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Associate Materials Engineer Jobs in Interlochen, MI

Timken

Sr. Manufacturing Engineer

Traverse City, MI · On-site

$91K - $125K/yr

Our associates make the world more productive by improving the efficiency and reliability of the ... of materials (BOM) * Support new product introductions by ensuring manufacturing readiness

New

Timken

Sr. Manufacturing Engineer

Traverse City, MI · On-site

$70 - $110/hr

Our associates make the world more productive by improving the efficiency and reliability of the ... of materials (BOM) * Support new product introductions by ensuring manufacturing readiness

New

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Associate Materials Engineer information

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$13

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$30

How much do associate materials engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for associate materials engineer in Interlochen, MI is $21.65, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.93 and $24.71 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an associate materials engineer?

Associate Materials Engineers are early-career professionals who assist in the development, testing, and evaluation of materials used in a variety of products and industries. They work under the supervision of more experienced engineers and help analyze the properties of metals, polymers, ceramics, and composites to ensure they meet specific engineering requirements. Their responsibilities typically include conducting experiments, collecting data, preparing reports, and supporting the design and improvement of new materials. This role is often a stepping stone to more senior engineering positions and provides foundational experience in materials science and engineering applications.

What types of projects does an associate materials engineer typically work on, and how do they collaborate with other departments?

Associate Materials Engineers often work on projects involving material selection, testing, and analysis for new or existing products. They regularly collaborate with design, manufacturing, and quality assurance teams to ensure materials meet performance and safety standards. Day-to-day tasks may include conducting laboratory experiments, preparing technical reports, and troubleshooting material-related issues in production. This collaborative environment allows for ongoing learning and provides exposure to various stages of product development, supporting career growth within multidisciplinary teams.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an associate materials engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Associate Materials Engineer, you need a solid background in materials science, chemistry, and engineering principles, usually supported by a bachelor's degree in materials engineering or a related field. Familiarity with laboratory analysis tools, CAD software, and materials characterization techniques—such as SEM or XRD—is often required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective teamwork skills help you excel in problem-solving and cross-functional projects. These competencies are crucial for developing, testing, and improving materials that meet industry standards and project requirements.

What is the difference between Associate Materials Engineer vs Materials Engineer?

AspectAssociate Materials EngineerMaterials Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in materials science or engineering; some roles may require internshipsBachelor's or master's degree; professional certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentEntry-level, team-based projects in manufacturing or R&D labsMore independent roles, overseeing projects and testing in labs or production facilities
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by manufacturing, aerospace, automotive industries for entry-level rolesCommon in similar industries, often with more responsibilities and project oversight

The main difference is experience and responsibility level. Associate Materials Engineers are typically entry-level, focusing on supporting roles, while Materials Engineers have more experience, overseeing projects and making technical decisions. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds, but Materials Engineers often hold professional certifications and have greater independence in their work.

Are associate materials engineers in high demand?

Associate materials engineers are in steady demand due to their role in developing and testing materials for industries such as manufacturing, aerospace, and construction. Employment opportunities are expected to grow as companies seek expertise in materials selection, quality control, and sustainability practices, often requiring knowledge of materials testing tools and certifications.

What cities near Interlochen, MI are hiring for Associate Materials Engineer jobs?

Cities near Interlochen, MI with the most Associate Materials Engineer job openings:

Associate Materials Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Associate Materials Engineer job openings in Interlochen, MI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 28% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,025 per year, or $21.6 per hour.

Sr. Manufacturing Engineer

Timken

Traverse City, MI • On-site

$91K - $125K/yr

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago

New

Timken rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 82 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

314th of 499 rated machine equipment manufacturers

Job description

Your career begins at Cone Drive Operations, a Timken company!  Cone Drive is located in beautiful Traverse City, Michigan and boasts over 100 years of success in the gearing industry.  If you're ready for a challenging career that provides you with the ability to advance personally and professionally, look to Cone Drive.  Our associates make the world more productive by improving the efficiency and reliability of the machinery that keeps industry in motion.

The Timken Company sells some of the world's most sophisticated magnetic field encoders, which are part of the Cone Drive product family. This role sits within the Timken Encoders manufacturing engineering group and is responsible for developing, implementing, and optimizing manufacturing processes, tooling, and test methods for encoder products that combine mechanical assemblies, PCBs, chips, magnets, and magnetization steps.

The Manufacturing Engineer leads process development, production readiness, and continuous improvement initiatives to deliver safe, high-quality, cost-effective production. This role will partner closely with R&D, Production, Quality, and Supply Chain to support product creation and launch activities.  This role requires a strong commitment to safety, continuous improvement, and effective project management.

Responsibilities: 

  • Collaborate with the design team to develop and optimize mechanical designs for manufacturability
  • Lead process development, qualification, and transfer from prototype to production the encoder products.
  • Specify and optimize assembly processes
  • Design and implement production test strategies
  • Design, specify and fabricate (internally or externally) workholding fixtures and tooling
  • Create and maintain manufacturing documentation, including assembly instructions, process specifications, and bills of materials (BOM)
  • Support new product introductions by ensuring manufacturing readiness
  • Designs and fabricates prototype and production fixtures and tooling
  • Oversees pre-production and prototype activity in-house and with partner plants; reviews and analyzes product performance data
  • Partners with supply chain function to identify and develop component suppliers; validates supplier capabilities and ensures compliance with product and performance specifications
  • Identify and implement process improvements to enhance product quality and efficiency
  • Collaborate with suppliers and contract manufacturers to ensure quality and cost-effective production
  • Provide technical support to resolve manufacturing issues and improve production processes
  • Investigates and leads projects to improve safety, quality and productivity
  • Other responsibilities would include, but would not be limited to, participating in Product Quality Planning activities and Six Sigma activities, and supporting other business priorities as directed by internal customers

Requirements and Preferred Experience:

  • Bachelors Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering or related field
  • 3 to 5 years' manufacturing engineering experience with an emphasis in tool & fixture design
  • Good knowledge of product design and manufacturing processes
  • Proficient with basic computer skills, MS Office tools, Electronics, CAD
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Excellent time management skills
  • Creative problem-solving skills
  • Hands on mechanical assembly experience
  • Preferred - Experience working with PCB assembly processes, magnetic encoders, electronics packaging
  • Preferred - Experience with servo systems feedback, electric motors, automation & robotics 

This position may require access to United States export controlled technical data (“CTD”) and hardware under the Departments of US State (ITAR) and/or Commerce (EAR).  Eligible candidates are; US Citizens, Green Card holders, Asylees or others eligible to receive US export license authorizations. Candidate must be authorized to work in the US.

All qualified applicants shall be treated equally according to their individual qualifications, abilities, experiences and other employment standards. There will be no discrimination due to gender or gender identity, race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, sexual orientation, veteran/military status or any other basis protected by applicable law.

 

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About Timken

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The Timken Company designs a growing portfolio of engineered bearings and power transmission products that improve the reliability and efficiency of global machinery and equipment to move the world forward. Timken posted $3.8 billion in sales in 2019 and employs more than 17,000 people globally, operating from 42 countries. Why Choose Timken?

Industry

Industrial machinery manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

North Canton, OH, US

Year founded

1899

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