Materials Engineer - Accelerated Growth

IDEX; Portage (MI); On-site; USD 112,000 - 169,000; Full time

Job summary

IDEX is seeking a Materials Engineer to characterize metallic materials and IR optical crystals, perform failure analyses, and support product development. The role requires hands-on material characterization, collaboration across engineering and manufacturing teams, and strong knowledge of SEM/EDS, XRD, FTIR, and mechanical testing.

The candidate will contribute to material selection, process improvements, and qualification activities to ensure reliability in advanced manufacturing

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Materials Science and Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, Physics, or a related field.
• Master’s degree with 2+ years of relevant experience.
• Experience with metals, alloys, infrared optical materials, semiconductor materials, or aerospace materials.
• Strong understanding of composition–processing–microstructure–properties relationships.

Responsibilities

• Characterize metallic materials and IR optical crystals using advanced analytical techniques.
• Conduct failure analysis and determine root causes of material or process issues.
• Analyze microstructure, composition, crystallography, and surface characteristics.
• Develop material characterization plans to support product development and manufacturing.
• Prepare technical reports and present findings to engineering and management teams.
• Collaborate with engineering, manufacturing, quality, metrology, and suppliers.

Skills

DOE

Statistical analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

Diamond turning knowledge

Material selection

Education

B.S. in Materials Science and Engineering

B.S. in Metallurgical Engineering

B.S. in Physics

M.S. in Materials Science or related field

Tools

SEM/EDS

XRD

FTIR

Tensile/Compression testing

Job description

If you’re looking for a special place to build or grow your career, you’ve found it. Whether you’re an experienced professional, a recent college graduate or somewhere in between, IDEX is a place where you can apply your existing skills and learn new ones in an environment where you can make an impact. With interesting opportunities in engineering, marketing, sales, supply chain, operations, HR, finance, and more across more than 40 diverse businesses around the globe, chances are, we have something special for you. IDEX Corporation (NYSE: IEX), based in Northbrook, IL (suburb of Chicago), is a leading global manufacturer of diversified products in industries ranging across health, science, safety, fire, and fluidics. The company operates in 24 countries, IDEX is an innovative and growing company, focused on delivering excellence through diverse, winning teams. We’re a global provider of applied solutions serving a variety of markets. These include life science and medical technologies, process industry and infrastructure related applications, industrial/municipal fire, and rescue - to name just a few. IDEX Material Science Solutions (MSS) is a newly formed group made up of 11 Materials Sciences businesses across 14 locations within the US and Europe. These businesses include Advanced Thin Films, Inc., CVI Laser, LLC, CVI Laser Limited, Iridian Spectral Technologies Ltd., Micro-LAM, Inc., Superior Technical Ceramics Corp (STC), Tecan Limited, Veco B.V., Atul, Veco Precision India Pvt. Ltd (VPI), Millux B.V., and Louwers Hanique B.V.

The Materials Engineer will use advanced analytical techniques to characterize metallic materials and IR optical crystals. The successful candidate will support the development, characterization, and failure analysis of metallic materials and infrared (IR) optical crystals used in advanced manufacturing and precision optical applications. This role requires hands‑on experience with materials characterization techniques and the ability to collaborate across engineering, manufacturing, and quality teams.

Responsibilities:

• Characterize metallic materials and IR optical crystals using advanced analytical techniques.
• Conduct failure analysis and determine root causes of material or process-related issues.
• Analyze microstructure, composition, crystallography, and surface characteristics.
• Evaluate and enhance current and next gen ultra‑precision cutting tooling.
• Study laser‑material interactions and evaluate the effects of laser processing on material properties and machining performance.
• Develop and execute material characterization plans to support product development and manufacturing.
• Prepare technical reports and present findings to engineering and management teams.
• Collaborate with manufacturing, quality, and design engineers to improve material performance and process capability.
• Support material selection, qualification, and supplier evaluations.
• Travel up to 20% to support technical activities as needed.
• Maintain compliance with applicable quality, safety, export‑control, and information‑security requirements.

