Materials Engineer I - Materials Engineering

EPITEC; Waterloo (IA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 57,000; Full time

Job summary

EPITEC is seeking a Materials Engineering Technician in Waterloo, IA. This onsite role supports materials lab operations, testing, and documentation for manufacturing environments.

You will collaborate with engineering, maintenance, and production to analyze materials, implement improvements, and maintain lab equipment while upholding safety and quality standards.

Qualifications

• Associate degree or equivalent technical experience is required.
• Experience in manufacturing, production, quality, lab, or engineering.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and interest in materials engineering.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and specs.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
• Experience collecting, analyzing, and documenting technical data.
• Strong problem-solving, organizational, and analytical skills.
• Ability to work independently and with cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Perform lab testing and analysis on material samples and processes.
• Support work requests and coordinate samples and testing.
• Develop and implement process improvements to improve product quality.
• Troubleshoot lab, process, and equipment issues with teams.
• Participate on cross-functional project teams to improve manufacturing performance.
• Create, update, and maintain lab procedures and analytical methods.
• Maintain laboratory equipment and support preventative maintenance.
• Audit parts, collect data, and maintain monthly/quarterly documentation.
• Track engineering work requests and reporting.
• Order, receive, stock, and track lab consumables.
• Support production changeovers and process adjustments.
• Maintain a clean, safe lab environment following 5S.
• Assist with evaluation of engineering standards and process compliance.
• Support feasibility testing and validation of engineering solutions.
• Coordinate with suppliers and subcontractors as needed.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Communication skills

Reading drawings

Analysis & data

Problem solving

Independent work with cross-functional

Documentation

Analytical skills

Education

Associate degree in a technical field

Tools

MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)

CAD/CAM exposure

Job description

Materials Engineering Technician

Location: Waterloo, IA

Job Type: Full-Time, Onsite

Pay Rate: Up to $35/hour

Position Overview

We are seeking a Materials Engineering Technician to support materials engineering laboratory operations in a manufacturing environment. This role is ideal for candidates with experience in laboratory testing, process analysis, manufacturing support, quality improvement, and engineering documentation.

The successful candidate will work closely with engineering, maintenance, and production teams to analyze materials, support manufacturing processes, maintain laboratory equipment, and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, quality, cost, and delivery.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform laboratory testing and analysis on material samples, components, and processes.
• Support materials engineering work requests and ensure proper coordination of samples and testing requirements.
• Develop, recommend, and implement analytical or process improvements to maintain and improve product quality.
• Work with engineering, maintenance, and production personnel to troubleshoot laboratory, process, and equipment issues.
• Participate on cross-functional project teams to improve manufacturing performance and operational effectiveness.
• Create, update, and maintain laboratory procedures, process instructions, and analytical methods.
• Maintain laboratory equipment and support preventative maintenance activities.
• Collect parts, perform audits, and maintain monthly and quarterly audit documentation.
• Track and manage engineering work requests and associated reporting.
• Order, receive, stock, and track laboratory consumables.
• Support production changeovers and process adjustments.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe laboratory environment utilizing 5S principles.
• Assist with evaluation of engineering standards, specifications, and process compliance.
• Support feasibility testing and validation of engineering solutions.
• Coordinate with suppliers and subcontractors while serving as a primary point of contact when required.

Required Qualifications

• Associate degree in a technical field or equivalent relevant work experience.
• Experience in a manufacturing, production, quality, laboratory, or engineering environment.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and interest in materials engineering.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, part prints, specifications, and process instructions.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Experience collecting, analyzing, and documenting technical data.
• Strong problem-solving, organizational, and analytical skills.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in a manufacturing laboratory environment.
• Experience with process control, quality analysis, or materials testing.
• Knowledge of machining processes and materials analysis.
• Experience maintaining production or laboratory equipment.
• Experience supporting process improvement initiatives.
• Familiarity with production systems, databases, and engineering software tools.
• Prior experience participating on technical problem-solving teams.
• Leadership, mentoring, or project team experience is a plus.

Technical Skills

• Materials Analysis
• Quality Control & Inspection
• Process Improvement
• Engineering Testing
• Laboratory Operations
• Root Cause Analysis
• Project Coordination
• Engineering Documentation
• Process Control
• Risk Management
• CAD/CAM Exposure
• Spreadsheet & Database Applications
• Technical Reporting
• Contract & Supplier Coordination

Work Environment

• Fully onsite position.
• Manufacturing and laboratory setting.
• Requires regular interaction with production, engineering, maintenance, and quality teams.

Why Apply?

This role offers the opportunity to gain hands-on experience supporting materials engineering initiatives, manufacturing operations, and laboratory analysis while working alongside experienced engineers and technical professionals. Candidates will have the opportunity to develop their technical skills, contribute to meaningful process improvements, and grow within a highly collaborative engineering environment.