Materials Engineer - Interiors

Contechs; Troy (MI); On-site; USD 95,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Contechs is seeking a technically sharp Materials Engineer to accelerate our accessories program, spanning mold-in-color surfaces, soft trim, and other decorative materials. You will own execution across an active materials engineering program including development, test planning, material approvals, and supplier engagement.

Reporting to the Head of Accessories, you will lead MA execution, DOE compatibility studies, sample preparation, lab coordination, and cross-functional collaboration to

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, materials science, chemistry or equivalent.
• 3+ years in materials engineering or a closely adjacent field.
• Comfortable operating independently and owning a workstream, coordinating suppliers and labs.
• Comfortable in start-up environments and willing to roll up sleeves to build needed tools.
• Collaborative mindset with a “one company” approach and continuous improvement.
• Ability to work cross-functionally with partners, suppliers, and vendors to achieve results.

Responsibilities

• Lead and approve Material Approvals (MA) execution across multiple material categories, closing backlogs and building repeatable approval frameworks.
• Execute a structured materials compatibility DOE program.
• Prepare samples, coordinate with prototyping partners, manage external lab contracting, interpret data, and develop internal test protocols with full technical reporting.
• Develop and execute a materials development and validation program for new appearance applications, including test plan development and regulatory/compliance considerations.
• Draft material performance specifications under senior product engineer direction using test data and first-principles reasoning.
• Coordinate material suppliers and align applications with teams to support product launches.

Skills

Materials engineering

DOE program

Supplier engagement

Cross-functional collaboration

Independent work

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field

MS degree (preferred)

Job description

• We are looking for a technically sharp, self-directed Materials Engineer to accelerate our accessories program.
• The work spans a broad range of material domains including mold-in-color surfaces, soft trim, and other decorative materials.
• Reporting to the Head of Accessories, you will own execution across an active materials engineering program covering development, test planning, material approvals, and supplier engagement, partnering cross-functionally with CMF, Vehicle Engineering, and our supplier base.
• This is a hands-on execution role with real ownership.

What you get to do

• Lead and approve Material Approvals (MA) execution across multiple active material categories, closing backlogs while building repeatable approval frameworks from the ground up.
• Execute a structured materials compatibility DOE program.
• Responsibilities include sample preparation, coordination with prototyping partners, external lab contracting, iterative data interpretation, and development of an internal test protocol. Full technical reporting required at each stage.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to develop and execute a materials development and validation program for new appearance applications. Work includes test plan development, supplier and 3rd party lab engagement, and identification of applicable regulatory and compliance requirements.
• Draft material performance specifications across active programs under senior product engineer direction, working from test data, surrogate references, and first-principles reasoning.
• Facilitate workstreams with directed material suppliers. Aligning applications suppliers and teams to support the product launches.

What you bring to the Team

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, materials science, chemistry or equivalent. MS a plus.
• 3+ years in materials engineering or a closely adjacent field.
• Comfortable operating independently. You can own a workstream, coordinate suppliers and labs, and deliver without heavy oversight.
• Comfortable in start-up environments. You can roll up your sleeves to do the work and build or recommend the tools needed to be successful as the company grows.
• A collaborative “one company” teammate with a continuous improvement approach that is equally comfortable with engineering details and test environments.
• Capability to work cross-functionally with partners, suppliers, and vendors, building strong relationships that produce positive results.

Why work through Contechs?

Contechs is a strategic partner to the automotive industry, providing innovative design and engineering services to global OEMs, from concept to production.

We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status.

Employment is at will and may be terminated by either party at any time.

We provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities. Please contact us if you need assistance in the application process