Principal Engineer, ME Material SME

HARMANs engineers and designers are creative purposeful and agile. As part of this team youll combine your technical expertise with innovative ideas to help drive cutting-edge solutions in the car enterprise and connected ecosystem. Every day you will push the boundaries of creative design and HARMAN is committed to providing you with the opportunities innovative technologies and resources to build a successful career.

A Career at HARMAN

As a technology leader that is rapidly on the move HARMAN is filled with people who are focused on making life better. Innovation inclusivity and teamwork are a part of our DNA. When you add that to the challenges we take on and solve together youll discover that at HARMAN you can grow make a difference and be proud of the work you do everyday.

A Career at HARMAN Automotive

Were a global multi-disciplinary team thats putting the innovative power of technology to work and transforming tomorrow. At HARMAN Automotive we give you the keys to fast-track your career.

• Engineer audio systems and integrated technology platforms that augment the driving experience.
• Combine ingenuity in-depth research and a spirit of collaboration with design and engineering excellence.
• Advance in-vehicle infotainment safety efficiency and enjoyment.

About the Role

We are seeking a highly skilled Material Subject Matter Expert with deep expertise in thermal interface materials (TIM) cooling-related materials and mechanical materials. The ideal candidate will play a critical role in material selection testing evaluation and verification to ensure optimal performance in thermal management and mechanical applications.

What You Will Do

• Material Expertise: Lead selection validation and integration of thermal interface materials (TIMs) cooling solutions and mechanical components into product designs.
• Testing & Research: Conduct comprehensive TIM testing (thermal conductivity reliability performance) and research degradation mechanisms (e.g. aging cracking pump-out outgassing bleeding) under thermal and mechanical stresses.
• Standards & Protocols: Develop and execute material evaluation and verification protocols aligned with industry standards; ensure documentation meets design performance and reliability requirements.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with mechanical thermal electrical manufacturing (AME) test quality and supplier engineering teams to support new product development and projects.
• Technical Leadership: Provide guidance on material properties performance trade-offs and cost optimization; participate in creating common work practices and design standards.
• Innovation & Foresight: Stay updated on emerging materials and technologies; anticipate technology opportunities and contribute to systematic standards development in thermal management.
• Expert Role: Act as the lead authority for all TIM-related engineering activities across projects.

What You Need to Be Successful

• Bachelors or Masters degree in Materials Science or chemical science or mechanical engineering or related field.
• 5 years of experience in material engineering with a focus on thermal interface materials and cooling-related materials.
• Expertise in material science with emphasis on Silicones.
• Proven expertise in TIM material testing evaluation and verification.
• Strong understanding of mechanical material properties and their application in hardware design.
• Hands-on experience with material characterization tools and techniques (e.g. thermal conductivity measurement reliability testing).
• Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to work in a collaborative environment.
• Knowledge/ use of various analysis / FEA methodologies.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Excellent English language skills.
• Good office software skills especially powerpoint presentation skill.

Bonus Points if You Have

• Experience in electronics cooling and thermal management solutions.
• Familiarity with industry standards for material testing and qualification.
• Knowledge of advanced materials for high-performance applications.
• Working knowledge of the OEM customers expectations and requirements.
• Detail-oriented demonstrated ability from theoretical to implementation-based thinking.
• Strong analytical skills.
• Proactive anticipates issues and makes decisions to address issues before they arise.

What Makes You Eligible

• Be willing to travel up to 15% of domestic and international travel.
• Be willing to work in the R&D Center in Shanghai China.
• Successfully complete a background investigation and drug screen as a condition of employment.

What We Offer

• Flexible work environment allowing for full-time remote work one day per week for positions that can be performed outside a HARMAN or customer location.
• Access to employee discounts on world-class Harman (JBL HARMAN Kardon AKG etc.).
• Extensive training opportunities through our own HARMAN University.
• Competitive wellness benefits.
• Access to HARMAN Campus Fitness Center and Cafeteria.
• Be Brilliant employee recognition and rewards program.
• An inclusive and diverse work environment that fosters and encourages professional and personal development.

HARMAN is proud to be an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard torace religion color national origin gender (including pregnancy childbirth or related medical conditions) sexual orientation gender identity gender expression age status as a protected veteran status as an individual with a disability or other applicable legally protected characteristics.