Materials Engineer, Engine Design

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

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition reimbursement

Health care and wellness plans

401(k) with company match

Paid holidays & PTO

Vehicle purchase/lease program

Job summary

Toyota North America in Costa Mesa, CA, is seeking a highly motivated Materials Engineer, Engine Design, to analyze failures, apply SEM, and lead metallurgical investigations with rigorous reporting.

The role requires a Bachelor’s or Master’s in Materials Engineering, Materials Science, or Metallurgy, SEM experience, and deep knowledge of high-strength steels, aluminum, and titanium alloys, plus strong communication and teamwork.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Materials Engineering, Materials Science, or Metallurgy.
• Experience with SEM instruments and failure analysis.
• Strong understanding of heat treatment, microstructures, and material properties.

Responsibilities

• Analyze failed or damaged components to determine root cause.
• Operate SEM for failure analysis and document findings.
• Apply EDS principles via SEM for regular analysis.
• Prepare failure investigation reports with recommendations.
• Support materials selection, heat treatment, and processing.
• Assist Quality Control by ensuring material and heat treatment requirements.
• Lead statistical analyses of metallurgical data to identify trends.
• Deliver multiple investigations under tight timelines.

Skills

Analytical thinking & report writing

Interpersonal skills

Self-motivation

Semi-independent work

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Materials Engineering/Materials Science/Metallurgy

Tools

SEM instruments

Job description

Who we are

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.

Overview

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.