Principal Materials Engineer

Your Job

The Principle Materials Engineer serves as one of Molex’s key contributors in the field of polymer materials. In a manner and direction consistent with the overall group vision and strategy, this individual is responsible for managing aspects of complex technical projects or programs related to materials or process technology innovation, selection, specification, evaluation, deployment, failure analysis, and / or testing. The Principle Materials Engineer is also expected to support technology transfer and knowledge sharing with suppliers, external collaborators, and customers.

Our Team

Molex is a global leader in electronic components and solutions, with a strong focus on innovation, quality, and customer service. The company has been in operation for over 80 years and has a strong presence in various industries, including automotive, telecommunications, consumer electronics, aerospace, defense, medical, and industrial automation.

Candidates can expect to work in a dynamic and fast-paced environment that values creativity, collaboration, and excellence. Molex is committed to investing in its employees and providing opportunities for growth and development.

What You Will Do

• Deliver on various strategic project commitments configured to address the technical needs / opportunities identified through:
• direct engagement with internal stakeholders from product development and manufacturing
• group technology track roadmaps
• identified technical needs of the enterprise
• Support the product development and manufacturing teams with materials application engineering support, support on design reviews and new product development challenges, materials and manufacturing process related problem solving and failure analysis, and technical engagement with the raw material supply base.
• Monitor relevant research and development activities in universities and industry through literature searches, seminars, conferences, supplier visits, and external courses.
• Create, identify, and help secure intellectual property through patents, publications, and / or trade secrets.
• Conduct problem solving and failure analysis consultations, including sample management, coordination of work activities with internal and external analysis / testing facilities, and reporting of results, conclusions, and recommendations.
• Review and update existing Molex Engineering Specifications related to raw materials. Create new Engineering specifications and best practices as required to ensure strong and robust engineering practices related to raw materials and their processing enterprise-wide.
• Operate and maintain the pertinent experimental, analytical, and testing equipment (not required to operate equipment on a regular basis. Only occasionally).
• Support management in the coordination and preparation of knowledge shares, technical seminars, and meetings.
• Understand, support, and contribute to current Molex Total Quality Management (TQM), Six Sigma, International Standards Organization (ISO) and Environmental, and/or Health and Safety (EH&S) Management Systems by following stated policies and procedures.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by management.
  
  

Who You Are (Basic Qualifications)

• B.S. in Materials Science / Engineering, chemical engineering, chemistry, polymer science/engineering or similar technical specialty.
• 4+ years theoretical and practical knowledge and experience of all aspects of one or more subfields of polymer materials and their associated manufacturing processes, including formulation, compounding and injection molding. Prior experience with a range of materials test / analytical tools such as FTIR, DSC, DMA, SEM, GC-MS, GPC, hardness, tensile testing, and flammability.
• Prior experience with project management, including the application of statistical tools, such as SPC and DOE, to practical problems or research programs.
• Ability to project manage, lead, manage and successfully bring innovation projects to closure.
• Ability to lead multidisciplinary teams focused on meeting program objectives.
• Writing and presentation skills that are consistent with the departmental and corporate standards for formalized communication, including project plans, final reports, problem solving tools, and executive reviews.
• Ability to travel 10% domestically/internationally.
  
  
  

What Will Put You Ahead

• PhD and 2+ years theoretical and practical knowledge and experience of all aspects of one or more subfields of polymer materials and their associated manufacturing processes, including compounding and injection molding. Prior experience with a range of materials test / analytical tools such as FTIR, DSC, DMA, SEM, GC-MS, GPC, hardness, tensile testing, and flammability.
• A minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience at a relevant thermoplastic materials supplier.
• Demonstrated ability to impact corporate intellectual property as evidenced by a record of patents, publications, and / or trade secrets.
• First-hand knowledge of the tools and techniques for predicting product-level performance based upon material properties and manufacturing process strategies.
  
  
  

For this role, we anticipate paying $120,000 - $160,000 per year. This role is eligible for variable pay, issued as a monetary bonus or in another form.

At Koch companies, we are entrepreneurs. This means we openly challenge the status quo, find new ways to create value and get rewarded for our individual contributions. Any compensation range provided for a role is an estimate determined by available market data. The actual amount may be higher or lower than the range provided considering each candidate's knowledge, skills, abilities, and geographic location. If you have questions, please speak to your recruiter about the flexibility and detail of our compensation philosophy.

Hiring Philosophy

All Koch companies value diversity of thought, perspectives, aptitudes, experiences, and backgrounds. We are Military Ready and Second Chance employers. Learn more about our hiring philosophy here.

Who We Are

At Koch, employees are empowered to do what they do best to make life better. Learn how our business philosophy helps employees unleash their potential while creating value for themselves and the company.

Our Benefits

Our goal is for each employee, and their families, to live fulfilling and healthy lives. We provide essential resources and support to build and maintain physical, financial, and emotional strength - focusing on overall wellbeing so you can focus on what matters most. Our benefits plan includes - medical, dental, vision, flexible spending and health savings accounts, life insurance, ADD, disability, retirement, paid vacation/time off, educational assistance, and may also include infertility assistance, paid parental leave and adoption assistance. Specific eligibility criteria is set by the applicable Summary Plan Description, policy or guideline and benefits may vary by geographic region. If you have questions on what benefits apply to you, please speak to your recruiter.

Additionally, everyone has individual work and personal needs. We seek to enable the best work environment that helps you and the business work together to produce superior results.

Equal Opportunities

Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status. Except where prohibited by state law, some offers of employment are conditioned upon successfully passing a drug test. This employer uses E-Verify. Please click here for additional information. (For Illinois E-Verify information click here, aquí, or tu).