Manufacturing Materials Engineer - Aerospace 3D Printing at PolyBurlington, MA

Manufacturing Materials Engineer – Aerospace 3D Printing. Burlington, MA. Emerging from MIT, Poly6 is an innovative manufacturing company that specializes in advanced additive manufacturing and ceramic components for aerospace turbo machinery. The company delivers high‑performance products that meet rigorous demands for quality, durability, and precision required for next‑generation turbine engines, while helping reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Reporting to the Operations Manager, the Manufacturing Materials Engineer leads material selection, characterization and performance validation within a manufacturing environment. The candidate will work cross‑functionally to ensure materials meet design and application requirements while aligning with compliance, quality and cost targets. The role requires a strong working knowledge of upstream and downstream manufacturing equipment, processes and operations, with strong investigative and root‑cause analysis skills.

• Research and recommend appropriate materials (metals, polymers, ceramics, composites) for new or existing products based on mechanical, thermal and chemical properties.
• Support product development and engineering teams with material feasibility and compatibility analysis.
• Perform material characterization and validation testing, including tensile, hardness, fatigue, thermal stability and corrosion resistance.
• Investigate material‑related failures and non‑conformances through root cause analysis and provide corrective material recommendations.
• Evaluate alternative or substitute materials for cost reduction, supply‑chain flexibility or sustainability goals.
• Maintain and update material specification documents, compliance certifications (e.g., RoHS, REACH) and safety data sheets (SDS/MSDS).
• Liaise with suppliers on material specifications, certifications and quality issues; support incoming material qualification.
• Maintain and manage material testing databases and support internal audits or external certifications as needed.
• Provide technical expertise during design reviews, supplier evaluations and customer interface regarding material concerns.
• Stay current on material science advancements, regulatory changes and emerging technologies.
• Maintain adherence to 6S standards by ensuring quality inspection areas are clean, organized and compliant with safety and operational procedures.
• Work cross‑functionally to perform ad‑hoc duties as assigned to promote a culture of teamwork and efficiency.
• Occasional domestic travel up to 5‑10% to support company scaling operations within the US.

• Must be a U.S. Person as defined by U.S. export control laws (U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, refugee or asylee) to comply with applicable government regulations including ITAR.
• Bachelor’s degree in Materials Science, Ceramic Engineering, Chemical Engineering or related field or equivalent work experience;
  Master’s degree preferred.
• 2+ years of experience in a materials‑focused role in a controlled manufacturing environment, working with ceramic materials and/or 3D printing technologies.
• Working knowledge of Six Sigma principles, with direct involvement in one or more material‑focused improvement projects preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to initiate material quality improvement and control using SPC and DOE methodologies.
• Proficiency in data analysis software such as Minitab and/or JMP, and advanced Microsoft Excel skills (pivot tables, statistical tools).
• Hands‑on experience with material characterization and failure analysis tools, including SEM/EDS, FTIR, tensile and hardness testing and microscopy.

• Ability to work individually and in a team environment to achieve company deadlines efficiently.
• Proven success in statistical analysis to identify process and product variations with complex and highly variable process parameters.
• Experience with control plans and data collection systems for reporting and process monitoring.
• Proficiency with materials standards and regulatory compliance (ASTM, ISO, RoHS, REACH, SDS documentation).
• Strong communication and collaboration skills to interface with…