Senior Materials Expert (R&DEngineering)

Senior Materials Engineer - R&D / EngineeringAmphenol Industrial OperationsReports to: Technical DirectorJob Description Summary:The Senior Materials Expert provides technical leadership and specialized expertise in metallic and polymeric materials to support product design optimization innovation and next-generation product development. This role collaborates closely with engineering simulation testing sourcing and manufacturing teams to identify evaluate qualify and implement materials that enhance product performance reliability manufacturability and cost competitiveness. Serving as a key resource for material selection failure analysis and technology roadmap development the Senior Materials Expert helps drive material innovation across the organization. This hybrid position requires a minimum of 25% travel including visits to Endicott NY Binghamton University and Duties & Responsibilities:Material Research & DevelopmentInvestigate evaluate and recommend metallic and polymeric materials including copper alloys stainless steels aluminum alloys engineering thermoplastics thermosets elastomers and rubber materials along with coatings and surface materials that improve electrical thermal mechanical and environmental performance of existing development of nextgeneration connector technologies through material innovation aligned with longterm R&D current with emerging materials processing technologies and industry trends relevant to electrical interconnect Evaluation & SelectionEvaluate and compare candidate materials by analyzing electrical conductivity thermal performance mechanical strength fatigue wear corrosion resistance flammability and environmental manufacturability including compatibility with stamping injection molding machining plating and assembly cost supplier capability availability and supplychain material selection rationale risks and mitigation strategies to support design reviews DFMEA qualification and customer & Simulation CollaborationWork closely with analysis and simulation engineers (structural thermal mold flow) to ensure accurate material properties and assumptions are used in simulation correlation between material data simulation predictions and physical test results to improve design materialrelated failure analysis and simulationdriven design Validation & QualificationDefine material test plans and acceptance criteria to support product validation and qualification. Support root cause analysis of test failures and field issues related to material behavior. Collaborate with internal and external test laboratories to evaluate material performance under mechanical thermal electrical and environmental conditions including working closely with Binghamton University laboratories for advanced material and product testing and characterization. Review material specifications test reports qualification documentation and engineering Sourcing & Supplier SupportPartner with manufacturing teams to ensure robust and repeatable material and process sourcing teams in evaluating new suppliers qualifying alternate materials and managing material ECNs costreduction initiatives and global product transfers involving material or process Database & Digital Engineering EnablementCreate and maintain a centralized engineering materials database for metals plastics elastomers coatings and surface material data includes validated properties processing guidelines test results qualifications and application material data to support design simulation testing sourcing and manufacturing teams with AI and digital engineering experts to help develop and train a materialsfocused engineering chatbot enabling rapid access to approved material data selection guidance and lessons Collaboration & CommunicationCollaborate with global engineering teams to align material strategies and best material recommendations clearly to technical and nontechnical mentoring and technical guidance on material selection failure analysis and :Education & Experience RequirementsBachelors degree in Materials Science Metallurgical Engineering Polymer Engineering Mechanical Engineering or related field degree 10 years of experience in materials engineering or R&D preferably supporting electromechanical or connector supporting product development from concept through qualification and SkillsStrong knowledge of metals polymers elastomers coatings and material failure with material testing methods and relevant industry with engineering documentation specifications and test of manufacturing processes including stamping molding machining and plating in Microsoft Office; experience with CAD and PLM/PDM systems a SkillsStrong analytical problemsolving and decisionmaking written and verbal communication to manage multiple priorities in a fastpaced R&D working across cultures and time position; international travel is Requirements:The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job the employee is regularly required to talk hear sit stand; walk; and use hands to handle or feel. Must be able to sit and/or stand for long periods of IntroductionAmphenol Industrial Operations headquartered in Endicott New York with global manufacturing design sales and marketing locations specializes in delivering a comprehensive range of high-reliability power and signal connectors along with interconnection systems designed specifically for harsh environments and high performance. Our solutions cater to diverse high-growth industrial sectors such as alternative energy energy storage hyperscale datacom telecom rail and mass transit electric and hybrid vehicles transportation factory automation robotics and heavy product portfolio addresses modern power and signal requirements and emerging system technology needs encompassing high-amperage power interconnects utilizing proprietary RADSOK contact technology ruggedized circular rectangular interconnects and board level contacts (GT AC PT Amphe-Lite Radsert PowerBlok SurLok Plus ePower UPC H4 Plus and more) advanced power distribution including value-add box builds custom-engineered cable assemblies and overmolded harnesses. With a dedicated team of over 2500 skilled staff operating across a growing international footprintincluding eight key manufacturing sites in North America Asia-Pacific Europe and the Middle East providing localization for our customer base. Amphenol Industrial Operations consistently meets the highest global standards of quality product performance design capabilities and regionalized technical and sales Industrial Operations proudly operates as a business unit of Amphenol Corporation (NYSE: APH) a global leader in the electronics revolution headquartered in Wallingford