Materials Science Engineer

Location: Irvine, CA

Shift: 1st shift

Position Summary

Responsible for oversight of aerospace materials and process suppliers through on-site and virtual audits, failure analysis, and technical project management. Performs metallurgical investigations using tools such as SEM/EDS, stereomicroscopes, and metallography. Manages scope, cost, and schedules for assigned engineering projects, provides technical leadership, and serves as a key interface with customers and suppliers.

Key Responsibilities

Conduct on-site and remote supplier audits for processes such as heat treating, electroplating, anodizing, plasma spray, welding, machining, etc.
Identify process gaps, implement corrective actions, and ensure supplier compliance.
Perform detailed failure analysis using fractography, SEM/EDS, metallographic methods, and image analysis.
Prepare formal technical reports with root-cause findings and corrective actions.
Present investigation results clearly to internal teams, customers, and suppliers.
Manage multiple investigations simultaneously and provide regular status updates.
Monitor project budgets, expenditures, contractor activities, and ensure work stays within cost/schedule constraints.
Maintain engineering documentation, project files, and consistent standards.
Support customer programs, negotiate requirement changes, and maintain strong customer relationships.
Stay current with materials science technologies, industry standards, and professional development.
Mentor junior engineers and act as a technical specialist when required.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Materials Science, Metallurgical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Aerospace Engineering (with materials emphasis).
2–4 years of relevant experience, preferably in aerospace materials and processes.
Strong technical knowledge in:
Corrosion protection, coatings, platings, inhibitors
Heat treating of ferrous/non-ferrous alloys
Forging, extrusion, rolling, casting processes
Welding, brazing, inertia welding & joint microstructure analysis
Fatigue & fracture mechanics of high-strength metals
Wear & galling resistant materials/coatings
Materials selection for varied environments
Metallurgical failure analysis (SEM, EDS, metallography)
NDT/NDE methods for fracture-critical components
Thermodynamics, phase transformations, kinetics
Polymer science and composite/ceramic materials
Electronic material properties (conductors, semiconductors)
Industry/government specifications
Strong communication, presentation, and technical writing skills.
Proficient in engineering software, data analysis tools, and project management methods.
Ability to lead tasks, track milestones, and support cross-functional engineering teams.

NR Consulting

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