Substrate Engineer Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

We are looking for a talentedCoatings & Corrosion Specialist to join our Materials Engineering - Chemistry team in Troy, MI. CDBS (Cummins Drivetrain and Braking Systems) focuses on the underbody of heavy duty and military vehicles including supporting work on axles, drivelines, brakes, t-cases, specialty suspension, trailers, aftermarket, e-axles, etc.

• Drive Data-Based Decisions: Apply statistical methods, experimental design, and data analysis techniques to identify trends, validate hypotheses, and provide actionable insights that improve product performance and engineering outcomes. 
• Lead Root Cause Investigations: Conduct detailed failure analysis of components and materials to determine failure modes and mechanisms, enabling effective corrective actions that protect customers and prevent recurrence. 
• Optimize Material and Process Selection: Evaluate product requirements and manufacturing options to identify and validate the most effective materials, coatings, and processing methods for performance, durability, and cost. 
• Ensure Material Integrity and Compliance: Perform material characterization and testing to verify compliance with specifications, correlate laboratory findings with field performance, and strengthen product reliability. 
• Solve Complex Technical Challenges: Leverage structured problem-solving methodologies to address complex engineering issues, identify systemic root causes, and implement sustainable solutions across the organization. 
• Strengthen Technical Knowledge Sharing: Create clear, comprehensive technical documentation and communicate findings effectively to support decision-making, knowledge transfer, and continuous improvement. 
• Build Strong Cross-Functional Partnerships: Develop trusted relationships with engineering, manufacturing, quality, suppliers, and other stakeholders to align resources, resolve issues, and accelerate project success. 
• Deliver Results Through Sound Judgment and Leadership: Navigate competing priorities, make timely and informed decisions, and drive execution in challenging environments while fostering collaboration, inclusion, and innovation. 

Key Responsibilities and Success Factors 

• Serve as the Coatings and Corrosion Subject Matter Expert: Operate as a recognized specialist in paint, coatings, plating, and corrosion, providing technical guidance and expertise across a diverse portfolio of heavy-duty, military, and electrified drivetrain products. 
• Support Global Product Quality and Compliance: Perform and interpret coating and corrosion testing for PPAP validation, product evaluations, R&D initiatives, and customer requirements across multiple substrate materials, including steel and cast components. 
• Influence Product and Process Improvements: Review customer and third-party reports, evaluate field-returned components, identify opportunities for improvement, and provide data-driven recommendations to Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, and customers. 
• Drive Continuous Improvement and Knowledge Sharing: Lead the development of laboratory processes, specifications, and testing methodologies while supporting cross-training efforts and knowledge transfer across teams and business units. 
• Communicate Technical Findings with Confidence: Prepare formal technical reports, present test results and recommendations to stakeholders, and effectively translate complex corrosion and coatings data into actionable business decisions. 
• Develop and Maintain Technical Standards: Create, update, and maintain paint specifications, coating requirements, and application process standards to support product durability, performance, and regulatory compliance. 
• Support a Diverse Product Portfolio: Contribute to materials engineering activities supporting axles, drivelines, brakes, transfer cases, specialty suspension systems, trailers, aftermarket products, and emerging e-axle technologies. 
• Leverage Advanced Laboratory Testing Expertise: Utilize specialized equipment and test methods including cyclic corrosion chambers, salt spray testing, humidity testing, adhesion testing, gloss measurement, creep evaluation, blistering assessment, mandrel bend testing, water immersion testing, and related coatings performance evaluations. 

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

• Demonstrate Strong Coatings and Corrosion Testing Expertise: Maintain and operate cyclic corrosion, salt spray, and humidity chambers; execute testing per specifications, prints, and industry standards such as ASTM, ISO, and BDCS requirements. 
• Ensure Laboratory Excellence and Compliance: Perform routine calibration of coating equipment, maintain laboratory cleanliness and organization, and consistently follow all safety requirements and established CDBS MT procedures. 
• Deliver Accurate Technical Evaluations: Conduct Windchill test requests, analyze results, and provide clear recommendations that support product quality, corrosion performance, and continuous improvement initiatives. 
• Build Technical Partnerships and Drive Improvement: Collaborate with manufacturing sites and cross-functional teams, travel as needed to support plant evaluations, contribute to industry groups, and identify opportunities to enhance coatings and corrosion processes. 

Education, Licenses, Certifications: 
College, university, or equivalent Bachelor's degree in Engineering or appropriate STEM field is required. 
Post-graduate (Master's) degree relevant to this discipline area may be required for 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 is required with a demonstrated track record of technical problem solving and quality decision making. Knowledge of MS Office tools is preferred.