Materials Engineer

Gilder Search Group; Forest Lake (MN); On-site; USD 40,000 - 57,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health & dental insurance

Paid holidays

MN Earned Sick & Safe Time

Weekly paychecks

Paid Time Off (PTO)

401(k) for long-term contractors

Job summary

Konik is partnering with a leading manufacturing organization in the Forest Lake area to add a Materials Engineer. This contract role (6 months, potential extension) offers hands-on materials testing, validation, and analysis across diverse products.

100% onsite, start ASAP, with weekly pay and comprehensive benefits for long-term contractors. Ideal candidates hold a bachelor's degree in Materials Science or Metallurgical Engineering and bring hands-on lab experience, strong problem-solving

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Materials Science or Metallurgical Engineering is required.
• Hands-on lab experience with sample prep, microscopy and hardness testing preferred.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills; meticulous attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and test samples for metallurgical and mechanical property evaluations.
• Perform metallurgical prep, microscopy, hardness testing and failure analysis.
• Conduct coating validation, environmental and chemical resistance testing.
• Support testing documentation, results analysis and reporting.
• Maintain lab equipment and coordinate testing priorities with engineering teams.

Skills

Hands-on materials lab experience

Critical thinking

Communication skills

Teamwork

Self-motivated

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Materials Science or Metallurgical Engineering

Job description

Materials Engineer
Forest Lake Area | Contract | Up to $35/hour

Konik is partnering with a leading manufacturing organization to add a Materials Engineer to their team in the Forest Lake area. This position offers an excellent opportunity for an early-career engineer to gain real-world experience performing hands-on materials testing, validation, and analysis on a wide range of products and materials. This role is currently slated as a 6-month contract, but with a strong possibility of extension.

Materials Engineer Responsibilities

• Prepare and test samples for metallurgical and mechanical property evaluations.
• Perform metallurgical sample preparation, microscopy, hardness testing, and failure analysis.
• Conduct coating validation, accelerated environmental, and chemical resistance testing.
• Support testing documentation, results analysis, and concise technical reporting.
• Maintain laboratory equipment and contribute to process improvements.
• Coordinate testing priorities with engineering teams to meet project schedules.

Materials Engineer Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Materials Science or Metallurgical Engineering required.
• Hands-on materials lab experience preferred (sample prep, microscopy, hardness testing).
• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
• Comfortable with hands-on lab work and meticulous attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
• Self-motivated, organized, and eager to learn in a fast-paced environment.

Position Details

• Location: Forest Lake area (100% onsite)
• Type: Contract (6 months with potential to extend)
• Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
• Pay Range: Up to $35/hour
• Start Date: ASAP

Benefits

• Health & dental insurance
• Paid holidays
• MN Earned Sick & Safe Time
• Weekly paychecks
• Paid Time Off (PTO) for long-term contractors
• 401(k) for long-term contractors

Konik is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a protected veteran, status as a qualified individual with a disability, or any other protected class status.

Konik has been creating impactful relationships between technical talent and employers for more than 50 years. We specialize in placing professional, qualified personnel across Minnesota and western Wisconsin, maintaining a strong commitment to service and long-term partnership.