Senior Materials Engineer

Copeland LP; Town of Sidney (NY); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Travel up to 5%

Job summary

Copeland LP in Sidney, Ohio, seeks a Senior Materials Engineer to lead our laboratory in preparing, analyzing, and troubleshooting metallurgical samples while driving root‑cause resolution and continuous improvement. The role includes sample preparation and analysis, equipment troubleshooting, and authoring rigorous reports that communicate findings to engineering, quality, and operations teams.

Responsibilities cover SEM, XRF, optical/digital microscopy, hardness testing, and mentoring junior

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in metallurgical engineering or a closely related field; advanced degree a plus.
• 10+ years of progressive metallurgical engineering experience in manufacturing or R&D.

Responsibilities

• Prepare metallurgical samples (cutting, mounting, grinding, polishing, etching) for analysis per procedures.
• Conduct sample analysis using SEM, XRF, optical and digital microscopes, Optical Emission spectroscopy, etc.
• Perform hardness testing and interpret results against material specifications.
• Lead failure analysis investigations and identify root causes with corrective actions.
• Diagnose and maintain laboratory and process equipment; coordinate repairs and calibration.
• Write detailed technical reports communicating findings to engineering, quality, and operations.
• Collaborate with production, quality, engineering teams, and suppliers to resolve material issues.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives related to material quality and process control.
• Ensure laboratory practices comply with industry, safety, and quality standards.
• Mentor junior engineers and technicians on metallurgical techniques.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Cross-functional collaboration

Technical writing

Education

Bachelor’s degree in metallurgical engineering

Tools

SEM

Optical microscopy

Metallography

Hardness testing equipment

X-ray Fluorescence

Job description

Senior Materials Engineer

Location: Sidney, Ohio – Corporate Materials Engineering department.Role: Lead the laboratory in preparing, analyzing, and troubleshooting metallurgical samples while driving root‑cause resolution and continuous improvement.

Job Overview

This position is responsible for sample preparation and analysis, equipment troubleshooting, and authoring technically rigorous reports that drive root‑cause resolution and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Prepare metallurgical samples (cutting, mounting, grinding, polishing, etching) for analysis in accordance with standard laboratory procedures.
• Conduct sample analysis using SEM, X‑ray Fluorescence, optical and digital microscopes, Optical Emission spectroscopy, and other metallographic techniques to characterize microstructure, inclusions, defects, and chemical composition.
• Perform hardness testing and interpret results against material specifications.
• Lead and support failure analysis investigations, identify root causes of part or material failures, and recommend corrective actions.
• Diagnose and maintain laboratory and process equipment, coordinate repairs and calibration to minimize downtime.
• Write detailed, well‑organized technical reports that communicate findings, conclusions, and recommendations to engineering, quality, and operations stakeholders.
• Collaborate with production, quality, engineering teams and suppliers to resolve material and process‑related issues in real time.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives related to material quality, process control, and product reliability.
• Ensure laboratory practices comply with relevant industry, safety, and quality standards.
• Mentor junior engineers and technicians on metallurgical techniques and best practices.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in metallurgical engineering, metallurgy or a closely related field (advanced degree a plus).
• 10+ years of progressive experience in metallurgical engineering in manufacturing or R&D environments.
• Demonstrated expertise in metallurgical sample preparation and metallographic analysis.
• Hands‑on experience with SEM, optical microscopy, metallograph and hardness testing equipment.
• Experience with failure analysis methodologies.
• Proven ability to troubleshoot laboratories and process equipment.
• Excellent technical writing and report‑writing skills; able to communicate complex findings clearly.
• Industry experience in one or more of: iron foundry, aluminum foundry, flat‑rolled steel production, or powder metallurgy.
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and cross‑functional collaboration skills.
• Legal authorization to work in the United States; sponsorship will not be available.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree or PhD in Metallurgical Engineering or Materials Science (metal focus).
• Experience applying tribology principles and performing tribological testing.
• Prior experience mentoring technical staff.

Travel

Ability to travel up to 5% of the time.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Copeland is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, age, marital status, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status. We are committed to providing a workplace free of discrimination or harassment. If you have a disability and are having difficulty accessing or using this website to apply for a position, please contact: [e-mail]

Non‑Sponsorship Policy

Copeland will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the United States. This position does not offer visa sponsorship.