What are the responsibilities and job description for the Material Science Engineer III position at Footprint?
Position Summary
The Material Science Engineer III leads material testing development, innovation, and process optimization while collaborating with cross-functional teams. This role requires advanced technical expertise in material characterization and customer engagement as well as DOE execution.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
The Material Science Engineer III leads material testing development, innovation, and process optimization while collaborating with cross-functional teams. This role requires advanced technical expertise in material characterization and customer engagement as well as DOE execution.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Lead the development and modification of complex testing procedures to evaluate prototype and production parts
- Conduct advanced raw material testing, using a range of equipment (Instron 3365, SEM, CMM, etc.) to ensure all criteria are met
- Independently create and execute shelf-life profiles that simulate real-world product scenarios for long-term testing and optimization
- Independently create, execute, and analyze detailed DOEs, ensuring material performance, strength, and shelf-life are accurately tested
- Lead interactions with the customer, sales, platform managers, and internal teams to align project goals with customer success criteria and production requirements
- Lead the presentation of findings, including major discoveries, experimental data, and next steps to guide project progress
- Define and validate spray coating parameters, ensuring that prototypes meet functional and quality standards for mass production
- Take full responsibility for capturing and presenting data in reports, including photos and videos to communicate technical results effectively
- Lead efforts in refining and optimizing material and coating processes to ensure product performance and quality
- Perform any other tasks assigned by the manager to ensure the successful execution of projects
- Advanced knowledge of material science research methodologies, data modeling, and statistical analysis
- Expertise in Design of Experiments (DOE) and process optimization
- Deep understanding of material properties and performance evaluation
- Ability to provide expert recommendations based on complex research results
- Strong technical writing skills to deliver comprehensive, data-driven reports
- Advanced ability to analyze and interpret large, complex data sets
- Proficiency in leading experimental design and executing DOE strategies
- Strong presentation skills for communicating with senior leadership and clients
- Ability to independently manage and prioritize multiple high-level projects
- Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Materials Science and Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or Food Science, required (Master's preferred)
- Expertise in chemistry, including fiber chemistry, slurry chemistry, basic chemistry skills
- Considered an expert in either wet end chemistry or coating technology
- Knowledgeable of developments within molded fiber industry
- 5 - 8 years of work experience in degree-related position
- Prior experience working in a manufacturing environment
- Comprehensive Health Coverage: Including medical, prescription, dental, and vision care plans as well as HSA / FSA accounts
- Insurance Protection: Basic term life, accidentals, short- and long-term disability, and voluntary life insurance coverage
- Financial Security: Short and long-term disability plans, along with a 401(k) retirement plan
- Time Off Support: Flexible time off program, paid holidays, sick leave, and parental leave benefits
- Lifestyle Benefit: Voluntary Pet Insurance