Materials Engineer

Bevilacqua Research Corporation; Huntsville (AL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

Bevilacqua Research Corporation in Huntsville, AL seeks a Materials Engineer to lead SEM/EDS–based materials characterization and failure analysis. The role involves deep microstructural assessment, protocol development, and close collaboration with MSFC and ESSCA teams on aerospace materials.

The engineer will generate technical reports, mentor staff, and drive testing programs for metals, ceramics, polymers, and coatings in a dynamic research environment.

Qualifications

• BS in Materials Science, MSE, Metallurgy, Mechanical, Chemical or Aerospace Eng.
• 5+ years hands-on SEM/EDS experience and lab proficiency.
• U.S. citizenship required.

Responsibilities

• Lead materials characterization and SEM/EDS workflows.
• Perform high‑resolution imaging, fractography, and microstructure evals.
• Develop SOPs and testing protocols for samples and coatings.
• Conduct root-cause failure analyses and prepare technical reports.
• Mentor juniors, collaborate with NASA and ESSCA teams.
• Plan and execute metallurgical test plans and data acquisition.

Skills

SEM super-user

EDS analysis

Materials characterization

Failure analysis

Data reporting

Python / MATLAB

Education

BS in Materials Science/Engineering/Metallurgy/related STEM

Tools

SEM

EDS

FIB

TEM

XRD

Job description

Materials Engineer

Bevilacqua Research Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer (Minorities/Females/Disabled/Veterans) and VEVRAA Federal Contractor.

EEO is the Law

Job Description/Essential Functions:

Bevilacqua Research Corporation (BRC) is a Service Disabled Veteran Owned, Small Business based in Huntsville, Alabama incorporated in 1992. BRC provides “best-value” technical and management solutions to a diverse government and commercial customer base in the following key business areas: test & evaluation, systems analysis & integration, security & intelligence, and R&D.

The Materials Science and Metallurgy Branch (EM31) at Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) in Huntsville, AL has an opening for a Materials Engineer. This professional will serve as an engineer on a strong and high performing team of engineers, technicians, interns and subcontractor personnel. As a contributor to this team, the selected individual will be a highly skilled and detail-oriented Materials Test Engineer who will lead materials characterization and testing efforts within the laboratory. The ideal candidate will be a "super-user" in Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), possessing deep, hands‑on expertise in advanced microscopy, microstructural analysis, and materials behavior. This role involves characterizing advanced materials, leading failure analysis investigations, developing newtesting protocols, and serving as the facility’s primary technical authority for SEM and related characterization equipment. The selected candidate will be responsible for performing high-resolution imaging, compositional analysis, fractography, and microstructural evaluations on a wide range of advanced aerospace materials (e.g., metals, alloys, ceramics, polymers, and advanced coatings). Be a part of our team, as we support the exciting challenge to return mankind back to the Moon and beyond.

Responsibilities:

The Materials Engineer will:

• Serve as the laboratory "super-user" and primary technical expert for Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (EDS) systems.
• Perform high-resolution imaging, compositional analysis, fractography, and microstructural evaluations on a wide range of advanced materials (e.g., metals, alloys, ceramics, polymers, and advanced coatings).
• Oversee and execute advanced sample preparation techniques, including sectioning, mounting, grinding, polishing, etching, and sputter coating to ensure optimal imaging and analysis.
• Lead root‑cause failure analysis investigations on material samples, test articles and hardware, providing comprehensive technical reports and actionable recommendations.
• Develop and document standard operating procedures (SOPs) and innovative testing methodologies for unique or challenging material samples.
• Develop and work according to standard operating and safety procedures.
• Train, certify, and mentor junior engineers, technicians, and researchers on the safe and effective use of SEM equipment and proper sample handling.
• Collaborate with a multi-disciplinary team to achieve project success and delivery in a specified timescale.
• Assist in planning the modification of existing laboratory test plans and the design and operation of new plans related to metallurgical evaluation tasks.

• Utilize computers and computer software daily to generate reports, gather data and communicate test results.
• Interface with Engineering and Science Services Capabilities Augmentation (ESSCA) engineers, ESSCA technicians, and NASA customers as part of their daily duties.

Minimum Requirements:

• BS minimum requirement in Materials Science, Materials Science & Engineering, Metallurgy, Mechanical, Chemical or Aerospace Engineering or related STEM field from an accredited school of engineering.
• High operational hands‑on proficiency (super user) with Scanning Electron Microscopes (SEM) and/or EDS systems.
• A minimum of 5 yrs experience.
• Proof of U.S. Citizenship is required.

Desired Experience:

A highly qualifiedcandidate will have experience with the following:

• Strong foundation in materials science principles, physical metallurgy, and the mechanical/chemical properties of materials.
• "Super-user" in Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), possessing deep, hands‑on expertise in advanced microscopy, microstructural analysis, and materials behavior.
• 2-5 years of hands‑on, post‑graduate professional experience in a materials testing or R&D laboratory environment.
• Proven ability to independently design test plans, execute complex analyses, and author clear, concise technical reports.
• Experience with advanced or aerospace‑grade materials, including space‑environment materials, lunar regolith simulants, or superomniphobic coatings.
• Experience operating SEM, EDS, Optical microscopes, Focused Ion Beam (FIB) systems, Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), or related analytical techniques.
• Familiarity with data analysis and programming (e.g., Python, MATLAB) for image processing or automation.
• Responsible for the planning, setup, and execution of materials characterization test series on known and unknown materials.
• Executing Research & Development and customer driven Engineering Work System assignments pertaining to efforts in the development and execution of novel materials and metallurgy diagnostics.
• Process data using various software systems.
• Installing, operating, and maintaining laboratory equipment including instrumentation and data acquisition systems and software.
• Conceptualizing and communicating major elements of experimental design and results to stakeholders.
• Serving as a Materials and Metallurgy representative on multi-disciplined engineering teams to understand and resolve anomalies with aerospace flight hardware.
• Investigating anomalies and implementing alternative solutions to problems as presented by various stakeholders.
• Writing operating procedures, analysis methods, and laboratory procedures.
• Implementing rigorous work planning and control processes to assure safe, secure, and high‑quality operations and results.

EEO Policy:

Bevilacqua ResearchCorporation is proud tobe an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our hiring practices provide equalopportunity for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex,gender, national origin, age, United States military veteran’s status,ancestry, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, familystructure, medical condition including genetic characteristics or information,veteran status, or mental or physical disability so long as the essentialfunctions of the job can be performed with or without reasonable accommodation,or any other protected category under federal, state, or local law.

Equal employment opportunity, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.

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