Materials Science Engineering Technical Specialist

Cummins Inc.; Troy (MI); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Cummins Inc. is seeking a talented Materials Science Engineering Technical Specialist to join its Engineering team in Troy, MI. This role entails driving data-based decisions, strengthening failure prevention, and optimizing material selection.

The ideal candidate will possess deep technical expertise in materials and casting, along with strong analytical skills. Responsibilities include producing technical documentation and collaborating with suppliers for process improvements. The position requires a Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related field.

Qualifications

• Solid understanding of casting processes and material behavior.
• Proficiency with material characterization equipment and data interpretation.
• Experience with suppliers for PPAP and process improvements.

Responsibilities

• Apply statistical methods for evidence-driven decisions.
• Conduct component failure analyses and recommend corrective actions.
• Produce technical documentation and enhance knowledge transfer.
• Build networks to accelerate problem-solving across teams.

Skills

Deep Technical Expertise in Materials & Casting

Strong Analytical & Laboratory Skills

Supplier Collaboration & PPAP/Process Improvement Capability

Clear Technical Communication & Documentation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or appropriate STEM field

Tools

MS Office tools

Job description

We are looking for a talented Materials Science Engineering Technical Specialist to join our Engineering team of Cummins Drivetrain and Braking Systems (CDBS) in Troy, MI.

In this role, you will make an impact in the following ways:

• Drive Data ‑ Based Decisions: Apply advanced statistical methods—descriptive analytics, probability modeling, regression, DOE, and hypothesis testing—to deliver rigorous, evidence‑driven recommendations that improve product and process outcomes.
• Strengthen Failure Prevention: Conduct thorough component failure analyses to identify true root causes, evaluate design and manufacturing intent, and recommend corrective actions that protect customers and prevent recurrence.
• Optimize Material & Process Selection: Evaluate component requirements and select the most appropriate materials and manufacturing routes, ensuring best‑fit solutions that meet performance, cost, and reliability targets.
• Enhance Material Robustness: Perform mechanical, chemical, microstructural, and physical property characterization to confirm compliance and correlate lab results with field performance, improving component durability and reliability.
• Improve Technical Knowledge Transfer: Produce clear, accurate technical documentation that captures learnings, supports decision‑making, and enables efficient knowledge sharing across engineering, operations, and cross‑functional teams.
• Elevate Cross ‑ Functional Collaboration: Build strong internal and external networks to accelerate problem‑solving, align stakeholders, and ensure seamless communication across engineering, manufacturing, and supplier teams.
• Accelerate Problem Resolution: Apply structured problem‑solving methodologies to identify assignable and systemic root causes, implement robust corrective actions, and mentor others in effective analytical approaches.
• Advance Organizational Effectiveness: Demonstrate strong decision quality, resourcefulness, and the ability to manage complexity—consistently driving results while valuing diverse perspectives and adapting to challenging circumstances.

To be successful in this role you will need the following:

• Deep Technical Expertise in Materials & Casting: A solid understanding of casting processes, material behavior, and material‑processing interactions to accurately diagnose issues, validate design intent, and make sound material and process selections.
• Strong Analytical & Laboratory Skills: Proficiency with sectioning, sample preparation, and material characterization equipment—along with the ability to interpret mechanical, chemical, microstructural, and physical property data—to support root‑cause analysis and robust decision‑making.
• Supplier Collaboration & PPAP/Process Improvement Capability: The ability to work effectively with suppliers on PPAP requirements, process validation, and continuous improvement initiatives, ensuring components meet specifications and quality standards.
• Clear Technical Communication & Documentation: Strong report‑writing skills to document investigations, communicate findings, justify decisions, and support cross‑functional alignment with Quality, Supply Chain, and Engineering.

Education, Licenses, Certifications:

College, university, or equivalent Bachelor's degree in Engineering or appropriate STEM field is required.

Post‑graduate (Master's) degree relevant to this discipline area may be required for select roles.

This position may require licensing for compliance with export controls or sanctions regulations.

Experience:

Prior Senior or Lead Engineer equivalent work experience in a relevant discipline area is required with a demonstrated track record of technical problem solving and quality decision making. Knowledge of MS Office tools is preferred.

• Casting experience is preferred.
• Position involves working with suppliers for PPAP and process improvements.
• Use of sectioning and sample preparation equipment.
• Report writing is necessary.

Job Engineering

Organization Cummins Inc.

Role Category On‑site with Flexibility

Job Type Exempt - Experienced

ReqID 2429130

Relocation Package No

100% On‑Site Yes

Due to the operational nature and specific job duties of this role, work is required to be completed 100% in person/On‑site.

Cummins and E‑Verify

At Cummins, we are an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer dedicated to diversity in the workplace. Our policy is to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified persons without regard to race, gender, color, disability, national origin, age, religion, union affiliation, sexual orientation, veteran status, citizenship, gender identity and/or expression, or other status protected by law. Cummins validates the right to work using E‑Verify and will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each new employee’s Form I‑9 to confirm work authorization. Visit http://EEOC.gov to know your rights on workplace discrimination.