboratory operations.
• Maintain the laboratory environment in a safe, clean and orderly manner.
• Perform routine / preventive maintenance on laboratory equipment.

Company Overview:

CCAM is the center of an ecosystem of collaboration with industry, government, and academia that is focused on helping manufacturers solve real world problems. CCAM works with its partners to develop and deploy new technologies that advance manufacturing and deliver business value. For many companies, joining CCAM can be the difference between being in front of new technology or behind the curve.

Our research focuses on building intelligence in manufacturing processes and systems by bringing experienced, multi-disciplinary teams together with advanced digital systems and manufacturing process capabilities as well as new technology to solve industrial challenges. Whether through new process development, process improvement, new technology development and insertion, system integration and automation, or advanced analytics and AI development, our teams deliver real, usable results. Active research threads include flexible and distributed manufacturing, adaptive automation, cooperative processing, advanced coatings systems, and intelligent repair and replacement through new technologies.

As an applied research center, CCAM has a very strong, multi-disciplinary resident staff that includes research scientists and engineers, skilled industrial technicians, university faculty, and engineering interns and graduate students. These teams work collaboratively with one another as well as with partner organizations to build new and effective approaches to challenges. Our teammates are highly skilled and innovative problem solvers that are focused on delivering value to our customers every day.

Benefits Overview:

• Health, Dental, Vision insurance plan options; eligible on first of month following date of hire.
• HRA – Health Reimbursement Account (employer funded, covers a portion of the medical deductible).
• FSA – Flexible spending Account (employee funded, pre-tax).
• 401k Retirement Plan – Employer contributes 3% of base salary monthly; additional discretionary match up to 7.5% determined annually.
• Life, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, Short Term Disability, and Long-Term Disability insurance (employer funded).
• 3 weeks paid vacation.
• 2 weeks paid maternity/paternity/adoption leave.
• Tuition Reimbursement up to $5,250 per year.

Requirements

Qualifications

• Bachelor Degree in Engineering, Materials Science, or related field.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in a materials laboratory or materials-related field.
• Proficiency in reading and interpreting technical requirements, specifications, and procedures.
• Strong organizational and communication skills, including accuracy in grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with strong interpersonal, problem solving, and analytical skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office software including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Ability to execute oral and written instructions safely and efficiently.

Preferred Qualifications

• Aerospace industry experience is strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with advanced manufacturing processes and materials.
• Experience with metallographic analysis for thermal spray coating and/or additive manufacturing applications.
• Knowledge of quality control standards and procedures.

Individual Traits Key to Success at CCAM:

• Approaches work with a collaborative, team-first mentality; positive, proactive, with a can-do attitude.
• Genuine enthusiasm for the application of research to manufacturing processes.
• Excels at problem definition; able to work effectively with open ended or ambiguous problems and/or applications.
• Self-driven and results-oriented, with a clear focus on high quality work performance.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, conveys ideas at both technical and non-technical levels; must be a good listener.
• Responsible and accountable; able to manage time, cost, and quality to meet project goals.
• Eager to gain new experience and learn new skills.

CCAM is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. CCAM does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status.