Materials Design Engineer – Design group

Full Time, Immediate Availability

March 2023

QuesTek Innovations LLC, located in Evanston, IL, a leader in the field of Integrated Computational Materials Engineering (ICME), is seeking candidates for a Materials Design Engineer in its Design Group to perform work related to computational material development, material processing development, experimental analysis and task management for multiple government and commercially funded material development projects.

The primary responsibilities and activities of this position will include:

• Work with and lead project teams to design and invent new materials
• Manage project activities including experimental work such as fabrication, processing, characterization, and testing of prototype materials and theoretical work such as thermodynamic modeling using CALPHAD-based applications and materials design-based software development
• Lead scientific model development and internal R&D activities
• Interact with customers and end-users to define design requirements and identify new opportunities
• Document and report on both internal and client based material design efforts
• Assist and lead proposal efforts for internal and client-based projects

A strong understanding of materials science, excellent communication skills, and a graduate (Ph.D. or equivalent) degree in materials science or a related field are required. Preferred candidates will also have experience on some or all of the following areas: 

• ICME-based design of materials/metal alloys
• Expertise in the following materials is of particular interest, but is not required: steels, refractory alloys, superalloys, aluminum alloys, Additive manufacturing.
• Applied use of thermodynamic & kinetic computational tools (i.e., ThermoCalc, PANDAT software or other)
• In-depth understanding of process-structure and structure-property relationships in material systems
• Laboratory skills related to materials processing, characterization, and performance testing
• Processing of materials (e.g. melting, hot/cold working, heat treating, additive manufacturing, powder processing/sintering, etc.)
• Basic programming skills (e.g. Python, Matlab, or similar)
• Experience writing competitive technical proposals and securing research funding 
• Good engineering design and problem solving skills
• Background or experience working in aerospace, energy, defense, or related industries

Compensation will be commensurate with experience and will include competitive benefits such as health insurance and a 401(k). QuesTek will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the United States. Interested candidates shall submit their resumes and a cover letter summarizing how their experience would allow them to excel in this position via the Careers page of https://www.questek.com/ No phone calls, please. 

MS or higher degree in Material Science, Chemical Engineering or a related field

2-4 years of practical experience in the field of materials development and/or engineering

1-2 years of project management

Must possess high level analytical skills including advanced technical proficiency

Must have strong communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.

Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.

Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.

May be required to travel to and navigate a variety of sites to fully understand material needs.

Proficiency with Microsoft Office