Materials Engineer

Tenneco; Kentucky; On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Tenneco is seeking a Materials Engineer to support elastomer materials engineering and laboratory operations. The role involves hands-on rubber formulation, material testing, and chemical analysis to support product development, manufacturing performance, and quality assurance.

Responsibilities include developing elastomer formulations for anti-vibration, coordinating tests with contract labs, and collaborating with manufacturing and suppliers to drive improvements and regulatory compliance.

Qualifications

• Degree in a chemical or materials field with relevant elastomer experience.
• Experience in elastomer materials engineering and analytical chemistry is required.
• Knowledge of polymers and rubber-material interactions is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop elastomer formulations for anti-vibration applications.
• Support analytical lab activities including material characterization and routine testing (TGA/FTIR).
• Coordinate test requirements with external contract labs.
• Contribute to product development and manufacturing support activities.
• Assist with material selection, adhesive recommendations, and basic failure analysis investigations.
• Collect, analyze, and document test data to support engineering decisions.
• Ensure regulatory compliance and manage material data systems (IMDS).
• Collaborate with manufacturing, quality, and suppliers.
• Lead continuous improvement projects related to materials and lab processes.

Skills

Elastomer materials engineering

Analytical chemistry

Polymers

Materials science

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry

Bachelor's degree in Materials Science

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering

Tools

TGA

FTIR

Job description

At Tenneco, we don't follow industry standards; we set them, and we don't settle for being best-in-class because we hustle to be better than best-in-class. Whether it's our Core Values - radical candor, simplify, organizational velocity, tenacious execution and win - or our Get Stuff Done (GSD) mindset, we're determined to become the most trusted partner and best manufacturer and distributor to the transportation industry.

With a product portfolio as expansive as it is innovative, an obsessive commitment to quality and excellence, and a global presence, we're all about getting stuff done, so we can win.

How do we make it happen?Through the Tenneco Way. Fueled by our Core Values, a winning mindset and a relentless commitment to excellence, the Tenneco Way is how we win. It's what keeps Team Tenneco bold, driven, and unapologetically focused on pushing past limits and redefining success.

Here, you'll work alongside a team of relentless problem-solvers who are committed to making a tangible impact. If you're ready to break boundaries, deliver results, and enjoy the ride along the way, you'll thrive here.

The Materials Engineer supports elastomer materials engineering and supports laboratory operations. This position provides hands-on experience in rubber formulation, material testing, and chemical analysis to support product development, manufacturing performance, and quality assurance.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in the development of elastomer formulations for anti-vibration applications
• Support analytical laboratory activities, including material characterization and routine testing with TGA and FTIR instruments
• Coordinate metallurgical and analytical test requirements with external contract laboratories
• Participate in product development and manufacturing support activities
• Assist with material selection, adhesive recommendations, and basic failure analysis investigations
• Collect, analyze, and document test data to support engineering decisions
• Support compliance with regulatory requirements and material data systems (e.g., IMDS)
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including manufacturing, quality, and suppliers
• Contribute to continuous improvement projects related to materials and laboratory processes

Qualifications

• Associates or Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or related field
• 5+ years of experience in elastomer materials engineering and/or analytical chemistry
• Basic understanding of polymers, elastomers, or material science principles
• Expertise in standard laboratory hygiene and test methods
• Knowledge in rubber compounding, material characterization, and rubber-to-substrate adhesion preferred
• Strong leadership, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills
• Technical expertise in materials, analytical chemistry, or metallurgy
• Problem solving and root cause analysis
• Collaboration and stakeholder engagement
• Quality and precision focus

Equal opportunity employer as to all protected groups, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities