Materials Engineer: Precision Optics & Failure Analysis

IDEX Corporation; Portage (MI); On-site; USD 112,000 - 169,000; Full time

Job summary

IDEX Corporation is seeking a Materials Engineer to characterize metallic materials and IR optical crystals, support development and failure analysis, and collaborate across engineering, manufacturing, and quality teams to improve material performance for advanced manufacturing applications.

The role emphasizes hands-on analysis, reporting, and cross-functional teamwork with travel up to 20% while adhering to quality and export-control requirements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Materials Science and Engineering with 3–5 years of experience.
• Experience with metals, infrared optical materials, or aerospace materials.
• Strong understanding of composition–processing–properties relationships.
• Hands-on materials characterization and analytical testing experience.
• Knowledge of ISO quality systems.

Responsibilities

• Characterize metallic materials and IR optical crystals using advanced analytical techniques.
• Conduct failure analysis and determine root causes of material or process-related issues.
• Analyze microstructure, composition, crystallography, and surface characteristics.
• Evaluate and enhance current and next gen ultra-precision cutting tooling.
• Study laser-material interactions and evaluate the effects of laser processing on material properties and machining performance.
• Develop and execute material characterization plans to support product development and manufacturing.
• Prepare technical reports and present findings to engineering and management teams.
• Collaborate with manufacturing, quality, and design engineers to improve material performance and process capability.
• Support material selection, qualification, and supplier evaluations.
• Travel up to 20% to support technical activities as needed.
• Maintain compliance with applicable quality, safety, export-control, and information-security requirements.

Skills

Materials characterization

SEM/EDS

XRD

FTIR

DOE

Statistical analysis

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Materials Science and Engineering

Master’s degree in related field

Tools

SEM/EDS

XRD

FTIR

Tensile testing

Job description

IDEX Corporation is seeking a Materials Engineer to characterize metallic materials and IR optical crystals, support development and failure analysis, and collaborate across engineering, manufacturing, and quality teams to improve material performance for advanced manufacturing applications.

The role emphasizes hands-on analysis, reporting, and cross-functional teamwork with travel up to 20% while adhering to quality and export-control requirements.