Materials Engineer I - Materials Engineering

Materials Engineering Technician

Location: Waterloo, IA

Job Type: Full-Time, Onsite

Pay Rate: Up to $35/hour

Position Overview

We are seeking a Materials Engineering Technician to support materials engineering laboratory operations in a manufacturing environment. This role is ideal for candidates with experience in laboratory testing, process analysis, manufacturing support, quality improvement, and engineering documentation.

The successful candidate will work closely with engineering, maintenance, and production teams to analyze materials, support manufacturing processes, maintain laboratory equipment, and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, quality, cost, and delivery.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform laboratory testing and analysis on material samples, components, and processes.
• Support materials engineering work requests and ensure proper coordination of samples and testing requirements.
• Develop, recommend, and implement analytical or process improvements to maintain and improve product quality.
• Work with engineering, maintenance, and production personnel to troubleshoot laboratory, process, and equipment issues.
• Participate on cross-functional project teams to improve manufacturing performance and operational effectiveness.
• Create, update, and maintain laboratory procedures, process instructions, and analytical methods.
• Maintain laboratory equipment and support preventative maintenance activities.
• Collect parts, perform audits, and maintain monthly and quarterly audit documentation.
• Track and manage engineering work requests and associated reporting.
• Order, receive, stock, and track laboratory consumables.
• Support production changeovers and process adjustments.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe laboratory environment utilizing 5S principles.
• Assist with evaluation of engineering standards, specifications, and process compliance.
• Support feasibility testing and validation of engineering solutions.
• Coordinate with suppliers and subcontractors while serving as a primary point of contact when required.

Required Qualifications

• Associate degree in a technical field or equivalent relevant work experience.
• Experience in a manufacturing, production, quality, laboratory, or engineering environment.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and interest in materials engineering.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, part prints, specifications, and process instructions.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Experience collecting, analyzing, and documenting technical data.
• Strong problem-solving, organizational, and analytical skills.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in a manufacturing laboratory environment.
• Experience with process control, quality analysis, or materials testing.
• Knowledge of machining processes and materials analysis.
• Experience maintaining production or laboratory equipment.
• Experience supporting process improvement initiatives.
• Familiarity with production systems, databases, and engineering software tools.
• Prior experience participating on technical problem-solving teams.
• Leadership, mentoring, or project team experience is a plus.

Technical Skills

• Materials Analysis
• Quality Control & Inspection
• Process Improvement
• Engineering Testing
• Laboratory Operations
• Root Cause Analysis
• Project Coordination
• Engineering Documentation
• Process Control
• Risk Management
• CAD/CAM Exposure
• Spreadsheet & Database Applications
• Technical Reporting
• Contract & Supplier Coordination

Work Environment

• Fully onsite position.
• Manufacturing and laboratory setting.
• Requires regular interaction with production, engineering, maintenance, and quality teams.

Why Apply?

This role offers the opportunity to gain hands-on experience supporting materials engineering initiatives, manufacturing operations, and laboratory analysis while working alongside experienced engineers and technical professionals. Candidates will have the opportunity to develop their technical skills, contribute to meaningful process improvements, and grow within a highly collaborative engineering environment.

Apply today if you have a strong technical aptitude, enjoy troubleshooting and problem-solving, and are looking to build your career in materials engineering and manufacturing. #INDOEM