Lead Material Engineer –Test Engineer

GE Vernova Inc; Wilmington (NC); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in renewable energy is seeking a Lead Test Engineer to join their materials and labs team. This role involves characterizing and improving materials for wind turbine blades, requiring expertise in composite materials and testing methods. Candidates should be results-driven, innovative, and possess strong analytical skills. Join a collaborative environment and contribute to the future of sustainable energy.

Benefits

Relocation Assistance Provided

Professional development opportunities

Competitive compensation packages

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of experience in composites, preferably in fiberglass & carbon.
• Ability to travel globally up to 10%.
• Experience with manufacturing practices using composite materials.

Responsibilities

• Lead testing and qualification of materials for wind turbine blades.
• Collaborate with design and cross-functional teams.
• Contribute to Root Cause Analysis (RCA) activities.

Skills

Composite material behavior

Analytical thinking

Testing methodologies

Interpersonal skills

Machining operations

Education

Bachelor's degree in Materials Science or Mechanical Engineering

Job description

Job Description Summary

The materials and labs team is responsible for developing, characterizing, improving, and validating the materials used to fabricate wind turbine blades. Owning the materials within wind blades requires an understanding of composite material behavior and the testing needed to determine material properties. As a Lead test engineer within the materials and labs team, you will be responsible for the qualification and characterization of materials used within wind turbine blades.

As a member of this team, you will be preforming a critical role to ensure the structural integrity of future GE Vernova wind blades by defining requirements for materials. Team members should have a drive to find innovate new materials to improve current and future product. They will contribute to the resolution of field and plant RCA’s where a materials expert is required.

You will be required to collaborate with design teams, cross-functional teams, and other designated experts. You will need to represent materials team requirements when participating or leading in cross-functional activities. You should understand the fundamentals of composite material testing and manufacturing methods.

Job Description

Roles and Responsibilities

• Conceptual, or theoretical activities relating to the development, improvement, and testing of materials, and processes undertaken to build, apply, or shape the materials.
• Works closely with design team members to test material solutions that improve the structural capability and manufacturability of GE Vernova wind blades.Providing input on test methods needed to validate specific material properties.
• Supports the resolution of factory issues relating to new and existing materials via testing.
• Works closely with shop technicians to manufacture needed test specimens and in some instances fabricating the specimens personally.
• Acts as a resource for colleagues with less experience. Explains information, developing skills to bring team members to consensus around topics within field. Conveys performance expectations and may handle sensitive issues.
• Contributes to the resolution of Root Cause Analysis (RCA) activities as they arise.
• Uses some judgment and has some ability to propose different solutions outside of set parameters to address more complicated manufacturing processes with technical variety and/or interdependent production cycles. Uses technical experience and analytical thinking. Uses multiple internal and limited external sources outside of own teams to arrive at decisions
• Leads design of fixturing needed to test composite coupons and components.
• Programs, and operates machining equipment in the fabrication and preparation of fixtures and test specimens.
• Cradle to grave ownership for testing of material specimens using Instron or MTS test frames from test specimen preparation, test execution, raw data analysis and final test report.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in the field of Materials Science or mechanical engineering
• Minimum 3 years working in the field of composites, preferably in fiberglass & carbon.
• Ability and willingness to travel globally up to 10% of the time

Desired Characteristics

• Experience introducing technology into production facilities.
• Ability and willingness to challenge status quo, without allegiance to past or current practices and technology, to get to the best GE products.
• Understanding of RCA methodologies.
• Familiarity with FMEA approach.
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills. Ability to intact with both senior management and hourly technicians.
• Experience with manufacturing practices using composite materials.
• Proven record of being team oriented and results driven.
• Desire to experiment and prototype new solutions.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.

GE Vernova offers a great work environment, professional development, challenging careers, and competitive compensation. GE Vernova is anEqual Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.

GE Vernova will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the United States for this opening. Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen (as applicable).

Relocation Assistance Provided: Yes