Physical/Electrical Testing Engineer

Role details

The Physical/Electrical Testing Engineer will report to the Physical Testing Group Lead and will work predominantly in the Physical Testing laboratory. The engineer will perform and report results for standard and experimental electrical, RF, mechanical, and physical tests used to characterize materials submitted by internal and external customers. Communication and coordination with customers is important, along with the ability to learn, adapt, and develop test methods to meet customer needs.

Essential Functions

Performs routine and experimental materials testing accurately and reproducibly while following quality procedures and maintaining data integrity. Perform physical/mechanical testing, including tensile, impact, fatigue, creep, high-speed mechanical test and other physical property measurements. Performs electrical and RF material characterization, including Dk/Df, conductivity, surface and volume resistivity, impedance, and electromagnetic shielding measurements. Learns to operate specialized electrical and RF instrumentation, including Vector Network Analyzers (VNA), impedance analyzers, resistivity meter, and related test equipment.

Prepares test reports and communicates results to internal and external customers. Learns from experienced members of the group and develops expertise in mechanical testing of polymer material. Use the scientific method, problem-solving skills, and collaboration to resolve testing and measurement problems. Participates in multiple projects simultaneously and helps bring them to completion in a timely manner. Supports other laboratory testing activities as workloads and business needs change. Technical Competence Basic knowledge of electrical material properties such as dielectric constant (Dk), dissipation factor (Df), conductivity and resistivity.

Basic understanding of RF/microwave measurements, transmission lines, impedance, S-parameters, and EMI/EMC is preferred. Capable of learning and adapting existing test methods and developing new methods as experience increases. Technical writing skills with the ability to report results, draw appropriate conclusions, and create standard operating procedures. Basic understanding of statistical tools such as standard deviation, variance, and normal distributions. Familiarity with Excel, MATLAB, Python, or similar data-analysis tools is desirable. Familiarity with reading and interpreting customer specifications and ASTM, IEC, IEEE, or other industry standards is desirable.

Performs laboratory work with accuracy and attention to detail. Adheres to EHS policies and laboratory safety requirements. Leadership Skills Able to explain test requirements, methods, and results clearly to customers and project teams. Participates effectively as a member of multidisciplinary technical teams. Understands project objectives and the commitment required to meet project timelines. Demonstrates curiosity, willingness to learn, and increasing technical ownership as experience develops. External Awareness Acts professionally when interacting with customers, suppliers, and equipment vendors.

Understands requirements for protecting customer information, confidential materials, and non-disclosure information. Communication Presents technical ideas and test results in a clear and logical manner. Communicates technical information effectively with both technical and non-technical audiences. Is receptive to new ideas, coaching, and feedback. Works effectively with others and demonstrates a strong customer focus. Result-Oriented Performs experiments and reports results accurately and on time. Completes required laboratory documentation and maintains appropriate records. Demonstrates attention to detail, data quality, and measurement reproducibility.

Business Acumen Develops an understanding of Avient's businesses and how laboratory testing supports product development and customer needs. Understands competing project priorities and works with the team to prioritize activities. Develops an understanding of basic business metrics, including revenue, cost, and operating income. Education and Experience Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Electrical and Computer Engineering, RF/Microwave Engineering, Applied Physics, Materials Science and Engineering, or a related technical field. Entry-level candidates and recent graduates are encouraged to apply; prior industry experience is not required.

Coursework, laboratory experience, internships, research, or academic projects involving electromagnetics, RF/microwave engineering, electrical measurements, signal integrity, or electronic materials are preferred. Hands-on interest in laboratory instrumentation and experimental testing is important. Experience with a VNA, oscilloscope, LCR meter, impedance analyzer, or other electrical test equipment through coursework or research is a plus. Strong problem-solving, data-analysis, communication, and teamwork skills.