Materials Manager with engineering background

Position Overview

We are seeking a detail-oriented and innovative Materials Engineer to join our Custom Manufacturing and Modular Construction team in Ruther Glen, VA. In this role, you will be a technical lead responsible for selecting, testing, and optimizing the materials used in the production of large-scale modular power systems, mission-critical infrastructure, and integrated electrical assemblies.

Operating out of our state-of-the-art manufacturing and warehousing campus, you will bridge the gap between design engineering and high-throughput production. Your expertise will ensure that our modular solutions—ranging from prefabricated data center skids to specialized transit power systems—meet the highest standards of durability, safety, and performance.

Key Responsibilities

• Material Selection & Specification: Evaluate and recommend metals, polymers, coatings, and composite materials based on structural requirements, thermal conductivity, corrosion resistance, and environmental conditions.
• Modular Integration Support: Collaborate with structural and electrical engineers to optimize the material integrity of modular enclosures and skid-mounted systems.
• Quality & Compliance: Develop and implement testing protocols to ensure all raw materials and components meet industry standards (ASTM, ASME, NEMA) and project-specific requirements.
• Failure Analysis: Perform root-cause analysis on material failures during the manufacturing process or field operation, and provide actionable technical solutions to prevent recurrence.
• Supply Chain Technical Support: Partner with procurement teams to vet new vendors and verify the quality of high-performance alloys, specialized insulation, and protective finishes.
• Sustainability Initiatives: Identify opportunities to integrate sustainable or "green" materials into the manufacturing lifecycle without compromising structural integrity or cost-effectiveness.
• Process Improvement: Advise production teams on advanced joining techniques (welding, adhesives, fastening) and surface treatments (powder coating, galvanizing) to improve product longevity.

Required Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Materials Science Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• Experience: 3–5 years of experience in a manufacturing, industrial, or construction environment (Modular or MEP experience preferred).
• Technical Knowledge: Proficiency in material characterization techniques and a deep understanding of the mechanical properties of materials.
• Software Skills: Experience with CAD software (AutoCAD or Revit) and simulation tools to model material behavior under stress and heat.
• Communication: Strong technical writing skills and the ability to explain complex material constraints to non-technical stakeholders and production staff.

Preferred Skills

• Experience with mission-critical infrastructure (Data Centers, Healthcare, or Large-scale Industrial projects).
• Knowledge of corrosion protection for outdoor or harsh-environment electrical equipment.
• Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma methodologies.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license or EIT status is a plus.