Material Development and Lab Engineer

Job Objective
The Material Development & Lab Engineer serves as the primary expert and contact within carcoustics for all matters related to material consulting, development, and testing. This role is responsible for building and maintaining comprehensive material knowledge across the carcoustics group, as well as planning, organizing, and executing material testing activities. The position includes documentation and communication of results and acts as the key liaison with external laboratories for the coordination and organization of third-party testing.

Description of Main Tasks

Material Consulting & Development:

• Recommend suitable materials based on drawing reviews, specification sheets, legal/customer requirements, and carcoustics process needs.

• Support Development Teams, Program Managers, Sales, GPS, and Plants with expert material knowledge, including assistance in production issues, serial production challenges, and claims handling.

• Evaluate and provide input to calculations related to materials, ensuring completeness and compliance with specifications.

• Generate request specifications for new materials and maintain the potential material database in alignment with CT and Calculation Teams.

• Actively participate in VAVE, COP, and cross-functional IPT projects, offering material strategy support to CPS and other stakeholders.

• Represent carcoustics in customer meetings and support the development and introduction of new materials and suppliers in cooperation with the Material Scout.

• Create and manage material specifications, technical datasheets, and ensure compliance with IMDS, CAMDS, and Conflict Minerals regulations.

• Lead or contribute to Material Development projects, including scaling lab developments to serial-ready solutions and supporting industrialization through trials in cooperation with plants and suppliers.

• Provide professional guidance to prototyping and production staff during trials and development phases.

Material Testing & Lab Operations:

• Act as key contact for internal and external stakeholders on all aspects of material testing, including feasibility, standards, sample requirements, and methods.

• Coordinate and prioritize material testing activities, including test order evaluation, DVP reviews (costs and lead times), and lab capacity planning.

• Oversee functional direction of Test Engineers and Technicians, ensuring high-quality execution of test plans and alignment with specifications.

• Review test results, prepare test reports, communicate outcomes, and provide consultative support in case of deviations or test failures.

• Drive the development and implementation of new test methods and test benches for special customer requirements, in collaboration with relevant teams.

• Maintain a safe, organized, and compliant lab environment, and ensure the qualification and capability of the lab continues to grow.

• Manage communication with external laboratories for outsourced testing or backup purposes, and support active sourcing of external testing options as needed.

• Support claims handling from the laboratory side and contribute to the upkeep of a comprehensive test results and reports database.

Additional Tasks

• Author professional publications and deliver presentations at industry conferences and technical meetings.

• Provide training to internal stakeholders on material-related topics to enhance organizational knowledge.

• Prepare patent specifications and invention disclosures in coordination with relevant departments.

• Mentor interns, students, and those working on bachelor’s or master’s theses in both development and lab settings.

• Contribute to capacity support by performing material testing as needed, in coordination with Test Engineers and Technicians.

• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives and skill development projects within the Material Lab.

• Carry out special tasks delegated by the Head of Material Development or Head of Material Lab.

• Local Lead Role – Material Development / Lab Engineer: Functionally guide the local team by setting tasks and priorities in alignment with the Head of Material Development or Head of Material Lab.

• Support onboarding by conducting safety training for new employees, in agreement with the Head of Material Lab and EHS.

Skills & Competencies

• Master’s or Diploma degree in Chemistry, Material Science, Material Engineering, or a comparable field

• Alternatively, a Bachelor's degree in the above fields with relevant professional experience

• Strong technical understanding, including knowledge of materials (with a focus on carcoustics raw materials and solutions), standards, and specifications

• Proactive, innovative, and open-minded personality with a continuous improvement mindset

• Highly self-motivated and capable of working in a structured, self-organized manner

• Excellent communication skills, especially in explaining complex technical matters to non-technical audiences

• Experience in international working environments is preferred

• Basic project management knowledge and ability to contribute effectively in cross-functional teams

• English language skills at C1–C2 level (able to express ideas fluently, spontaneously, and precisely)

• Local language skills at C1–C2 level (able to express ideas fluently, spontaneously, and precisely)

Additional Information

• Signature authorization: i.A.

• Leadership / Professional / Project Management split: 10% / 75% / 15%

• Disciplinary reporting to: Head of Material Development or Head of Material Lab (depending on organizational assignment)

• Functional reporting to: Head of Material Development / Head of Material Lab and Local Lead Material Expert (Development or Lab)

• Functional representation of: Head of Material Development & Material Lab; Material Development Engineer; Material Scout; Material Test Engineer

• Functional representation by: Head of Material Development; Head of Material Lab; Material Test Engineer

• Information Security Level: High 

General Competencies

• Communication skills

• Customer orientation

• Structured working style

• Proactiveness and hands-on mentality

• Objectivity and critical thinking

• Self-management and self-organization

• Knowledge of APQP / RGA processes

• Familiarity with FMEA methodology