Materials Science Test Engineer

Amphenol ICC; Yocumtown (PA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Amphenol Communications Solutions in Etters, PA is seeking a Materials Science Test Engineer to lead materials characterization and qualification for connector products. The role builds and runs test labs, develops test plans, and collaborates with development, quality, and sustaining teams.

The candidate will manage sample preparation, record-keeping, and data analysis across polymers, metals, finishes, and joints, ensuring traceability and reliable results for product qualifications and mature

Qualifications

• Bachelors degree required in materials science/engineering or related field.
• Ability to select appropriate characterization methods, document observations, interpret data, and write clear technical reports.
• Strong organization, independent judgment, and ability to work with technicians and cross functional engineering teams.

Responsibilities

• Translate product requirements and engineering questions into documented test plans with clear sample definitions, acceptance criteria, controls, and reporting requirements.
• Own test setup and method development, including fixtures, instrument selection, calibration status, repeatability checks, and safe operation; partner with lab technicians on execution and sample preparation.
• Maintain traceable records of sample identity, conditions, raw data, calculations, deviations, and results; analyze variation and communicate conclusions and limitations in qualification reports and concise engineering updates.
• Plan schedules and equipment capacity for qualification programs and urgent one off requests; coordinate cross discipline work without compromising data quality or lab safety.
• Investigate unexpected results, distinguish test artifacts from product behavior, and recommend follow up tests or design changes with the responsible engineers.
• Develop materials test plans for polymers, metals, plating and contact finishes, solder joints, and adhesives or potting materials relevant to connector products.
• Perform or direct sample preparation and characterization such as sectioning, mounting, polishing, optical microscopy, metallography, dimensional measurements, and hardness testing; select additional methods such as SEM/EDS, DSC, or TGA when justified and available.
• Evaluate changes from thermal cycling, humidity, reflow, corrosion or other product specific exposures, including cracking, creep, plating wear, oxidation, and interfacial degradation.
• Define sampling and acceptance criteria with design, quality, and supplier teams; interpret material and process variation and support failure analysis with documented observations and evidence.
• Work with mechanical and electrical test engineers to correlate microstructure and material condition with force, deformation, resistance, and durability results.

Education

Bachelors degree in Materials Science and Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, Polymer Engineering, or a closely related field

Job description

Amphenol Communications Solutions (ACS), a division of Amphenol Corporation, is a world leader in interconnect solutions for Communications, Mobile, RF, Optics, and Commercial electronics markets. Amphenol Corporation is one of the world’s largest designers and manufacturers of electrical, electronic and fiber optic connectors and interconnect systems, antennas, sensors and sensor-based products and coaxial and high-speed specialty cable. ACS has an expansive global presence in research and development, manufacturing, and sales. We design and manufacture a wide range of innovative connectors as well as cable assemblies for diverse applications including server, storage, data center, mobile, RF, networking, industrial, business equipment, and automotive.

Position: Materials Science Test Engineer

Location:Etters, PA

Amphenol High Speed Products Group develops high speed, high bandwidth electrical connectors for telecom and datacom applications, including servers, storage, routers, switches, and mobile networks. We are building a product test lab in Etters, Pennsylvania to support product qualifications and one off engineering tests. The lab will work with product development, signal integrity, manufacturing, quality, and sustaining engineering.

Position Summary:

Lead materials characterization and materials focused qualification support for connector products. The engineer examines polymer housings, metal terminals, contact finishes, and joints; identifies how processing and environmental exposure affect performance; and connects physical evidence to mechanical and electrical test results.

Responsibilities:

• Translate product requirements and engineering questions into documented test plans with clear sample definitions, acceptance criteria, controls, and reporting requirements.
• Own test setup and method development, including fixtures, instrument selection, calibration status, repeatability checks, and safe operation; partner with lab technicians on execution and sample preparation.
• Maintain traceable records of sample identity, conditions, raw data, calculations, deviations, and results. Analyze variation and communicate conclusions and limitations in qualification reports and concise engineering updates.
• Plan schedules and equipment capacity for qualification programs and urgent one off requests; coordinate cross discipline work without compromising data quality or lab safety.
• Investigate unexpected results, distinguish test artifacts from product behavior, and recommend follow up tests or design changes with the responsible engineers.
• Develop materials test plans for polymers, metals, plating and contact finishes, solder joints, and adhesives or potting materials relevant to connector products.
• Perform or direct sample preparation and characterization such as sectioning, mounting, polishing, optical microscopy, metallography, dimensional measurements, and hardness testing; select additional methods such as SEM/EDS, DSC, or TGA when justified and available.
• Evaluate changes from thermal cycling, humidity, reflow, corrosion or other product specific exposures, including cracking, creep, plating wear, oxidation, and interfacial degradation.
• Define sampling and acceptance criteria with design, quality, and supplier teams; interpret material and process variation and support failure analysis with documented observations and evidence.
• Work with mechanical and electrical test engineers to correlate microstructure and material condition with force, deformation, resistance, and durability results.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Materials Science and Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, Polymer Engineering, or a closely related field.
• At least 3 years of relevant experience in materials testing, characterization, product qualification, or failure analysis; connector or electronics experience preferred.
• Working knowledge of polymer behavior, metallic alloys, surface finishes, and common laboratory preparation and microscopy methods.
• Ability to select appropriate characterization methods, document observations, interpret specifications and data, and write clear technical reports.
• Strong organization, independent judgment, and ability to work with technicians and cross functional engineering teams.

Physical Requirements:

Hands on sample preparation and use of laboratory tools and instruments, including work with approved laboratory chemicals under established safety procedures. Frequent microscopy and computer work. Ability to handle test articles and equipment components up to 50 lb, with appropriate assistance or lifting equipment when needed.

Amphenol Corporation is proud of our reputation as an excellent employer. Our focus is to provide the highest level of support and responsiveness to both our employees and our customers, the world's largest technology companies. Amphenol Corporation offers the opportunity for career growth within a global organization. We believe that Amphenol Corporation is unique in that every employee, regardless of his or her position, has the ability to positively impact the business.

Amphenol is an “Equal Opportunity Employer” - Minority/Female/Disabled/Veteran/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/National Origin. For additional company information please visit our website at https://www.amphenol-cs.com/