Materials Engineer
BS-level R&D / Research roles on Crosslinked list a median of $126k (389 that show pay). This posting does not list pay.
Support materials & processes qualification, testing and documentation for aerospace, defense and NASA space flight hardware.
Worth knowing
Why it is interesting. Hands-on materials qualification for NASA space flight hardware — outgassing, compatibility and on-orbit material investigations in a mission-critical setting.
Might not be for you. Heavy documentation and compliance work (MUAs, MRB waivers, material control docs); frequent exposure to chemicals, fumes and lifting up to 75 lbs.
Adjacent materials roleresearch, design and development of materials and processes for aerospace, defense, and space flight hardware; softgood materials, their testing, and manufacturing processes
- Seniority
- Entry level
- Work
- On-site
- Type
- Full-time
- Degree
- BS
- Experience
- 3+ yrs
- Industry
- Aerospace
- Role
- R&D / Research
- Visa
- No sponsorship
Role details
BH Job ID:5254
SF Job Req ID:20739
Ingersoll Rand is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations and ordinances.
Job Title: Materials Engineer
Location: Frederica, DE
About Us
Imagine a company with technology leadership of over 160 years, yet it operates with the energy of a startup. Ingersoll Rand has dedicated itself to Making Life Better for its employees, customers, shareholders, and planets. We produce innovative and mission-critical flow creation and life science technologies – from compressors to precision handling of liquids, gasses, and powers – to increase industrial productivity, efficiency, and sustainability. Supported by over 80+ brands, our products are used in various end-markets including life sciences, food and beverage, clean energy, industrial manufacturing, infrastructure, and more.
Across the globe, we’re driving growth with an entrepreneurial spirit and ownership mindset. Learn more at irco.com and join us to own your future.
Job Overview
This position sits within the engineering organization supporting Materials and Processes (M&P) requirements for Aerospace & Defense Solutions including NASA space flight hardware. The Materials Engineer will support the research, development, qualification, and sustainment of materials used in the assembly and component design of space systems products. Responsibilities include supporting M&P testing, verification, and documentation efforts, and assisting with investigations of material non conformances and materials related on orbit issues.
The role operates under moderate supervision, with clearly defined guidelines and procedures, while offering meaningful latitude for independent technical judgment and problem solving. This position provides hands on exposure to real world materials behavior in a regulated, mission critical environment and regular collaboration with manufacturing, quality, and design teams—making it well suited for early career engineers seeking technical depth, accountability, and long-term growth in materials and process engineering.
Responsibilities
- Employ established science and engineering principles in the research, design and development of materials and processes for aerospace, defense, and space flight hardware
- Maintain a detailed knowledge and understanding of softgood materials, their testing, and manufacturing processes, specifically for space flight applications
- Generate and maintain engineering and material control documents to ensure compliance with space flight hardware requirements including material drawings, Material Identification and Usage Lists, flight or material waivers (including Material Usage Agreements and Material Review Board waivers), and other program documentation related to material/product definition and control
- Identify, evaluate, and define material requirements and generate specifications
- Perform materials testing/analysis and generate testing/analysis documentation
- Effectively present materials engineering information to team members as well as cross-functional partners and external clients/ customers as necessary
Requirements
- Must be able to access shared databases with U.S. Government programs (U.S. Citizen or U.S. Permanent Resident)
- Bachelor of Science degree in Materials Engineering, Textile Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, Polymer Science, Chemical Engineering or a closely related field
- 3+ years relevant experience in materials engineering, manufacturing, laboratory, or process support roles (co-op, internship, or senior design experience considered)
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with or specialization in metallurgical engineering, including fabrication methods, failure and degradation modes, and shelf/operational life expectancy
- Familiarity with technical documentation such as material specifications, work instructions, test methods, or M&P requirements (NASA or aerospace exposure a plus, but not required)
- Proficiency with standard engineering tools, including word processing and spreadsheet software; introductory CAD skills and basic 3D modeling experience desirable
- Academic focus, project work, or early professional experience related to materials behavior in controlled or safety critical applications, such as aerospace, defense, medical devices, energy systems, or advanced manufacturing
- Familiarity with materials qualification concepts, including test planning, verification, traceability, and documentation in accordance with defined requirements (formal M&P or equivalent quality systems experience preferred)
- Exposure to failure analysis or nonconformance investigations, including contributing to root cause analysis, corrective actions, or disposition of material issues
- Understanding of the importance of material compatibility, outgassing, contamination control, and long-term performance in high reliability hardware
- Experience working within structured engineering processes, including configuration control, change management, or requirements driven development
- Ability to clearly document and communicate technical findings in test reports, analyses, or engineering justifications
- Demonstrated technical curiosity and judgment appropriate for work supporting mission critical hardware, with the ability to recognize when to escalate risk, request testing, or seek peer review
Core Competencies
- Ability to communicate clearly and professionally, both verbally and in writing, with engineers, technicians, and cross functional stakeholders
- Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively across functions, including manufacturing, quality, and engineering teams
- Willingness and ability to follow laboratory and production safety practices, including wearing required personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Ability to read, understand, and execute work instructions, drawings, and technical documentation written in English
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and tight deadlines
- Willingness to travel to local worksites as needed
Work Environment
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to wet or humid conditions (non-weather); fumes or airborne particles; toxic or caustic chemicals. The employee is frequently exposed to work near moving mechanical parts. The employee is frequently exposed to electricity. The employee is exposed to minor burns and/or cuts. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
Physical Demands: Communicate with team members on a regular basis in writing and speech; use of hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls; wear common protective or safety equipment; standing for long periods of time. The employee is frequently stooping, crawling, climbing, and performing repetitive motion with arms. The employee occasionally sits. The employee frequently lifts up to 50 Lbs. and occasionally will lift up to 75 lbs.
Travel & Work Arrangements/Requirements
Fully site based in Frederica, DE. Minimal travel expected.
What We Offer
At Ingersoll Rand, we embrace a culture of personal ownership — taking responsibility for our company, our communities, and our environment, as well as our individual health and well-being. Our comprehensive benefits package is designed to empower you with the tools and support necessary to take charge of your health, ensuring that together, we can continue to make life better. Our range of benefits includes health care options like medical and prescription plans, dental and vision coverage, as well as wellness programs. Additionally, we provide life insurance, a robust 401(k) plan, paid time off, and even an employee stock grant, among other offerings.
These benefits are our commitment to you, so you can be your best at work and beyond.
Ingersoll Rand Inc. (NYSE:IR), driven by an entrepreneurial spirit and ownership mindset, is dedicated to helping make life better for our employees, customers and communities. Customers lean on us for our technology-driven excellence in mission-critical flow creation and industrial solutions across 40+ respected brands where our products and services excel in the most complex and harsh conditions. Our employees develop customers for life through their daily commitment to expertise, productivity and efficiency. For more information, visit www.IRCO.com.
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