Materials Engineer

About Johnson Controls

Johnson Controls is a global leader in thermal management, mission-critical building systems, energy efficiency, and decarbonization.

About the Role

The Johnson Controls Global Materials Lab is seeking a highly motivated Materials Engineer to join our team in Glendale, Wisconsin. This position is primarily targeted toward entry-level or early-career candidates, with the final job level based on education, qualifications, technical expertise, and relevant industry experience. This role will support Johnson Controls businesses including HVAC, chillers, controls, and data center applications. The Materials Engineer will work under the direction of the Materials Lab Manager to perform laboratory testing, materials characterization, failure analysis, and metallurgical investigations.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare metallurgical and materials characterization samples using sectioning, mounting, grinding, polishing, and other laboratory preparation techniques.
• Conduct materials testing and analysis using laboratory equipment and analytical techniques, including optical microscopy, hardness testing, spectroscopy, thermal analysis, and other materials characterization methods.
• Perform failure analysis and root cause investigations on metallic, polymeric, ceramic, and composite materials.
• Analyze experimental data and prepare clear, concise, and technically sound laboratory reports with conclusions and recommendations.
• Support engineering, manufacturing, quality, supplier quality, and customer support teams in resolving material and process-related issues.
• Assist in evaluating new materials, manufacturing processes, and product designs to improve performance, reliability, and sustainability.
• Participate in corrective and preventive action activities by identifying material and process nonconformances and recommending effective solutions.
• Maintain laboratory equipment and ensure compliance with laboratory safety procedures and best practices.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders on testing programs, product investigations, and materials qualification projects.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives that enhance laboratory efficiency, capability, and technical excellence.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Bachelor's degree in Materials Science & Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline from an accredited university.
• GPA of 3.4 or above.
• Understanding of metals, polymers, ceramics, and composite materials, including material properties, processing methods, and failure mechanisms.
• Hands-on laboratory experience gained through coursework, research, internships, co-ops, or industry experience.
• Familiarity with materials characterization techniques such as microscopy, hardness testing, spectroscopy, or thermal analysis.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively within multidisciplinary teams.
• Demonstrated commitment to laboratory safety and safe work practices.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced coursework or research experience in metallurgy, failure analysis, corrosion, welding, brazing, polymers, or materials characterization.
• Experience preparing metallographic specimens using lab equipment and interpreting microstructures.
• Experience operating analytical equipment such as optical microscopes, SEM/EDS, FTIR, DSC, TGA, and hardness testing equipment.
• Internship, co-op, undergraduate research, graduate research experience and/or industrial experience in a materials laboratory environment.
• Experience presenting technical findings to engineering or business audiences.
• Industry experience.

This position is based at our test lab facility in Glendale, WI. Candidates must be commuting distance to the facility or able to relocate. Various relocation packages are available.

HIRING SALARY RANGE: $70,000 - $90,000

This position includes a competitive benefits package.