Staff Materials Science Engineer

Staff Materials Science Engineer

About us

BorgWarner is a global product leader in delivering innovative and sustainable mobility solutions. We are a company of innovators and independent thinkers that brings together talented employees, meaningful work and amazing technology in a unique environment. At BorgWarner, we constantly work towards our vision of a clean and energy-efficient world. 

Our Culture

BorgWarner promotes and nurtures a diverse and inclusive environment, honors integrity, strives for excellence, commits to responsibility for our communities and the environment, and builds on the power of collaboration.  We believe the health and safety of our employees are a top priority.

Career Opportunities 

We manage talent as seriously as we manage our businesses and encourage you to learn about our proud history, strong culture, technologies, and vision for the future. We offer positions locally and globally with over 80 locations in 19 countries.

If this position energizes you and you feel you can help us achieve our mission and vision, you are invited to submit an application for consideration.

You may see the list of requirements and feel you do not meet all of them. However, remember that BorgWarner thinks differently. If your qualifications align with the majority of those outlined in this job description, we encourage you to apply and share your experience and skills with us.

For a listing of Asheville/Arden openings:  BorgWarner Openings

Pay & Benefits

All positions start at an above market pay rate for that position. Benefits are also above market and include the below for all fulltime employees:

• Day 1 Medical Coverage with potential of no monthly premium
• Onsite Health Clinic for employees and dependents (age 14 and over) at no cost
• Dental, Vision, Life, AD&D, and Disability Coverage
• Tuition Reimbursement Program after 18 months
• Retirement Savings Plan (401k) with a matching program
• Company paid holidays and vacation starting Day 1

Position Summary

The Staff Materials Science Engineer serves as a senior technical individual contributor responsible for providing expert leadership in materials selection, development, qualification, and lifecycle management. This role supports the design, manufacturing, and sustainment of products by applying advanced materials science principles, driving data‑based decisions, and influencing material strategy across the organization.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Technical Expertise and Leadership

• Serve as a recognized technical authority in materials science, providing guidance to engineering, manufacturing, quality, and supply chain functions.
• Lead material‑related decision‑making for new product development, design changes, and long‑term technology initiatives.
• Provide expert review and approval of material specifications, standards, and design guidelines.

Materials Development and Qualification

• Lead the evaluation, development, selection, and qualification of materials, including metals, polymers, ceramics, composites, and coatings, to meet performance, cost, reliability, and regulatory requirements.
• Define and oversee comprehensive material characterization and validation test plans.
• Analyze and interpret mechanical, thermal, chemical, and microstructural data to support technical recommendations.

Failure Analysis and Risk Mitigation

• Lead material‑related failure investigations for manufacturing issues, non‑conformances, and field returns.
• Apply root‑cause analysis methodologies and materials science fundamentals to identify corrective and preventive actions.
• Support risk assessments related to material performance, reliability, and supply continuity.

Cross‑Functional Collaboration

• Partner with design engineering teams to ensure material selections align with functional requirements, product life expectancy, and manufacturability.
• Collaborate with manufacturing engineering to improve material processing methods and production yields.
• Support supplier selection, qualification, and audit activities related to material capability and quality.

Mentorship and Organizational Impact

• Provide technical mentorship and coaching to early‑ and mid‑career engineers.
• Lead technical design and materials reviews and contribute to knowledge sharing across the organization.
• Influence long‑term materials technology roadmaps and enterprise‑wide best practices.

Compliance and Sustainability

• Ensure materials meet applicable regulatory, safety, and environmental requirements, including regional and international standards.
• Support initiatives related to sustainability, cost optimization, material reuse, and environmental impact reduction.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Materials Science and Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, Polymer Science, or a related discipline
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in materials science or materials engineering roles
• Demonstrated expertise in materials characterization, selection, and lifecycle management
• Proven ability to lead complex technical efforts and influence cross‑functional teams without direct authority
• Strong written and verbal communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s or PhD in Materials Science or a related field
• Experience within regulated or high‑reliability industries (e.g., medical devices, aerospace, automotive, energy)
• Experience with Nickel/Chromium based alloys
• Experience supporting product commercialization or advanced manufacturing environments
• Knowledge of statistical analysis, design of experiments (DOE), or material modeling techniques
• Record of significant technical contributions, patents, or publications

Core Competencies

• Advanced technical judgment and analytical capability
• Strategic thinking and problem solving
• Cross‑functional collaboration and influence
• Technical mentorship and knowledge leadership
• Ownership, accountability, and attention to detail

Role Level Characteristics

• Operates with a high degree of autonomy on complex and high‑impact technical challenges
• Recognized internally as a subject matter expert in materials science
• Influences product, process, and technology decisions beyond individual programs or projects
• Provides leadership through expertise and influence rather than formal people management

Safety

This position will adhere to the BorgWarner Environmental Health and Safety Program by following all safety rules, procedures, practices, training, and safe use of equipment; this includes use of personal protective equipment (PPE) as required. This individual will work in a way that stresses the importance of preventing injury, accidents, or illnesses to themselves or co-workers by correcting or reporting unsafe situations, incidents, or occurrences to their Team Lead immediately.

Equal Employment Opportunity

BorgWarner is an equal employment opportunity employer such that all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

Career Scam Disclaimer:  BorgWarner makes no representations or guarantees regarding employment opportunities listed on any third-party website.  To protect against career scams, job applicants should take the necessary precautions when interviewing for and accepting employment positions allegedly offered by BorgWarner.  Applicants should never provide the national ID numbers, birth dates, credit card numbers, bank account information or other private information when communicating with prospective employers or responding to employment opportunities online.  Job applicants are invited to contact BorgWarner through BorgWarner’s website to verify the authenticity of any employment opportunities.

Join the company that is creating solutions that support a cleaner, more energy-efficient world.

For more information about BorgWarner, please visit www.borgwarner.com

For a listing of Asheville/Arden openings:  BorgWarner Openings

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Salary Range:

$115,200 - $162,000

Internal Use Only: Salary

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Career Scam Disclaimer:  BorgWarner makes no representations or guarantees regarding employment opportunities listed on any third-party website.  To protect against career scams, job applicants should take the necessary precautions when interviewing for and accepting employment positions allegedly offered by BorgWarner.  Applicants should never provide their national ID numbers, birth dates, credit card numbers, bank account information or other private information when communicating with prospective employers or responding to employment opportunities online.  Job applicants are invited to contact BorgWarner through BorgWarner’s website to verify the authenticity of any employment opportunities.