Senior Materials Technology Engineer

Job Title:

Senior Failure Analysis Engineer
Pay Rate: $50-53/hr

Location:

Hagerstown, MD

Start Date:

Right Away
Job Type: Contract-to-Hire

Schedule:

M-F (8:00am - 4:30pm)

This role focuses on performing in-depth metallurgy failure analysis to determine the root causes of metal component failures and performance issues. The Metallurgy Failure Analysis Engineer will investigate fractures, corrosion, and material degradation using advanced laboratory techniques, including SEM, EDS, hardness testing, and microscopy. This position plays a critical role in improving product reliability by identifying failure mechanisms and recommending corrective actions to prevent recurrence.

• Perform root cause failure analysis on metallic components, including fracture surfaces, corrosion damage, and microstructural anomalies.
• Utilize advanced analytical techniques such as SEM, EDS, optical microscopy, and hardness testing to identify failure mechanisms including fatigue, creep, stress corrosion cracking, and material defects.
• Design and conduct destructive (tensile, hardness) and non-destructive testing to replicate failures and validate material performance.
• Analyze and interpret metallurgical test data, fractography results, and microscopic images to understand material behavior.
• Prepare clear, detailed technical reports documenting findings, conclusions, and recommendations.
• Present analysis results to engineering, quality, manufacturing, and management teams.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with design, manufacturing, and quality teams to implement corrective actions and improve product reliability.

• Bachelor's, Master's or PhD in Metallurgy, Materials Science, or a closely related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• Strong understanding of metallurgical principles, including phase transformations, alloy behavior, fracture mechanics, corrosion, and high‑temperature material properties.
• Hands‑on experience with analytical tools such as SEM, EDS, optical microscopy, and tensile/hardness testing.
• Proven ability to conduct structured root cause analysis for complex material failures.
• Strong analytical mindset with exceptional attention to detail.
• Excellent technical writing and communication skills, with the ability to clearly present complex data and conclusions.

Belcan is an equal opportunity employer. Your application and candidacy will not be considered based on race, color, sex, religion, creed, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.