Requirements & Experience:

• Due to the position’s access to export‑controlled technical data, candidates must qualify as a “U.S. person” under applicable U.S. export‑control regulations. This includes U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents.
• Bachelor’s degree in Materials Science and Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, Physics, or a related field with 3–5 years of relevant industry experience, or a Master’s degree with 2+ years of relevant industry experience.
• Experience working with one or more of the following areas: metals, alloys, infrared optical materials/crystals, semiconductor materials, or aerospace materials.
• Strong understanding of the relationships between composition, processing, microstructure, properties, and performance of metals and/or optical materials.
• Experience conducting materials‑based root cause analysis and failure investigations using analytical characterization techniques.
• Demonstrated hands‑on expertise in materials characterization and analytical testing, with core proficiencies in SEM/EDS, XRD, FTIR, and tensile/compression testing.
• Knowledge of statistical data analysis and Design of Experiments (DOE).
• Familiarity with ISO quality systems and laboratory best practices.
• Exposure to precision manufacturing processes such as milling, polishing, coating, brazing, or heat treatment is a plus.

Characteristics:

• Material science expertise: Demonstrates a strong understanding of material composition, microstructure, mechanical and physical properties, and material behavior. Applies this knowledge to predict how materials will respond to ultra‑precision machining, finishing, handling, and environmental conditions.
• Material characterization proficiency: Understands and applies appropriate methods to evaluate material properties, composition, surface condition, microstructure, defects, and variability. Selects suitable characterization techniques and interprets results to support engineering and manufacturing decisions.
• Material selection and evaluation: Evaluates candidate materials against application requirements, including optical properties, mechanical performance, thermal stability, machinability, durability, availability, and cost. Recommends materials based on technical evidence and intended use.
• Experimental design: Develops structured experiments to investigate material behavior, compare candidate materials, evaluate process conditions, and test engineering hypotheses. Establishes appropriate controls, variables, and success criteria.
• Research and technical investigation: Reviews scientific literature, technical publications, supplier data, and emerging technologies to identify materials and methods that may improve manufacturing capabilities or product performance.
• Innovation and creative thinking: Develops new approaches to material evaluation, process compatibility, surface improvement, and manufacturing challenges. Identifies opportunities to use new materials or technologies to expand product capabilities.
• Diamond turning process knowledge: Understands the fundamentals of single‑point diamond turning and how material properties interact with cutting conditions, tool geometry, machine dynamics, and environmental factors to influence results.
• Cross‑functional collaboration: Works effectively with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Metrology, Supply Chain, and external material suppliers to solve problems and support product development.

Salary Range - $112-169k

Are you ready to join a different kind of company where our people, our culture, and our commitments are centered around providing trusted solutions that improve lives around the world?

IDEX is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

IDEX gives consideration for employment to qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, creed, genetic information, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other consideration or protected category made unlawful by federal, state or local laws.

Attention Applicants: If you are an individual with a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to complete any part of the application process, please let us know. Likewise, if you are limited in the ability to access or use this online application process and need an alternative method for applying, we will determine an alternate way for you to apply.

Please contact our Talent Acquisition Team at [e-mail] for assistance with an accommodation. These contact tools may be used only by individuals with a disability for accommodation requests. Do not inquire as to the status of an application.

IDEX (NYSE: IEX) is a company that has undoubtedly touched your life in some way. In fact, IDEX businesses make thousands of products that are mission‑critical components in everyday activities. Chances are the car you’re driving has a BAND‑IT® clamp holding your side airbag safely in place. If you were ever in a car accident, a Hurst Jaws of Life® rescue tool may have saved your life. If you or a family member is battling cancer, your doctor may have tested your DNA in a quest to find the best targeted medicine for you. It’s likely your DNA test was run on equipment that contains components made by our growing IDEX Health & Science team.