Insight Global
Job Description
Day to Day:
One of our automotive clients is looking for a Materials Science Engineer to join their Materials Engineering team as an expert in Aluminum metal forming. This role with focus on leveraging material science expertise to drive innovation, optimize processes, and resolve challenges associated with forming of aluminum sheet metal for automotive applications. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of metal forming principles, with a specialized knowledge of aluminum alloys, their surface treatments, and their interaction with manufacturing processes
Additional responsibilities include:
- Aluminum Material Properties Expertise:
o Serve as the primary subject matter expert within the Materials Group on the mechanical, metallurgical, and surface properties of various aluminum alloys (e.g., 5xxx, 6xxx, 7xxx series) critical for sheet metal forming. This includes in-depth knowledge of yield strength, tensile strength, elongation, strain hardening, anisotropy, formability limits, and microstructural considerations under diverse forming conditions.
- Aluminum Sheet Coating & Pretreatment:
o Provide expert guidance on the selection, application, and performance of aluminum sheet coatings (e.g., conversion coatings, organic coatings, pre-lubricated films) and pretreatment processes (e.g., cleaning, etching, anodizing). Evaluate their impact on formability, friction, corrosion resistance, and subsequent manufacturing steps like joining and painting.
- Lubricant Technology:
o Possess advanced knowledge of lubricants specifically formulated for aluminum forming. This includes understanding various lubricant chemistries (e.g., oil-based, water-based, dry film), their performance characteristics under high pressure, temperature, and strain, environmental considerations, and their influence on tool wear, part quality, and post-forming processes.
- Forming Process Optimization & Support:
o Contribute materials expertise to the development and optimization of aluminum forming processes such as stamping, deep drawing, and hydroforming. This involves collaborating on process simulation (e.g., FEM analysis), advising on tool design, and providing materials-centric solutions during on-site troubleshooting.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration & Meeting Participation:
o Actively participate in meetings and collaborate with a wide array of internal and external stakeholders, including:
- Aluminum Supply Base Experts:
o Engage directly with material suppliers to discuss material specifications, new alloy developments, quality control, and problem resolution.
- Product Development Teams:
o Provide materials and forming insights during the design phase to ensure manufacturability and optimal performance of aluminum components.
- Manufacturing Teams:
o Support production operations by troubleshooting forming issues, providing technical solutions, and implementing best practices for aluminum processing.
- Research & Advanced Engineering Teams:
o Partner on cutting-edge research initiatives related to new aluminum materials, forming technologies, and surface treatments.
- Problem Solving & Root Cause Analysis:
o Lead materials-related investigations for complex forming defects (e.g., galling, cracking, wrinkling, springback, surface finish issues) specific to aluminum, applying advanced analytical and experimental techniques to identify root causes and develop sustainable solutions.
- Technology Advancement:
o Identify and evaluate emerging materials, coatings, pretreatments, and lubricant technologies relevant to aluminum forming. Lead efforts to assess their potential benefits and facilitate their integration into future products and processes.
- Technical Documentation & Training:
o Develop and maintain technical specifications, best practices, and training materials related to aluminum forming processes and materials. Mentor and train junior engineers and technical staff.
Compensation: $38-44/hour
Exact compensation may vary based on several factors, including skills, experience, and education. Benefit packages for this role will start on the 31st day of employment and include medical, dental, and vision insurance, as well as HSA, FSA, and DCFSA account options, and 401k retirement account access with employer matching. Employees in this role are also entitled to paid sick leave and/or other paid time off as provided by applicable law.
We are a company committed to creating diverse and inclusive environments where people can bring their full, authentic selves to work every day. We are an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer that believes everyone matters. Qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment regardless of their race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital status, national origin, ancestry, genetic factors, age, disability, protected veteran status, military or uniformed service member status, or any other status or characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations, and ordinances. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or recruiting process, please send a request to HR@insightglobal.com.To learn more about how we collect, keep, and process your private information, please review Insight Global's Workforce Privacy Policy: https://insightglobal.com/workforce-privacy-policy/.
