Materials Engineer I

Summary:

The Materials Engineering Lab Technician will support various laboratory and engineering tasks ranging from routine to complex activities, often requiring independent evaluation and problem-solving. The role involves conducting materials analysis, developing processes, and providing troubleshooting support with limited engineering oversight. The technician will play a key role in maintaining product quality and lab operations in collaboration with maintenance and production teams.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct preparation, analysis, and testing of material samples, components, and processes with minimal oversight for moderately complex activities.
• Develop, recommend, and implement analytical or process improvements to maintain or enhance product quality.
• Troubleshoot laboratory equipment, processes, or analytical issues in collaboration with maintenance and production personnel.
• Contribute to project teams, applying technical knowledge and experience to improve factory performance in areas such as safety, quality, cost, and delivery.
• Create, maintain, and update process instructions and analytical procedures as needed.
• Ensure laboratory operations comply with safety standards and maintain Sustain level 5S within the Materials Engineering lab.
• Maintain accurate records of lab consumables, orders, and audit results in relevant databases.

Additional Job Duties:

• Perform laboratory tasks as requested, ensuring proper completion of work and timely part delivery.
• Order and stock lab consumables, tracking all relevant information including price, order date, and delivery status.
• Collect parts, perform audits, and maintain audit spreadsheets for monthly and quarterly reviews.
• Support equipment maintenance and changeovers, including S450 crankshaft heat treat.
• Maintain coolant levels in lab saws and manage the approval of new consumables for lab use.

Education:

• Associates Degree in a technical field or equivalent relevant work experience.

Required Skills:

• Strong understanding of part prints, process instructions, and industry standards.
• Basic to moderate knowledge of ferrous machining processes and material analysis.
• Basic familiarity with production equipment and maintenance practices for quality control.
• Solid mechanical aptitude with a desire to further develop technical skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and other engineering-related software.

Nice-to-Haves:

• Experience in process control and analytical analysis, ideally within a John Deere manufacturing environment.
• Familiarity with shop floor or laboratory operations.
• Experience contributing to process improvement and problem-solving teams.
• Demonstrated leadership or mentoring experience.
• Knowledge of production systems, databases, and SAP transactions.