Materials Performance Engineer

Overview:

The Materials Performance Engineer role is responsible for developing, implementing, and executing advanced electrical, mechanical, and physical testing capabilities to support customer applications and business growth within our Engineered Materials business. This role serves as a technical subject matter expert, partnering closely with customers, commercial teams, product developers, application development engineers, and external industry organizations to understand performance requirements and translate them into meaningful testing strategies and actionable insights.

The successful candidate will combine expertise in polymer materials, testing methodologies, and application performance characterization with a strong ability to develop new capabilities, solve complex technical challenges, and influence future industry testing standards.

This position is located in Florence, Kentucky.

Responsibilities:

Application Testing & Technical Expertise Develop and execute testing programs to evaluate the electrical, mechanical, and physical performance of polymer materials for customer applications

Serve as a technical expert in performance characterization, supporting application development, troubleshooting, and customer-focused problem solving.

Interpret test results and provide technical recommendations regarding materials, processing conditions, and application performance.

Support testing in areas including:

Dielectric properties (Dk/Df, dielectric strength)
Comparative Tracking Index (CTI)
Resistivity and insulation performance

Shielding effectiveness and electrical performance

Tensile, impact, creep, fatigue, and durability testing

Flammability

Other application-specific performance evaluations

Method Development & Laboratory Capability Growth Develop innovative testing methodologies and customized test setups to address evolving customer and market needs.

Specify, justify, commission, validate, and implement new laboratory equipment and testing capabilities.

Lead capability development efforts aligned with emerging industry trends, technologies, and growth opportunities.

Monitor industry developments and maintain a segment-focused strategy for laboratory capabilities.

Standards & Industry Leadership Implement and maintain compliance with relevant ASTM, ISO/IEC, UL, and other industry test standards.

Represent the company in standards organizations, technical committees, and industry consortia.

Evaluate emerging standards and proactively prepare laboratory capabilities to support future customer and regulatory requirements.

Support internal and external audits associated with laboratory quality systems and compliance programs.

Collaboration & Customer Engagement Partner with product developers, application engineers, simulation experts, processing specialists, and commercial teams to understand customer requirements and application performance needs.

Serve as a technical consultant for customers, translating application requirements into effective testing programs and meaningful data analysis.

Collaborate with global subject matter experts to harmonize methods, share best practices, and leverage global capabilities.

Work with external test laboratories, research organizations, and industry partners as needed.

Operational Excellence Execute testing activities safely, efficiently, and in alignment with laboratory quality, productivity, and service metrics.

Maintain laboratory safety, quality, and equipment standards.

Prepare clear, concise, and technically sound reports for internal and external audiences.

Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives that enhance laboratory effectiveness, responsiveness, and customer value.

Qualifications:

RequiredM.S. or Ph.D. in Materials Science, Polymer…