R&D Aerospace Material Scientist

Trelleborg Sealing Solutions US Inc; Fort Wayne (IN); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Trelleborg Sealing Solutions US Inc. seeks an R&D Aerospace Material Engineer to design and implement test methods for polymer materials, analyze data, and prepare final reports in a standards-driven laboratory environment.

The role emphasizes cross-location process harmonization, ISO17025 compliance, and continuous improvement through audits and benchmarking across aerospace manufacturing sites. Strong problem solving and communication are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor degree in a scientific field; lab experience required; ISO familiarity expected; strong analytical and problem‑solving skills required.
• Technical writing skills required; auditing experience preferred.
• Experience with 3+ years in lab or materials testing is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Design tests and test methods for polymer materials and characterize physical and thermal properties.
• Develop and manage multiple projects with timelines and customer requirements.
• Prepare test reports and present results to stakeholders.
• Audit internal labs and harmonize processes across locations.
• Ensure compliance with ISO17025 and lab safety standards.

Skills

Lab experience

Technical writing

Analytical thinking

Auditing

ISO familiarity

Problem solving

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

5S practices

Job description

The R&D Aerospace Material Engineer role is responsible for test method design and implementation, conducting design of experiments, interpretation of data, drawing conclusions, and preparing final test reports related to polymer testing in the Material Laboratory using a variety of innovative laboratory equipment. The Engineer will also work with aerospace manufacturing facilities to harmonize processes and test reports, as well as audit the facilities to increase efficiency and reliability. This position will join a high functioning team to support the Aerospace market. Strong understanding of scientific methods required. Communication and problem solving skills are key.

Tasks and responsibilities:

• Develop, implement, and manage multiple projects concurrently including creating and keeping timelines, ensuring projects adhere to customer requirements, and communicating results to customers.
• Design tests that align with material development for the purpose of characterizing polymer’s physical and thermal properties.
• Design and perform data analysis.
• Prepare, develop, implement, and interpret test requirements as defined in ASTM, customer, and other industry standard specifications.
• Perform benchmarking operations with other laboratories to verify the lab’s competency and retain accreditation.
• Write technical reports and presentations.
• Follow procedures and perform duties in compliance with lab accreditation requirements (ISO17025)
• Create and perform benchmarking operations with TSS aerospace manufacturing locations to assure all locations are performing adequate testing.
• Harmonize with TSS aerospace manufacturing locations processes, test reports, and other opportunities for alignment.
• Audit Aerospace manufacturing site’s internal laboratories to increase efficiency and reliability. Find opportunities for improvement and risks to the business based on the performance of audited labs.
• Expand the current Material Laboratory’s scope of accreditation to include additional tests as the need arises by the Aerospace market segment.
• Analyze material properties to identify which materials in the TSS portfolio can be consolidated.
• Manage the aerospace Qualified Material List with all Trelleborg sites providing parts for aerospace.
• Remain free from any undue internal influence and external commercial, financial, and other pressures and influences that may adversely affect the quality of their work.
• Active participation in Continuous Improvement, Preventative Action, and Corrective Action programs with regards to testing, report writing, and the ISO17025 lab management system.
• General upkeep of the laboratory
• Compliance with quality, safety, environmental, and customer mandated procedures
• Other duties as assigned by manager
• Strong mechanical and technical capability
• Time management skills to meet targeted completion dates
• Strong organizational skills with an ability to multi-task and manage projects
• Attention to detail and accuracy. "Right the first time" attitude
• Strong customer focus and understanding of total customer satisfaction
• Ability to work independently the majority of the time while still functioning well in a team environment
• Skilled in verbal, written, and visual communication of technical content to an audience with different levels of technical knowledge, including international persons.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor of Science Degree required in a scientific field (Physics, Engineering, Chemistry, Forensic Science or similar)
• Lab experience required
• ISO familiarity required
• Auditing experience preferred
• Strong analytical, decision making, and problem solving skills required
• Technical writing skills required
• Experience with 5S practices a plus

As an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran or disability status.

This position requires the use of information which is subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). All applicants must be U.S. persons within the meaning of ITAR. ITAR defines a U.S. person as a U.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident (i.e. Green Card Holder), Political Asylee or Refugee.

Qualifications

Education

Required

Bachelors or better.

Experience

Required

Technical writing skills required

Strong analytical, decision making, and problem solving skills required

Preferred

3 years:

3-5 Years of Lab experience preferred

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.