Senior Materials Engineer, Automotive Exteriors

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

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.