Materials Engineering Associate - OCU

We are looking for a talented Materials Engineering Associate to join our team specializing in Engineering for our Cummins Inc. facility in Columbus, IN.

In this role, you will make an impact in the following ways: 

• Plans and schedules testing on specialized analytical equipment.
• Provides technical expertise and support for specialized analytical equipment.  
• Prepares specimens and performs analysis of typical Cummins parts; provides written results in a technical report format.  
• Performs routine and non-routine analysis and data acquisition using specialized analytical equipment, which may include scanning electron microscope and associated dispersive x-ray spectrometers, ultrasound scanning technologies, Fourier transform infrared spectrometer, wear testers, x-ray diffractometer (residual stress, retained austenite, phase analysis), gas chromatograph, ion chromatograph, inductively coupled plasma spectrometer, thermal gravimetric analyzer, differential scanning calorimeter, mass spectrometer, x-ray spectrometer, ultra sound analyzers, optical imaging equipment, tensile/compression testers, hardness testers, gas flow reactors, spark emission spectrometer, viscometer, rheometer, eddy current flow tester, dye penetrant flaw tester, magnetic particle flaw tester and metallographic equipment.  
• Performs routine maintenance and calibration checks on specialized analytical equipment.
• Develops and applies test methods to measure physical properties of materials or detect defects in engine components; participates in the development of new and advanced methods to improve laboratory capabilities.  
• Works with outside services and vendors to provide test and analysis capabilities.  
• Trains and leads other technicians in the use of specialized analytical equipment and methods. Understands and applies appropriate Company and department rules and guidelines to work and to systems; participates in the maintenance of quality procedures.
• Develops and conducts training programs; provides counseling, mentoring, and coaching.  
• Serves as company representatives in various capacities to customers, suppliers, and outside agencies. Interacts effectively with all s of employees throughout the company.  
• Exercises independent decision-making and initiative in determining what needs to be done and planning and implementing the needed activities; performs problem solving, creative technical and analytical work, budget management, and hands-on applications; coordinates programs including planning, scheduling, ordering, and tracking.  
• Demonstrates adaptability and responsiveness to changing work needs and willingness to undertake new tasks as they become evident; initiates, develops, leads, and participates in improvement projects. Knows and complies with all safety policies and procedures.  
• Demonstrates confidentiality as required.  
• Shares work with exempt and other OCU employees as required.  
• Manages own work and maintain a flexible schedule in order to meet the demands of priority work; participates in self- and team-audits and associated corrective action; plans and engages in continuous learning in order to be prepared for changing work demands.  
• Travels as required by the position.
• Performs other miscellaneous duties, as required, to get the job done

This position is within the Material Science Laboratory at the Columbus Midrange Engine Plant (CMEP) during its 3rd shift of operation

Typical responsibilities range across the discipline of chemical and material sciences.  Typical work includes, but is not limited to, incoming and assembled component Millipore, engine oil analysis using ICP, viscometry, and FTIR, chemical and mechanical property analysis of incoming components and process fluids, component wear analysis & warranty component failure analysis

To be successful in this role one will have to be flexible and willing to work with other plant functions, particularly the quality and engineering organizations, to support production-critical issues as they arise

Must be able to safely operate hoist and lifting fixtures, and on occasion lift 30 lbs.

The Laboratory Function is open to support production anytime the facility is operating, including weekends

To be successful in this role you will need the following: 

• Data Acquisition - Prepares samples, verifies equipment calibration and performs tests according to an approved standard procedure or work instruction in a manner which ensures, and results in, data that can be trusted and delivered to the engineer or customer.
• Data Reporting - Prepares documentation in a manner which clearly organizes and presents testing methods, instrument settings, the data and analysis to allow the engineer and customer to understand the results and form accurate conclusions and recommendations.
• Material Characterization - Interprets mechanical, chemical, microstructural and physical properties using laboratory equipment to confirm compliance to print, and correlates these properties with field or component test results to determine robustness; defines appropriate material characterization schedule using correct laboratory equipment to ensure requirements are met.
• Collaborates - Building partnerships and working collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives.
• Communicates effectively - Developing and delivering multi-mode communications that convey a clear understanding of the unique needs of different audiences.
• Customer focus - Building strong customer relationships and delivering customer-centric solutions.
• Decision quality - Making good and timely decisions that keep the organization moving forward.
• Ensures accountability - Holding self and others accountable to meet commitments.
• Nimble learning - Actively learning through experimentation when tackling new problems, using both successes and failures as learning fodder.
• Values differences - Recognizing the value that different perspectives and cultures bring to an organization. 

Education, Licenses, Certifications: 
High school diploma, GED or equivalent required with Department of Labor Certification OR Associates degree from an accredited program in a related field and at least two years of relevant experience OR Bachelors degree in a related field. 

Experience: 
Department of Labor Certification OR four year experience/education requirement accomplished through either Bachelors degree in related field OR associates degree in related field and at least two years of relevant experience.