Materials Engineer II - Metals & Plating

Milwaukee Tool•Brookfield, MT

About The Position

Materials Engineer II – Metals & Plating You’ll Be DISRUPTIVE Through These Responsibilities Perform metallurgical evaluations including sectioning, mounting, polishing, microstructural analysis, hardness testing, and failure analysis. Interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, and metallurgical specifications to assess conformance and material performance for production and prototype components. Guide design teams on drawing requirements and callouts to achieve product quality and control. Support design teams in the development of terminals, connectors, busbars, and other metallic interfaces , optimizing for conductivity, durability, formability, and manufacturability. Recommend plating systems (e.g., nickel, tin, silver, zinc) based on corrosion resistance, conductivity, wear, cost, and process capability. Investigate plating and surface‑finish issues—such as adhesion defects, porosity, corrosion, or wear failures—and drive root‑cause problem solving with suppliers and cross‑functional teams. Select and apply appropriate material test methods (ASTM, ISO, internal procedures) and guide engineering requesters on test planning. Prepare professional engineering reports with clear conclusions and actionable recommendations. Manage multiple materials investigations with minimal supervision in a dynamic, rapidly changing environment. Collaborate with design engineering, reliability, quality, and sourcing to resolve materials challenges during design, validation, and production. Drive continuous improvement by researching new materials, coatings, and emerging surface‑engineering technologies. Create and Review Milwaukee Tool plating standards and specifications.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Materials Science, Chemistry, Metallurgical Engineering , or related field.
3+ years of experience in metallurgical analysis, materials testing, or manufacturing support.
Hands‑on proficiency with optical microscopy, microhardness testing, metallography, and standard failure analysis practices.
Working knowledge of metal forming, machining, heat treatment, and plating processes.
Ability to interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, and materials specifications.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present technical insights to cross‑functional teams.
High personal drive, ownership mentality, and the ability to operate independently.

Nice To Haves

Experience with SEM/EDS, XRF coating thickness measurement, or similar advanced characterization techniques.
Background working with terminals, connectors, stamped metal components, or high‑current metallic interfaces.
Familiarity with corrosion testing, surface treatments, and plating performance drivers.
Experience supporting supplier development or resolving supplier‑related material issues.
Experience with CQI-11.
Ability for foreign and domestic travel up to 10% of the time.

Responsibilities

Perform metallurgical evaluations including sectioning, mounting, polishing, microstructural analysis, hardness testing, and failure analysis.
Interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, and metallurgical specifications to assess conformance and material performance for production and prototype components.
Guide design teams on drawing requirements and callouts to achieve product quality and control.
Support design teams in the development of terminals, connectors, busbars, and other metallic interfaces , optimizing for conductivity, durability, formability, and manufacturability.
Recommend plating systems (e.g., nickel, tin, silver, zinc) based on corrosion resistance, conductivity, wear, cost, and process capability.
Investigate plating and surface‑finish issues—such as adhesion defects, porosity, corrosion, or wear failures—and drive root‑cause problem solving with suppliers and cross‑functional teams.
Select and apply appropriate material test methods (ASTM, ISO, internal procedures) and guide engineering requesters on test planning.
Prepare professional engineering reports with clear conclusions and actionable recommendations.
Manage multiple materials investigations with minimal supervision in a dynamic, rapidly changing environment.
Collaborate with design engineering, reliability, quality, and sourcing to resolve materials challenges during design, validation, and production.
Drive continuous improvement by researching new materials, coatings, and emerging surface‑engineering technologies.
Create and Review Milwaukee Tool plating standards and specifications.