Materials Engineer
Ripple Foods
Asheville, NC, USA
Posted on May 24, 2026
Material Science Engineer
Position Summary:
We are seeking an experienced Material Science Engineer for one of our manufacturing clients near the Asheville, NC area. This role will focus on researching, analyzing, and improving materials used in products and manufacturing processes to enhance performance, quality, reliability, and cost efficiency. The Material Science Engineer will lead material investigations, failure analysis efforts, and continuous improvement initiatives while collaborating cross-functionally with engineering, quality, operations, and product development teams.
Key Responsibilities:
- Research, evaluate, and test materials to improve product performance, durability, quality, and manufacturability
- Conduct material characterization, laboratory testing, and performance evaluations of existing and new materials
- Lead failure analysis investigations to identify material defects, product failures, and performance issues
- Perform root cause analysis (RCA) and implement corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) to resolve material-related concerns
- Develop and recommend material improvements, substitutions, and optimization strategies for products and processes
- Support product development and engineering teams with material selection and application recommendations
- Analyze manufacturing processes and material interactions to improve efficiency and product outcomes
- Design and execute testing plans, experiments, and validation activities for material performance and reliability
- Document findings, technical reports, and recommendations while presenting results to internal stakeholders
- Collaborate with quality, operations, production, and R&D teams to drive continuous improvement initiatives
- Stay current on emerging materials technologies, industry trends, and manufacturing advancements
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Materials Science Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or related engineering discipline required
- Master’s degree preferred
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in materials engineering within a manufacturing environment
- Experience with failure analysis, root cause investigations, and corrective action implementation
- Strong understanding of material properties, testing methods, and material performance evaluation
- Experience researching, developing, and improving materials for manufactured products
- Knowledge of manufacturing processes, quality systems, and continuous improvement methodologies preferred
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and technical communication skills
- Ability to collaborate across engineering, quality, and operations teams