Skills and Requirements
- Bachelor’s Degree in Materials Science, Metallurgical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field
- 5+ years of experience in metal forming
- Expertise in aluminum alloys
- Strong knowledge in aluminum metallurgy, sheet coatings, pretreatment methods, and forming lubricants
Day to Day:
One of our automotive clients is looking for a Materials Science Engineer to join their Materials Engineering team as an expert in Aluminum metal forming. This role with focus on leveraging material science expertise to drive innovation, optimize processes, and resolve challenges associated with forming of aluminum sheet metal for automotive applications. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of metal forming principles, with a specialized knowledge of aluminum alloys, their surface treatments, and their interaction with manufacturing processes
Additional responsibilities include:
- Aluminum Material Properties Expertise:
o Serve as the primary subject matter expert within the Materials Group on the mechanical, metallurgical, and surface properties of various aluminum alloys (e.g., 5xxx, 6xxx, 7xxx series) critical for sheet metal forming. This includes in-depth knowledge of yield strength, tensile strength, elongation, strain hardening, anisotropy, formability limits, and microstructural considerations under diverse forming conditions.
- Aluminum Sheet Coating & Pretreatment:
o Provide expert guidance on the selection, application, and performance of aluminum sheet coatings (e.g., conversion coatings, organic coatings, pre-lubricated films) and pretreatment processes (e.g., cleaning, etching, anodizing). Evaluate their impact on formability, friction, corrosion resistance, and subsequent manufacturing steps like joining and painting.
- Lubricant Technology:
o Possess advanced knowledge of lubricants specifically formulated for aluminum forming. This includes understanding various lubricant chemistries (e.g., oil-based, water-based, dry film), their performance characteristics under high pressure, temperature, and strain, environmental considerations, and their influence on tool wear, part quality, and post-forming processes.
- Forming Process Optimization & Support:
o Contribute materials expertise to the development and optimization of aluminum forming processes such as stamping, deep drawing, and hydroforming. This involves collaborating on process simulation (e.g., FEM analysis), advising on tool design, and providing materials-centric solutions during on-site troubleshooting.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration & Meeting Participation:
o Actively participate in meetings and collaborate with a wide array of internal and external stakeholders, including:
- Aluminum Supply Base Experts:
o Engage directly with material suppliers to discuss material specifications, new alloy developments, quality control, and problem resolution.
- Product Development Teams:
o Provide materials and forming insights during the design phase to ensure manufacturability and optimal performance of aluminum components.
- Manufacturing Teams:
o Support production operations by troubleshooting forming issues, providing technical solutions, and implementing best practices for aluminum processing.
- Research & Advanced Engineering Teams:
o Partner on cutting-edge research initiatives related to new aluminum materials, forming technologies, and surface treatments.
- Problem Solving & Root Cause Analysis:
o Lead materials-related investigations for complex forming defects (e.g., galling, cracking, wrinkling, springback, surface finish issues) specific to aluminum, applying advanced analytical and experimental techniques to identify root causes and develop sustainable solutions.
- Technology Advancement:
o Identify and evaluate emerging materials, coatings, pretreatments, and lubricant technologies relevant to aluminum forming. Lead efforts to assess their potential benefits and facilitate their integration into future products and processes.
- Technical Documentation & Training:
o Develop and maintain technical specifications, best practices, and training materials related to aluminum forming processes and materials. Mentor and train junior engineers and technical staff.
Compensation: $38-44/hour
Exact compensation may vary based on several factors, including skills, experience, and education. Benefit packages for this role will start on the 31st day of employment and include medical, dental, and vision insurance, as well as HSA, FSA, and DCFSA account options, and 401k retirement account access with employer matching. Employees in this role are also entitled to paid sick leave and/or other paid time off as provided by applicable law.
We are a company committed to creating diverse and inclusive environments where people can bring their full, authentic selves to work every day. We are an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer that believes everyone matters. Qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment regardless of their race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital status, national origin, ancestry, genetic factors, age, disability, protected veteran status, military or uniformed service member status, or any other status or characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations, and ordinances. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or recruiting process, please send a request to HR@insightglobal.com.To learn more about how we collect, keep, and process your private information, please review Insight Global's Workforce Privacy Policy: https://insightglobal.com/workforce-privacy-policy/.
Skills and Requirements
- Bachelor’s Degree in Materials Science, Metallurgical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field
- 5+ years of experience in metal forming
- Expertise in aluminum alloys
- Strong knowledge in aluminum metallurgy, sheet coatings, pretreatment methods, and forming lubricants