Materials Engineer: Metallurgy & Failure Analysis (Onsite WI)

Johnson Controls; Glendale (AZ); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Johnson Controls in Glendale, WI, is seeking a Materials Engineer to join our Global Materials Lab. This entry-level role focuses on laboratory testing, materials characterization, and failure analysis to support product development and quality improvement.

You will work under the Materials Lab Manager, performing analyses, preparing reports, and collaborating with engineering, manufacturing, and supplier teams to drive performance, reliability, and sustainability.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Materials Science & Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or related field; GPA 3.4+.
• Understanding of metals, polymers, ceramics, and composites, including properties, processing methods, and failure mechanisms.
• Hands-on laboratory experience from coursework, internships, co-ops, or industry.
• Familiarity with materials characterization techniques such as microscopy, hardness testing, spectroscopy, or thermal analysis.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively within multidisciplinary teams.
• Commitment to laboratory safety and safe work practices.

Responsibilities

• Prepare metallurgical and materials characterization samples using sectioning, mounting, grinding, polishing, and other laboratory preparation techniques.
• Conduct materials testing and analysis using laboratory equipment and analytical techniques, including optical microscopy, hardness testing, spectroscopy, thermal analysis, and other materials characterization methods.
• Perform failure analysis and root cause investigations on metallic, polymeric, ceramic, and composite materials.
• Analyze experimental data and prepare clear, concise, and technically sound laboratory reports with conclusions and recommendations.
• Support engineering, manufacturing, quality, supplier quality, and customer support teams in resolving material and process‑related issues.
• Assist in evaluating new materials, manufacturing processes, and product designs to improve performance, reliability, and sustainability.
• Participate in corrective and preventive action activities by identifying material and process nonconformances and recommending effective solutions.
• Maintain laboratory equipment and ensure compliance with laboratory safety procedures and best practices.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders on testing programs, product investigations, and materials qualification projects.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives that enhance laboratory efficiency, capability, and technical excellence.

Skills

Analytical skills

Troubleshooting

Problem solving

Laboratory work

Safety awareness

Independent work

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelors degree in Materials Science & Engineering

Tools

SEM/EDS

Optical microscopy

FTIR

DSC

TGA

Hardness testing

Job description

Johnson Controls in Glendale, WI, is seeking a Materials Engineer to join our Global Materials Lab. This entry-level role focuses on laboratory testing, materials characterization, and failure analysis to support product development and quality improvement.

You will work under the Materials Lab Manager, performing analyses, preparing reports, and collaborating with engineering, manufacturing, and supplier teams to drive performance, reliability, and sustainability.