Materials Science Test Engineer - Connectors & Polymers Lab

Amphenol Corporation; Yocumtown (PA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Amphenol Communications Solutions (ACS), a division of Amphenol Corporation, is building a product test lab in Etters, PA to support product qualifications and engineering tests. Lead materials characterization for connector products and ensure test plan definitions align with product requirements.

The engineer will own test setup, maintain records, and work with development, quality, and manufacturing teams to correlate material condition with test results, supporting design decisions and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in materials science or engineering required.
• At least 3 years of experience in materials testing, characterization, or qualification; electronics experience preferred.
• Working knowledge of polymer behavior, metallic alloys, surface finishes, and microscopy methods.
• Ability to document observations, interpret data, and write technical reports.
• Strong organization and ability to work with technicians and cross functional engineering teams.

Responsibilities

• Translate product requirements into documented test plans with 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.
• Maintain traceable records of sample identity, conditions, raw data, calculations, deviations, and results; communicate conclusions and limitations in reports.
• 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.
• Develop materials test plans for polymers, metals, plating and finishes, solder joints, and adhesives or potting materials relevant to connector products.
• Perform or direct sample preparation and characterization such as sectioning, mounting, polishing, microscopy, metallography, and hardness testing; use SEM/EDS, DSC, or TGA when justified.
• Evaluate changes from thermal cycling, humidity, reflow, corrosion or other exposures; assess cracking, wear, oxidation, and interfacial degradation.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Materials Science and Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, Polymer Engineering, or a closely related field

Tools

SEM/EDS

DSC

TGA

Job description

Amphenol Communications Solutions (ACS), a division of Amphenol Corporation, is building a product test lab in Etters, PA to support product qualifications and engineering tests. Lead materials characterization for connector products and ensure test plan definitions align with product requirements.

The engineer will own test setup, maintain records, and work with development, quality, and manufacturing teams to correlate material condition with test results, supporting design decisions and