Materials Engineer II

Sanders Industries Holdings; Lake Forest (CA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Bal Seal Engineering in California is seeking a Materials Scientist to develop new seal polymers and supporting materials through analysis and testing, working with stakeholders to implement new materials. The role requires 4+ years of experience in material science and strong technical writing.

The candidate will work with PTFE, PEEK, UHMWPE and various metal wires, collaborating with engineering and production to resolve material issues and ensure specifications are met in a manufacturing

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Material Science or related Engineering field.
• Experience with Thermoplastic polymers PTFE, PEEK, UHMWPE and other fluoropolymers.
• Minimum 4 years in Material Science and Engineering.

Responsibilities

• Material Analysis performed using state of the art equipment (SEM, DSC, TGA, FTIR).
• Evaluate and select spring energizer materials including aerospace/medical-grade wires.
• Lead complex material evaluation and root-cause analysis projects.
• Develop and execute test plans according to priorities and due dates.
• Prepare documentation verifying results of testing.

Skills

Material Analysis

Testing Plans

Root Cause Analysis

Documentation

Materials Testing

Cross-functional Collaboration

DOE

Reading Drawings

MS Office

Technical Writing

Education

Bachelor's degree in Material Science

Tools

SEM

DSC

TGA

FTIR

Job description

Full Time Bal Seal Engineering Foothill Ranch, Lake Forest, CA, US

Salary Range: $80,000.00 To $100,000.00 Annually

Job Description

This position exists to develop new seal polymers, spring wire materials and to support sales and production through material analysis and testing on new and existing materials. To work with Stakeholders on the implementation of new materials and to investigate and analyze material issues using Lab Analysis equipment. Expected to work with minimal supervision while using technical skills to troubleshoot and solve materials problems.

About Bal Seal: Bal Seal Engineering delivers advanced sealing, connecting, and contact solutions that serve medical, aerospace, energy, and industrial markets. Our proprietary spring-energized seals and electrical contacts help customers achieve precision, efficiency, and reliability. Employees thrive in a culture that values craftsmanship, technical mastery, and close partnership with customers solving complex challenges.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Material Analysis performed using state of the art equipment, such as SEM, DSC, TGA, and FTIR
• Evaluate and select spring energizer materials, which include various aerospace and medial grade metallic wires.
• Independently lead and execute complex material evaluation/development and cross-functional root-cause analysis projects
• Develop and execute test plans according to priority and due dates
• Prepare documentation verifying results of testing
• Perform failure and root cause analysis on materials and products not meeting requirements
• Perform materials testing as identified by written procedures and instructions
• Interface with Engineering personnel and other applicable department stakeholders to ensure material requirements and specifications are utilized and met
• Provide technical analysis and reporting to identify significant material parameters
• Development of new thermoplastics with filler to meet customer needs
• Strong team player with the ability to work collaboratively in a cross-functional environment and partner with other departments to resolve technical issues

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Material Science or related Engineering field

Experience:

• Experience with Thermoplastic polymer PTFE, PEEK, UHMWPE, and other specialty fluoropolymers.
• Experience with various metallic wire materials, such as Stainless Steels, Platinum, MP35N, Cooper alloys, etc.
• Minimum 4 years in Material Science and Engineering
• Strong writing and communication skills

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Able to read drawings and understand specifications as they relate to materials.
• Fluent in the use of MS Office suit/tools is required.
• Ability to prepare and present test results and status reports
• Ability to work in a team centered and collaborative environment.
• Strong technical writing and verbal communication skills
• Working knowledge of Polymers and Metals
• Knowledge of testing methodologies and Design of Experiments (DOE)
• Must be able to promote and work in a highly collaborative environment

Physical Requirements :

• Must be able to enter data into a computer
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, walk, and handle documents and products
• Employee regularly required to Communicate with others
• The employee will frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds
• The work environment conditions are typical of a manufacturing environment. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the basic functions. The noise level in the work environment ranges from quiet to moderate, however, hearing protection may be required if employee enters high noise areas as a part of their normal job duties.

At Bal Seal Engineering (BSE) we recognize how important your career and benefits are to you and your family. We offer a full suite of benefits, including medical, dental, vision, short and long-term disability coverage, accident insurance, critical illness insurance, basic and supplemental life insurance, employee assistance plan, retirement savings and matching, and other developmental opportunities. We are committed to supporting the way you live and work.

BSE is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to complete the application process may contact Human Resources.

This position requires access to information subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Employment is contingent upon the applicant being a “U.S. person” as defined by ITAR (22 CFR §120.15), which includes U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, refugees, or asylees, as required by U.S. export control laws.