Materials Engineer

Eaton; Marshall (MI); On-site; USD 71,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

Eaton’s IS VEH Technology division seeks a Materials Engineer for a full-time, on-site role at the Marshall, MI facility. The engineer will perform metallurgical testing, interpret results, and provide engineering recommendations to support product development, manufacturing, and failure analysis.

The position offers a salary range of $71,000 to $105,000 per year and requires a Bachelor's degree in Materials Science/Engineering and at least one year of relevant experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Materials Science/Engineering or Metallurgical Engineering from an accredited institution; or anticipated graduation by 8/2026.
• Minimum one (1) year basic knowledge of ferrous metallurgy, heat treating, and/or failure analysis (college courses, co-ops, internships, or direct work experience).
• Applicants will not be considered for immigration sponsorship or relocation.
• No relocation is available; candidates must reside within a 75-mile radius of Marshall, MI (Active Duty Military service members exempt).

Responsibilities

• Support materials engineering projects related to new product development, design validation, manufacturing support, and failure analysis.
• Review test requests and develop test plans in collaboration with engineers.
• Coordinate laboratory work within project schedules to meet engineering and program deliverables.
• Conduct metallurgical characterization and testing, including macro/micro photographic documentation, sample preparation, microstructure evaluation, and hardness testing.

Skills

Metallurgical testing

Lab execution

Data interpretation

Cross-functional teamwork

Analytical thinking

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Materials Science/Engineering

Anticipated graduation by 8/2026

Tools

SEM/EDX

XRF

Hardness testers

Job description

Eaton’s IS VEH Technology division is currently seeking a Materials Engineer. This is a full‑time, on‑site position based at our Marshall, MI facility.

The Materials Engineer is a technical role combining engineering analysis, project support, and hands‑on laboratory execution. The position supports product development, manufacturing, and failure analysis activities by performing metallurgical testing, interpreting results, and providing engineering recommendations. This role bridges the gap between engineering design and laboratory execution, requiring both practical lab expertise and the ability to apply engineering principles to solve materials‑related problems. The incumbent works independently and as part of cross‑functional teams to support new product development, manufacturing support, quality improvement, and innovation initiatives.

The expected annual salary range for this role is $71,000–$105,000 a year. Salary information is a general guideline only and is based on experience, qualifications, and market considerations.

Eaton announced, on June 11, 2026, the intent to combine its Mobility Group (Vehicle and eMobility segments) with a new company. Compensation and benefits offered for this position align with Eaton’s plans and may be revised after the transaction closes.

What You’ll Do

• Support materials engineering projects related to new product development, design validation, manufacturing support, and failure analysis.
• Review test requests and develop test plans in collaboration with engineers.
• Coordinate laboratory work within project schedules to meet engineering and program deliverables.
• Conduct metallurgical characterization and testing, including:
  • Macro and micro photographic documentation, metallographic sample preparation, microstructure evaluation
  • Surface, bulk, and microhardness testing, case depth determination
  • X‑ray fluorescence (XRF) elemental analysis
  • Carbon/Sulfur elemental analysis
• Perform fractography and advanced analysis using optical and electron microscopes (SEM/EDX).
• Interpret metallurgical test results and provide technical recommendations to engineers, manufacturing, and quality teams.
• Prepare engineering reports, test summaries, and presentations to communicate results and recommendations.
• Operate and maintain laboratory equipment such as cut‑off saws, mounting presses, polishers, microscopes, and hardness testers.
• Ensure safe laboratory practices, including chemical handling, disposal, and use of safety equipment.
• Maintain compliance with Quality, Environmental, Health, and Safety management systems.

Qualifications

Required Basic Qualifications

• Minimum Bachelor’s Degree in Materials Science, Materials Engineering, or Metallurgical Engineering from an accredited institution; or anticipated graduation by 8/2026.
• Minimum one (1) year basic knowledge of ferrous metallurgy, heat treating, and/or failure analysis (college courses, co‑ops, internships, or direct work experience).
• Applicants will not be considered for immigration sponsorship or relocation.
• No relocation is available; candidates must reside within a 75‑mile radius of Marshall, MI (Active Duty Military service members exempt).

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in materials engineering and/or metallurgical lab environment.
• Exposure to SEM/EDX (Scanning Electron Microscopy‒Energy Dispersive X‑ray Spectroscopy), fractography, or advanced materials characterization.
• Familiarity with nondestructive testing, manufacturing environments, and quality systems.

Skills

• Proven analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to juggle multiple priorities.
• Effective oral and written communication skills, as well as planning and organizational skills.
• Ability to work effectively with cross‑functional teams.
• Limited travel may be required for plant/supplier support.

All positions may require participation in video and in‑person interviews as part of the hiring process. All candidates will be evaluated based on job‑related competencies, and all candidates’ privacy rights and data security will be protected in accordance with applicable laws.

We are committed to ensuring equal employment opportunities for all job applicants and employees. Employment decisions are based on job‑related reasons and are nondiscriminatory with respect to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, marital status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other protected status.

Eaton believes in second‑chance employment. Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction history will be considered regardless of their history, consistent with relevant local laws. Applicants do not need to disclose conviction history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made. After a conditional offer and background check, Eaton may discuss the conviction with the applicant if it relates directly to the job.

To request a disability‑related reasonable accommodation to assist you in your job search, application, or interview process, please call us at 1–800–866–6345. Only accommodation requests will be accepted by this number.

We know that good benefit programs are important to employees and families. Eaton provides various health and welfare benefits as well as retirement benefits, and several programs that provide for paid and unpaid time away from work. For more detail, see Eaton Benefits Overview. Specific programs and options may depend on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements.