Materials Engineer - Interiors

Position: Materials Engineer - Interiors

Sector: Design Studio

Location: Troy, MI, USA

*Applicants MUST have proof of immediate, on-going and valid eligibility to work full time in the United States*

About the company

My client is an innovative American automotive manufacturer focused on redefining affordable electric mobility. They are developing a new generation of purpose-built electric vehicles with an emphasis on simplicity, modular design, and customer customisation.

They are looking for a Materials Engineer - Interiors to join their expanding team on a Contract basis. The role will be located in Troy, MI, USA.

Who we are looking for:

• Our Client is looking for a technically sharp, self-directed Contract Materials Engineer to accelerate the accessories program.
• The work spans a broad range of material domains including mold-in-colour surfaces, soft trim, and other decorative materials.
• Reporting to the Head of Accessories, you will own execution across an active materials engineering program covering development, test planning, material approvals, and supplier engagement, partnering cross-functionally with CMF, Vehicle Engineering, and our supplier base.
• This is a hands-on execution role with real ownership.
• This position is based on site in Troy, Michigan.

What you get to do:

• Lead and approve the Clients' Material Approvals execution across multiple active material categories, closing backlogs while building repeatable approval frameworks from the ground up.
• Execute a structured materials compatibility DOE program.
• Responsibilities include sample preparation, coordination with prototyping partners, external lab contracting, iterative data interpretation, and development of an internal test protocol.
• Full technical reporting required at each stage.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to develop and execute a materials development and validation program for new appearance applications.
• Work includes test plan development, supplier and 3rd party lab engagement, and identification of applicable regulatory and compliance requirements.
• Draft material performance specifications across active programs under senior product engineer direction, working from test data, surrogate references, and first-principles reasoning.
• Facilitate workstreams with directed material suppliers of the Client.
• Aligning applications suppliers and teams to support the product launches.

What you bring to the Team

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, materials science, chemistry or equivalent, MS a plus.
• 3+ years in materials engineering or a closely adjacent field.
• Comfortable operating independently.
• You can own a workstream, coordinate suppliers and labs, and deliver without heavy oversight.
• Comfortable in start-up environments.
• You can roll up your sleeves to do the work and build or recommend the tools needed to be successful as the company grows.
• A collaborative "one company" teammate with a continuous improvement approach that is equally comfortable with engineering details and test environments.
• Capability to work cross-functionally with partners, suppliers, and vendors, building strong relationships that produce positive results.

Why work through Contechs?

Contechs is a strategic partner to the automotive industry, providing innovative design and engineering services to global OEMs, from concept to production.

We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status.

Employment is at will and may be terminated by either party at any time.

We provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities. Please contact us if you need assistance in the application process

How to Apply

If you're interested in applying for this position, submit your application and one of our recruiters will be in touch.

If you know anyone that is suitable for the role, please visit the below page where we offer up to $750 referral fee: https://www.contechs.com/refer