Materials Performance Engineer

Celanese; Florence, Northern (KY, KY); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Celanese in Florence, KY seeks a Materials Performance Engineer to develop advanced testing capabilities for polymer materials used in customer applications. You will partner with customers, product developers, and external labs to translate performance needs into actionable testing strategies and insights.

The role requires expertise in polymer materials, testing methodologies, and capability development, with attention to industry standards, safety, and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in a materials-focused discipline or related field.
• Working knowledge of polymer materials, structure-property relationships, and performance characterization.
• Experience with laboratory testing of electrical, mechanical, or physical material properties.
• Familiarity with ASTM, ISO/IEC, UL standards and related testing standards.
• Demonstrated teamwork, analytical and communication skills, and safety in lab/manufacturing settings.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute testing programs for polymer materials performance across electrical, mechanical, and physical properties.
• Serve as a technical expert in performance characterization and customer-focused problem solving.
• Interpret results and provide technical recommendations on materials and processing conditions.
• Lead collaboration with product developers, application engineers, and external partners to harmonize methods.

Skills

Polymer materials knowledge

Lab testing experience

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Teamwork

Education

M.S. or Ph.D. in Materials Science or related field

Tools

ASTM standards

ISO/IEC standards

UL standards

Quality systems (ISO 17025, IATF)

Job description

Overview

The Materials Performance Engineer role is responsible for developing, implementing, and executing advanced electrical, mechanical, and physical testing capabilities to support customer applications and business growth within our Engineered Materials business. This role serves as a technical subject matter expert, partnering closely with customers, commercial teams, product developers, application development engineers, and external industry organizations to understand performance requirements and translate them into meaningful testing strategies and actionable insights.

The successful candidate will combine expertise in polymer materials, testing methodologies, and application performance characterization with a strong ability to develop new capabilities, solve complex technical challenges, and influence future industry testing standards.

This position is located in Florence, Kentucky.

Responsibilities

Application Testing & Technical Expertise

• Develop and execute testing programs to evaluate the electrical, mechanical, and physical performance of polymer materials for customer applications
• Serve as a technical expert in performance characterization, supporting application development, troubleshooting, and customer-focused problem solving.
• Interpret test results and provide technical recommendations regarding materials, processing conditions, and application performance.
• Support testing in areas including:
  • Dielectric properties (Dk/Df, dielectric strength)
  • Comparative Tracking Index (CTI)
  • Resistivity and insulation performance
  • Shielding effectiveness and electrical performance
  • Tensile, impact, creep, fatigue, and durability testing
  • Flammability
  • Other application-specific performance evaluations

Method Development & Laboratory Capability Growth

• Develop innovative testing methodologies and customized test setups to address evolving customer and market needs.
• Specify, justify, commission, validate, and implement new laboratory equipment and testing capabilities.
• Lead capability development efforts aligned with emerging industry trends, technologies, and growth opportunities.
• Monitor industry developments and maintain a segment-focused strategy for laboratory capabilities.

Standards & Industry Leadership

• Implement and maintain compliance with relevant ASTM, ISO/IEC, UL, and other industry test standards.
• Represent the company in standards organizations, technical committees, and industry consortia.
• Evaluate emerging standards and proactively prepare laboratory capabilities to support future customer and regulatory requirements.
• Support internal and external audits associated with laboratory quality systems and compliance programs.

Collaboration & Customer Engagement

• Partner with product developers, application engineers, simulation experts, processing specialists, and commercial teams to understand customer requirements and application performance needs.
• Serve as a technical consultant for customers, translating application requirements into effective testing programs and meaningful data analysis.
• Collaborate with global subject matter experts to harmonize methods, share best practices, and leverage global capabilities.
• Work with external test laboratories, research organizations, and industry partners as needed.

Operational Excellence

• Execute testing activities safely, efficiently, and in alignment with laboratory quality, productivity, and service metrics.
• Maintain laboratory safety, quality, and equipment standards.
• Prepare clear, concise, and technically sound reports for internal and external audiences.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives that enhance laboratory effectiveness, responsiveness, and customer value.

Qualifications

Required

• M.S. or Ph.D. in Materials Science, Polymer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related technical discipline; equivalent industry experience will also be considered.
• Working knowledge of polymer materials, structure-property relationships, and performance characterization.
• Knowledge of ASTM, ISO/IEC, UL, and related testing standards.
• Experience conducting laboratory testing of electrical, mechanical, and/or physical material properties.Demonstrated teamwork and collaboration skills
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret and communicate complex technical results.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to effectively engage technical and non-technical audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to work safely in laboratory and manufacturing environments.

Preferred

• Experience with engineering thermoplastics or polymer materials used in electrification, electronics, automotive, industrial, or consumer applications.
• Experience developing non-standard, customized, or application-specific test methods.
• Experience interacting directly with customers and participating in industry technical organizations.
• Knowledge of common mechanical and physical characterization methods including tensile, flexural, fatigue, creep, impact, thermal, rheology, flammability
• Knowledge of statistical analysis, Design of Experiments (DOE), and data-driven problem solving.
• Experience in Gauge R&R, MSA, Correlation studies between laboratory testing and real-world performance

• Six Sigma Green Belt Certification, ISO 17025, and IATF 16949 quality systems experience