Materials Engineer, Engine Design

Toyota; Costa Mesa (CA); On-site; USD 119,000 - 194,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health care and wellness plans

Vehicle Purchase Discount

Team Member Lease Vehicle Program

401(k) with company match

Paid holidays and PTO

Job summary

Toyota TRD is seeking a highly motivated Materials Engineer, Engine Design, to join our team in Costa Mesa, CA. The role focuses on failure analysis, materials science, and metallurgical investigations to support engineering decisions.

The candidate will conduct SEM/EDS analyses, document findings, and contribute to continuous improvement programs. The position involves frequent extended hours and occasional weekend work, with a comprehensive benefits package and a competitive annual base

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Materials Engineering, Materials Science, or Metallurgy.
• Operational experience with SEM instruments.
• Familiarity with modern materials, heat treatment, processing, and microstructures (high-strength steels, aluminum, titanium alloys).
• Understanding of material phase diagrams and metal interactions.
• Good computer and engineering software literacy.
• Excellent investigative, analytical, and report-writing skills.

Responsibilities

• Analyze failed or damaged components to determine root cause and act as materials analysis specialist.
• Operate SEM for failure analysis and document findings with photos and notes.
• Apply EDS analysis principles via SEM.
• Coordinate external testing and evaluation when needed.
• Prepare failure investigation reports with conclusions and corrective actions.
• Support materials selection, heat treatment, coating, and processing for Engineering and Manufacturing.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Investigation

Written communication

Education

Bachelors/Master's in Materials Engineering/Materials Science/Metallurgy

Tools

SEM instruments

MATLAB

Visual Basic

Job description

Overview

Collaborative. Respectful. A place to dream and do. These are just a few words that describe what life is like at Toyota. As one of the world’s most admired brands, Toyota is growing and leading the future of mobility through innovative, high-quality solutions designed to enhance lives and delight those we serve. We’re looking for talented team members who want to Dream. Do. Grow. with us.

Who we are

To save time applying, Toyota does not offer sponsorship of job applicants for employment-based visas or any other work authorization for this position at this time.

TRD inspires the hearts and minds of racing fans, Toyota team members, customers, and the driving public. We are dedicated to advancing automotive engineering and maximizing racetrack success. We partner with the finest race teams and drivers who share our passion, and our actions foster an atmosphere of excellence. In our pursuit of becoming the most respected and premier motorsports engineering organization in the world, we are looking for highly motivated applicants for our available positions.

Who we're looking for

TRD is looking for a highly motivated Materials Engineer, Engine Design.

This is a full-time position. It involves frequent extended working hours and occasional weekend work.

What you'll be doing

• Analyze failed or damaged components and assemblies regularly to determine root cause and act as the team's materials analysis specialist.
• Operate optical and scanning electron microscopes (SEM) for failure analysis and daily work, applying basic metrology principles and using digital cameras and software to document findings.
• Understand EDS analysis principles and apply them via SEM on a regular basis.
• Organize specialized external testing and evaluation techniques when required.
• Prepare failure investigation reports daily, including written and photographic content and educated recommendations for corrective action.
• Provide engineering support for materials selection, heat treatment, coating, and processing to Engineering, Manufacturing, and team partners.
• Support Quality Control initiatives by ensuring components meet defined material and heat treatment requirements.
• Evaluate component manufacturing processes regularly and advise on continuous improvement.
• Prepare metallurgical samples and measure material hardness on occasion, assessing the results.
• Lead statistical analysis projects to monitor or identify trends in hardness, micro cleanliness, failure, or other metallurgical characteristics, and direct the methodology and tools used.
• Deliver multiple investigations and job tasks in parallel under tight timelines while maintaining high work-product quality.

What you will bring

• A Bachelor's or Master's degree in Materials Engineering, Materials Science, or Metallurgy.
• Previous operational experience with SEM instruments.
• Intimate familiarity with modern materials, their heat treatment, processing techniques, and microstructures, especially high-strength steels, aluminum, and titanium alloys.
• A sound understanding of material phase diagrams and the chemical interactions of metals.
• A high level of computer and engineering software literacy.
• Excellent investigative, analytical, and report-writing skills.
• Self-motivation, the ability to work semi-independently, and the drive to do more than is immediately obvious.
• Excellent interpersonal skills for working with personnel from all internal departments, external suppliers, and vendors.
• Physical requirements: good vision for assessing digital images, examining components and specimens for fine detail, and prolonged optical microscopy; the ability to sit at a computer or desk; and the ability to traverse large factory facilities for supplier audits and inspections.

Bonus if you have

• Previous operational experience with industrial CT instruments.
• Proficiency in MATLAB, Visual Basic, or similar software.

Travel Requirements

• Occasional local and air travel to vendors or labs, plus periodic domestic and international travel for vendor, supplier, and partner visits.

What we’ll bring

• During your interview process, our team can fill you in on all the details of our industry-leading benefits and career development opportunities. A few highlights include:
• A work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect.
• Professional growth and development programs to help advance your career, as well as tuition reimbursement.
• Team Member Vehicle Purchase Discount.
• Toyota Team Member Lease Vehicle Program (if applicable).
• Comprehensive health care and wellness plans for your entire family.
• Flexible work options based on business needs.
• Toyota 401(k) Savings Plan featuring a company match, as well as an annual retirement contribution from Toyota regardless of whether you contribute.
• Paid holidays and paid time off.
• Referral services related to prenatal services, adoption, childcare, schools and more.
• Tax Advantaged Accounts (Health Savings Account, Health Care FSA, Dependent Care FSA).

The annual base salary range for this position is $119,400.00 - $194,000.00.

Belonging at Toyota

Our success begins and ends with our people. We embrace all perspectives and value unique human experiences. Respect for all is our North Star.

Applicants for our positions are considered without regard to race, ethnicity, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, religion, military or veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by law.