Principal Materials Engineer

The Principle Materials Engineer serves as one of Molex's key contributors in the filed of polymer materials. In a manner and direction consistent with the overall group vision and strategy, this individual is responsible for managing aspects of complex technical projects or programs related to materials or process technology innovation, selection, specification, evaluation, deployment, failure analysis, and / or testing. The Principle Materials Engineer is also expected to support technology transfer and knowledge sharing with suppliers, external collaborators, and customers.

Molex is a global leader in electronic components and solutions, with a strong focus on innovation, quality, and customer service. The company has been in operation for over 80 years and has a strong presence in various industries, including automotive, telecommunications, consumer electronics, aerospace, defense, medical, and industrial automation.

Candidates can expect to work in a dynamic and fast-paced environment that values creativity, collaboration, and excellence. Molex is committed to investing in its employees and providing opportunities for growth and development.

• Deliver on various strategic project commitments configured to address the technical needs / opportunities identified through:
• direct engagement with internal stakeholders from product development and manufacturing
• group technology track roadmaps
• identified technical needs of the enterprise
• Support the product development and manufacturing teams with materials application engineering support, support on design reviews and new product development challenges, materials and manufacturing process related problem solving and failure analysis, and technical engagement with the raw material supply base.
• Monitor relevant research and development activities in universities and industry through literature searches, seminars, conferences, supplier visits, and external courses.
• Create, identify, and help secure intellectual property through patents, publications, and / or trade secrets.
• Conduct problem solving and failure analysis consultations, including sample management, coordination of work activities with internal and external analysis / testing facilities, and reporting of results, conclusions, and recommendations.
• Review and update existing Molex Engineering Specifications related to raw materials. Create new Engineering specifications and best practices as required to ensure strong and robust engineering practices related to raw materials and their processing enterprise-wide.
• Operate and maintain the pertinent experimental, analytical, and testing equipment (not required to operate equipment on a regular basis. Only occasionally).
• Support management in the coordination and preparation of knowledge shares, technical seminars, and meetings.
• Understand, support, and contribute to current Molex Total Quality Management (TQM), Six Sigma, International Standards Organization (ISO) and Environmental, and/or Health and Safety (EH&S) Management Systems by following stated policies and procedures.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by management.

• B.S. in Materials Science / Engineering, chemical engineering, chemistry, polymer science/engineering or similar technical specialty.
• 4+ years theoretical and practical knowledge and experience of all aspects of one or more subfields of polymer materials and their associated manufacturing processes, including formulation, compounding and injection molding. Prior experience with a range of materials test / analytical tools such as FTIR, DSC, DMA, SEM, GC-MS, GPC, hardness, tensile testing, and flammability.
• Prior experience with project management, including the application of statistical tools, such as SPC and DOE, to practical problems or research programs.
• Ability to project manage, lead, manage and successfully bring innovation projects to closure.
• Ability to lead multidisciplinary teams focused on meeting program objectives.
• Writing and presentation skills that are consistent with the departmental and corporate standards for formalized communication, including project plans, final reports, problem solving tools, and executive reviews.
• Ability to travel 10% domestically/internationally.

• PhD and 2+ years theoretical and practical knowledge and experience of all aspects of one or more subfields of polymer materials and their associated manufacturing processes, including compounding and injection molding. Prior experience with a range of materials test / analytical tools such as FTIR, DSC, DMA, SEM, GC-MS, GPC, hardness, tensile testing, and flammability.
• A minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience at a relevant thermoplastic materials supplier.
• Demonstrated ability to impact corporate intellectual property as evidenced by a record of patents, publications, and / or trade secrets.
• First-hand knowledge of the tools and techniques for predicting product-level performance based upon material properties and manufacturing process strategies.