Materials Engineer II - Metals & Plating

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* Job Description:

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* ** Materials Engineer II - Metals & Plating*
* ** You'll Be DISRUPTIVE Through These Responsibilities*
* + Perform metallurgical evaluations including sectioning, mounting, polishing, microstructural analysis, hardness testing, and failure analysis.

+ Interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, and metallurgical specifications to assess conformance and material performance for production and prototype components.  Guide design teams on drawing requirements and callouts to achieve product quality and control.

+ Support design teams in the development of  
** terminals, connectors, busbars, and other metallic interfaces** , optimizing for conductivity, durability, formability, and manufacturability.

+ Recommend plating systems (e.g., nickel, tin, silver, zinc) based on corrosion resistance, conductivity, wear, cost, and process capability.

+ Investigate plating and surface‑finish issues-such as adhesion defects, porosity, corrosion, or wear failures-and drive root‑cause problem solving with suppliers and cross‑functional teams.

+ Select and apply appropriate material test methods (ASTM, ISO, internal procedures) and guide engineering requesters on test planning.

+ Prepare professional engineering reports with clear conclusions and actionable recommendations.

+ Manage multiple materials investigations with minimal supervision in a dynamic, rapidly changing environment.

+ Collaborate with design engineering, reliability, quality, and sourcing to resolve materials challenges during design, validation, and production.

+ Drive continuous improvement by researching new materials, coatings, and emerging surface‑engineering technologies.

+ Create and Review Milwaukee Tool plating standards and specifications.

** What YOU Bring to the Team*
* + Bachelor's degree in  
** Materials Science, Chemistry, Metallurgical Engineering** , or related field.

+  
** 3+ years
** of experience in metallurgical analysis, materials testing, or manufacturing support.

+ Hands‑on proficiency with optical microscopy, microhardness testing, metallography, and standard failure analysis practices.

+ Working knowledge of metal forming, machining, heat treatment, and plating processes.

+ Ability to interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, and materials specifications.

+ Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present technical insights to cross‑functional teams.

+ High personal drive, ownership mentality, and the ability to operate independently.

** Additional Desired Skills*
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Experience with SEM/EDS, XRF coating thickness measurement, or similar advanced characterization techniques.

+ Background working with terminals, connectors, stamped metal components, or high‑current metallic interfaces.

+ Familiarity with corrosion testing, surface treatments, and plating performance drivers.

+ Experience supporting supplier development or resolving supplier‑related material issues.

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Experience with CQI-11.

+ Ability for foreign and domestic travel up to 10% of the time.

_Milwaukee Tool is an equal opportunity employer._

Equal Opportunity Employer Minorities/Women/Protected Veterans/Disabled

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