Senior Development Engineer

Magna International; Troy (MI); On-site; USD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Magna International is seeking a Senior Materials Engineer in Troy, MI to lead the development of advanced polymer materials for exterior automotive applications. You will guide projects from concept through qualification, collaborating with optimization teams and suppliers to meet OEM specifications.

Ideal candidates have 7+ years in automotive plastics, strong expertise in injection molding, polymer characterization, and paint/coating systems, plus DOE and statistical analysis skills.

Qualifications

• Minimum of bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field; advanced degree preferred.
• 7+ years of experience in plastics, preferably automotive.
• Proficient in injection molding processes, materials, tooling, and paint/coating systems.
• Hands-on polymer characterization (DSC, TGA, FTIR, melt flow, rheology, mechanical/impact tests).
• DOE, root-cause analysis, and statistical analysis experience.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; strong organization and time management.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and qualification of new materials aligned with Magna Exterior’s innovation projects.
• Manage end-to-end R&D/Innovation projects per the Innovation Development Process.
• Provide materials technical support to manufacturing for troubleshooting.
• Identify and seek approval for new sustainable materials.
• Coordinate internal/external resources and report progress, timing, and budget.

Skills

Injection molding

Polymer characterization

Polymers & coatings

DOE methods

Statistical analysis

Communication

Time management

Independent work

Driver's license

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field

Tools

Injection molding equipment

Paint/coating equipment

DSC/TGA/FTIR instruments

Job description

## Senior Development EngineerApply: Troy, Michigan, US: Full time: Posted Today: R00266955**Job descriptions may display in multiple languages based on your language selection.**## **What we offer:**At Magna, you can expect an engaging and dynamic environment where you can help to develop industry-leading automotive technologies. We invest in our employees, providing them with the support and resources they need to succeed. As a member of our global team, you can expect exciting, varied responsibilities as well as a wide range of development prospects. Because we believe that your career path should be as unique as you are.## ## ## **Group Summary:**The Magna Exteriors portfolio of products includes access systems such as liftgates, exterior trim, modular systems, front-end modules including fascia, active aerodynamic systems and other lightweight structural components for automotive, commercial truck and other industrial markets.Recognized globally as an innovator in all aspects of vehicle exteriors, Magna provides everything needed, from materials development and design through manufacturing and assembly, to help automakers create sleek, state-of-the-art vehicles across the world.**Job Responsibilities:****POSITION SUMMARY:**The Senior Materials Engineer is responsible for the planning, development, and execution of projects in pursuit of advanced materials solutions. Lead identification and development of new materials technologies to support Magna’s strategic innovation and sustainability objectives. The Senior Materials Engineer is responsible for providing expertise and leadership in materials related activities to the Exteriors organization. **ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:*** Develop and industrialize material solutions aligned to Magna Exterior’s top Innovation projects* Execute assigned R&D / Innovation projects following Innovation Development Process (IDP)* Lead material qualification and approval to OEM specifications for thermoplastic substrates and resins* Provide materials technical support as appropriate to assist in troubleshooting at manufacturing divisions* Identify, evaluate and seek customer approval of developed materials offerings, including new sustainable materials* Lead projects end to end, coordinating internal and external resources and reporting on technical progress, timing, and budget* Help create intellectual property (invention disclosures and patents)* Provide technical presentations and job-related seminars* Develop and maintain polymer processing expertise, especially in those processes currently in use within the Magna Exteriors group (thermoplastics, thermosets, injection, compression and paint processes)* Adhere to Company policies and Corporate guidelines* Adhere to applicable quality systems* Perform all job functions in a safe and healthful manner, abiding by all health, safety and environmental rules and regulations, promoting safety in the workplace* Conduct business in an ethical manner in compliance with the Magna Code of Conduct* Participate in and support Continuous Improvement initiatives* Take on any special projects or other duties as required*The above is intended to describe the general content of and the requirements for the performance of this position. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements.* **QUALIFICATIONS:**EDUCATION:* Minimum of bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Advanced degree preferredEXPERIENCE:* A minimum of seven (7) years of experience in plastics, preferably in automotiveSKILLS:* Proficient in injection molding process, materials, equipment, tooling, paint/coating process* Hands-on polymer characterization: DSC, TGA, FTIR, melt flow and rheology, mechanical and impact testing* Knowledge of TPO, PC blends, ASA, PP compounds, PU/thermosets and paint/coating systems* Experience with design of experiments (DOE), root-cause analysis tools and statistical analysis* Exceptional communication skills both verbal and written* Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills along with a strong sense of time management and problem-solving abilities* Able to work independently with minimal supervision.* Customer-focused* Highly motivated, experienced in working with a high degree of confidentiality, discretion and integrity* Ability to maintain effective internal and external working relationships* Must consistently demonstrate a high degree of flexibility and versatility* A valid Driver’s License is required* A valid Passport is required for periodic travel## **Awareness, Unity, Empowerment:**At Magna, we believe that a diverse workforce is critical to our success. That’s why we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We hire on the basis of experience and qualifications, and in consideration of job requirements, regardless of, in particular, color, ancestry, religion, gender, origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability or gender identity. Magna takes the privacy of your personal information seriously. We discourage you from sending applications via email or traditional mail to comply with GDPR requirements and your local Data Privacy Law. ## ## **AI-Assisted Screening Disclosure**As part of our commitment to a fair, consistent, and efficient recruitment process, we may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist in the initial screening of applications submitted through our Workday system. These tools help identify qualifications and experience that align with the role requirements. Please note that AI is used solely to support our recruiters. Final decisions are always made by the hiring manager and the hiring team. Importantly, no applicant data is shared externally through these AI tools. All information remains securely within our systems and is handled in accordance with our privacy and data protection policies. ## **Under conditions defined by applicable law, you may have the right to request an explanation of how AI is used to support decision-making.**If you have any questions or concerns about this process, feel free to contact our Talent Attraction team. **Worker Type:**Regular / Permanent**Group:**Magna Exteriors