Sr. Materials Engineer

Location: Riverside, California
Reports to: Advanced Materials Manager
Department: Materials Research
Travel: Up to 25%
Hiring Range: $115,000 - $130,000 annually, plus eligibility for a target annual incentive opportunity of 5% of base salary under the Bourns SBP Bonus Plan.

Applying Materials Expertise to Complex Technical Challenges

Bourns is seeking a Material Engineer, Sr. to support customers, engineering, operations, and scientists in the resolution of complex concerns in the use of and/or manufacture of Bourns products by providing material analysis with a broad-based spectrum of analytical equipment and an SEM.

This role offers the opportunity to work across materials research, engineering, and operations while using advanced analytical tools to characterize materials, investigate concerns, and support technical teams across the organization.

The Background You’ll Need

Education

Minimum Bachelor of Science degree in Applied Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or Material Science Engineering.

Training and Experience

If a BA in Chemistry or Biology is held, five years of previous work experience in a relevant field is required.

Other Skills

• Understanding of material chemistry, rheology, and ink processing.
• Working knowledge of analytical instruments. Examples include DSC, FTIR, TGA, SEM, and similar equipment.
• Evidence of electronic and circuitry work either through academic research or previous employment.

Analyzing and Characterizing Materials

• Collaborate with materials researchers, operations, and engineers to understand sample characteristics.
• Prepare samples for analysis based on equipment needs.
• Identify defects, contaminants, chemical and structural features.
• Operate and maintain a variety of equipment to analyze and characterize various organic and inorganic materials. Equipment may include an SEM, CSAM, XRF, XRD, TGA, TMA, DSC, and spectrophotometer.

Resolving Material and Process Concerns

• Analyze problems or situations and develop methods, procedures, and applications to resolve problems as required.
• Use tools including applied statistics, Shainin methodologies, and applied math skills to characterize materials and processes.
• Develop a coordinated effort with Product Line Management, Engineering, and other Research personnel for proper tracking of samples.

Documenting and Sharing Technical Information

• Submit monthly reports demonstrating manpower, product lines, and time management of the various projects and equipment worked on.
• Transfer accumulated technical information to the proper documentation as well as provide verbal presentations to the plants or other groups.
• Train others to ensure appropriate performance and understanding of principles.
• Perform other related duties as directed.

Providing Technical Guidance

Provide direction and guidance to technical personnel as well as senior-level management.

Communicating Technical Information Clearly

Excellent oral and written communication skills are required to communicate instructions and present ideas, concepts, solutions, and proposals to all levels of employees, customers, and suppliers.

Managing Priorities

Schedule and plan workload for self and technicians in conjunction with stated objectives and goals.

Technology and Tools

Personal computer and office software such as:

• Microsoft Word
• Microsoft Excel
• Microsoft PowerPoint
• Microsoft Project

Travel and Work Environment

Ability to travel by car or air to global manufacturing sites and customer or supplier locations up to 25% of working time.

The position primarily operates in an office and factory environment