Materials R&D Engineer - Ceramics

Brunel; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 115,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Brunel in San Diego is seeking a driven Materials Engineer to lead complex materials development that advances reliability, manufacturability, and supplier readiness for a thermochemical energy platform. The role requires expertise in high-temperature ceramics, R&D, manufacturing, and supplier qualification, with responsibility for root-cause analyses and scale-up initiatives.

The successful candidate will qualify suppliers, drive production controls, and own challenging material and

Qualifications

• MS in Ceramics Engineering, Materials Science, or related field.
• PhD in Ceramics Engineering or Materials Science is a plus.
• Expertise in ceramic processing, sintering, powder technology, and high-temperature materials.
• Deep understanding of creep, thermal shock, fracture mechanics, oxidation, and long-term degradation.
• Experience with SEM, XRD, microscopy, thermal analysis, and mechanical testing.

Responsibilities

• Lead root cause analyses and failure investigations to identify and resolve material, process, and product performance issues.
• Qualify and manage suppliers, ensuring material quality, reliability, and manufacturing readiness.
• Drive scale-up efforts from laboratory development to production, ensuring robust and repeatable manufacturing processes.
• Translate laboratory findings and test results into effective production controls and manufacturing best practices.
• Exercise a high degree of technical ownership and autonomy in solving complex materials and manufacturing challenges.

Skills

High-temperature ceramics

R&D

Manufacturing

Supplier qualification

Failure analysis

Education

MS in Ceramics Engineering / Materials Science

PhD in Ceramics Engineering / Materials Science (plus)

Tools

SEM

XRD

Microscopy

Thermal analysis

Mechanical testing

Job description

Join an innovative Energy Storage Systems organization!

Our client, a thermochemical Energy technology organization, is seeking a driven Materials Engineer to lead complex materials development that directly advance the reliability, manufacturability, and supplier readiness of their platform. This scientist will bring expertise in high-temperature ceramics, R&D, manufacturing, and supplier qualification.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead root cause analyses and failure investigations to identify and resolve material, process, and product performance issues.
• Qualify and manage suppliers, ensuring material quality, reliability, and manufacturing readiness.
• Drive scale-up efforts from laboratory development to production, ensuring robust and repeatable manufacturing processes.
• Translate laboratory findings and test results into effective production controls and manufacturing best practices.
• Exercise a high degree of technical ownership and autonomy in solving complex materials and manufacturing challenges.

Qualifications:

• MS in Ceramics Engineering, Materials Science, or similar discipline
• PhD in Ceramics engineering or materials Science would be a plus
• Expertise in ceramic processing, sintering, powder technology, and high-temperature materials.
• Deep understanding of creep, thermal shock, fracture mechanics, oxidation, and long-term degradation mechanisms.
• Expertise in failure analysis using SEM, XRD, microscopy, thermal analysis, and mechanical testing.

Compensation will include a competitive base salary plus equity and benefits, providing the opportunity to share in the company's long-term success and growth.