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Materials Engineering Manager Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

... material handling, and other critical sectors where performance, efficiency, precision, and ... Position Summary The Engineering Manager in Linear Motion & Automation oversees multidisciplinary ...

The Engineering Manager is self-motivated and bridges technical execution with business strategy ... Experience in plumbing, building materials or manufacturing industries. COMPETENCIES:

POSITION SUMMARY The Engineering Manager is self-motivated and bridges technical execution with ... Experience in plumbing, building materials or manufacturing industries. COMPETENCIES * Demonstrated ...

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Materials Engineering Manager information

What does a materials engineering manager do?

A Materials Engineering Manager oversees teams of engineers and technicians focused on the development, testing, and improvement of materials used in products and manufacturing processes. They are responsible for project planning, resource allocation, and ensuring that materials meet specific standards for performance, safety, and cost-effectiveness. This role often involves collaboration with other departments such as design, production, and quality assurance to ensure that materials are suitable for their intended applications. Additionally, they stay updated on new material technologies and regulatory requirements to maintain competitive and compliant products.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a materials engineering manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Materials Engineering Manager, you need a solid background in materials science, engineering principles, and management, generally supported by a bachelor’s or master’s degree in materials engineering or a related field. Familiarity with CAD software, materials testing systems, and project management tools is typically required, along with professional certifications like PMP or Six Sigma being advantageous. Strong leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills help you effectively lead teams and collaborate with cross-functional departments. These skills and qualities are essential to drive innovation, ensure quality, and deliver projects efficiently in materials engineering environments.

What are some common challenges faced by a materials engineering manager when leading cross-functional teams?

Materials Engineering Managers often encounter challenges in aligning the goals and timelines of different departments, such as design, manufacturing, and quality assurance. Effective communication is essential to ensure that material selection and testing meet the diverse needs of each team while staying on schedule and within budget. Managers must also handle competing priorities, resolve technical disagreements, and facilitate collaboration to drive innovation without compromising on compliance or product performance.

What is the difference between Materials Engineering Manager vs Materials Engineer?

AspectMaterials Engineering ManagerMaterials Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Materials Science or Engineering; often requires leadership experienceBachelor's or Master's in Materials Science or Engineering
Work EnvironmentOversees teams, manages projects, strategic planningConducts experiments, tests materials, analyzes data
Industry UsageUsed in manufacturing, aerospace, automotive, and R&D sectorsPrimarily in research labs, production facilities, and quality control

The Materials Engineering Manager focuses on leading teams, project management, and strategic decisions, while the Materials Engineer is involved in hands-on research, testing, and analysis. Both roles require a strong background in materials science, but the manager role emphasizes leadership and coordination.

Are materials engineering managers in high demand?

Materials engineering managers are in high demand due to ongoing needs for advanced materials in industries such as aerospace, automotive, and electronics. Their expertise in overseeing research, development, and production processes makes them valuable, especially as innovation and sustainability efforts increase industry requirements for specialized materials and certifications. Employment growth is expected to align with overall manufacturing and engineering sector trends.

What cities in Michigan are hiring for Materials Engineering Manager jobs?

Cities in Michigan with the most Materials Engineering Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Materials Engineering Manager job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 81% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution.

Materials Science Engineering Technical Specialist

Troy, MI • On-site

Cummins
Transportation Equipment Manufacturing • 10K+ employees

Full-time

Re-posted 24 days ago


Cummins rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 271 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

We are looking for a talentedMaterials Science Engineering Technical Specialist to join ourEngineering team of Cummins Drivetrain and Braking Systems (CDBS) in Troy, MI. 

In this role, you will make an impact in the following ways: 

  • Drive DataBased Decisions: Apply advanced statistical methods-descriptive analytics, probability modeling, regression, DOE, and hypothesis testing-to deliver rigorous, evidencedriven recommendations that improve product and process outcomes. 
  • Strengthen Failure Prevention: Conduct thorough component failure analyses to identify true root causes, evaluate design and manufacturing intent, and recommend corrective actions that protect customers and prevent recurrence. 
  • Optimize Material & Process Selection: Evaluate component requirements and select the most appropriate materials and manufacturing routes, ensuring bestfit solutions that meet performance, cost, and reliability targets. 
  • Enhance Material Robustness: Perform mechanical, chemical, microstructural, and physical property characterization to confirm compliance and correlate lab results with field performance, improving component durability and reliability. 
  • Improve Technical Knowledge Transfer: Produce clear, accurate technical documentation that captures learnings, supports decisionmaking, and enables efficient knowledge sharing across engineering, operations, and crossfunctional teams. 
  • Elevate CrossFunctional Collaboration: Build strong internal and external networks to accelerate problemsolving, align stakeholders, and ensure seamless communication across engineering, manufacturing, and supplier teams. 
  • Accelerate Problem Resolution: Apply structured problemsolving methodologies to identify assignable and systemic root causes, implement robust corrective actions, and mentor others in effective analytical approaches. 
  • Advance Organizational Effectiveness: Demonstrate strong decision quality, resourcefulness, and the ability to manage complexity-consistently driving results while valuing diverse perspectives and adapting to challenging circumstances. 
Cummins is an equal opportunity employer. Our policy is to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified persons without regard to race, sex, color, disability, national origin, age, religion, union affiliation, sexual orientation, veteran status, citizenship, gender identity, or other status protected by law.
  • Casting experience is preferred.
  • Position involves working with suppliers for PPAP andprocessimprovements.
  • Use of sectioning and sample preparation equipment.
  • Report writing is necessary.

To be successful in this role you will need the following:

  • Deep Technical Expertise in Materials & Casting:A solid understanding of casting processes, material behavior, andmaterialprocessinginteractions to accurately diagnose issues,validatedesign intent, and make sound material and process selections.
  • Strong Analytical & Laboratory Skills:Proficiencywith sectioning, sample preparation, and material characterization equipment-along with the ability to interpret mechanical, chemical, microstructural, and physical property data-to supportrootcauseanalysis and robustdecisionmaking.
  • Supplier Collaboration & PPAP/Process Improvement Capability:The ability to work effectively with suppliers on PPAP requirements, process validation, and continuous improvement initiatives, ensuring components meet specifications and quality standards.
  • Clear Technical Communication & Documentation:Strongreportwritingskills to document investigations, communicate findings, justify decisions, and supportcrossfunctionalalignment with Quality, Supply Chain, and Engineering.

Education, Licenses, Certifications:
College, university, or equivalentBachelor's degree in Engineeringorappropriate STEMfield is required.
Post-graduate (Master's) degree relevant to this discipline area may berequiredfor select roles.
This position may require licensing for compliance with export controls or sanctions regulations.
Experience:
Prior Senior or Lead Engineer equivalent work experience in a relevant discipline area isrequiredwith a demonstratedtrack recordof technical problem solving and quality decision making. Knowledge of MS Office tools is preferred.


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About Cummins

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Cummins Inc., headquartered in Columbus, IN, US, is a global power leader that designs, manufactures, and distributes numerous power products and systems. With its genesis from as early as 1919, the company readily serves diverse industries such as transportation, industrial, generator drive, or marine applications, among others. At the heart of Cummins' operations, its key product lineup encompasses diesel & natural gas engines, generator sets, engine components, and filtration, emission solutions, and electrical power generation systems. Cummins deeply embodies core values of integrity, respect for diversity, teamwork, performance excellence, and social responsibility - all of which dynamically fuel their mission 'Making people's lives better by powering a more prosperous world'.

Industry

Transportation equipment manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Columbus, IN, US

Year founded

1919