Materials Integrator
Bolingbrook, IL - USA
Job Summary
Material Integrator
The Materials Integrator is responsible for developing next-generation materials and other NPD projects in the power grid industry. This role supports phased NPD programs from lab screening through preparation testing and production scale-up and partners with Operations Quality Supply Chain and external suppliers to deliver compounded epoxy systems that meet evolving performance processing and regulatory requirements.
As a Materials Integrator you will:
- Lead projects associated with new epoxy formulations across BPA BPF and cycloaliphatic resin systems with anhydride and amine hardeners including filler selection and optimization.
- Direct phased development programs from lab screening through preparation testing and production scaleup.
- Define and execute test plans covering rheology reactivity gel time viscosity exotherm shrinkage DSC postcure Tg DMA tensile and dielectric properties; apply advanced characterization (SEM FT-IR XRD etc.) as needed for structure-property analysis.
- Establish and refine standard cure cycles for production; drive root-cause analysis on field returns process deviations and material non-conformances using DOE and structured statistical problem-solving.
- Foster a culture of safety scientific rigor and continuous improvement; conduct performance reviews and identify training needs.
- Support NPD project timelines milestones and deliverables for multi-year programs across multiple product generations.
- Coordinate with Manufacturing Quality Supply Chain and external suppliers to qualify materials secondary sources and compounding partners.
- Manage trials on R&D ring-lines and production NPD presses; coordinate scale-up from lab batches to tote quantities; lead manufacturing readiness from concept through production ramp driving yield scrap reduction and cost savings.
- Present technical results risk assessments and recommendations to engineering and executive stakeholders.
- Maintain supplier engagement for resins hardeners fillers and compounding services; drive qualification of secondary sources and supplier transitions.
- Partner with Procurement on raw material specifications COA testing and FIFO inventory practices.
- Support JDE and other ERP systems as they relate to material qualification and release.
- Ensure all formulations meet internal specifications customer requirements and applicable industry standards (IEEE IEC ASTM UL where relevant).
- Author and maintain technical documentation: formulation records test methods work instructions and validation reports.
- Support change control MOC and APQP/PPAP activities for new product introductions; lead capital projects including equipment selection implementation and qualification for lab and pilot-line automation.
- Partner with operations engineering quality and maintenance teams to integrate formulation requirements into process design and changes.
- Prepare technical metrics project reports and presentations for management.
- Promote a proactive culture of safety quality and innovation across all levels of the organization
We are looking for someone who has:
- Minimum of a Masters degree in Chemistry Chemical Engineering Polymer Science Materials Science or related field (required); PhD strongly preferred.
- 7 years of experience in thermoset polymer formulation or materials engineering with at least 3 years working with epoxy systems for electrical or electronic applications OR equivalent experience leading NPI programs from concept through production ramp in a regulated manufacturing environment.
- 2 years of formal or informal project leadership experience strongly preferred.
- Demonstrated track record of taking formulations from lab development through production scale-up.
- Hands-on expertise with epoxy chemistry: resin-hardener stoichiometry filler-resin interactions cure kinetics and structure-property relationships.
- Familiarity with epoxy systems for medium- or high-voltage electrical apparatus preferred (e.g. transformers switchgear sensor housings).
- Able to effectively communicate (verbal written presentations) across all levels of the organization.
- Proficiency with thermal analysis (DSC DMA TGA) rheology and electrical testing; familiarity with advanced characterization techniques (XPS SEM FT-IR XRD GISAXS AFM) preferred.
- Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple concurrent NPD projects; demonstrated ability to apply DOE statistical analysis and data-driven decision-making to engineering problems.
- Proven experience with computers; Microsoft Office Microsoft Project and ERP systems (JDE or equivalent); experience with data analysis tools (Python JMP or similar) preferred.
What we offer you:
Typical pay is $annually.
Please note the pay information shown above is a general guideline. Pay is based upon candidate skills experience and qualifications.
This position is eligible for participation in our Quarterly Incentive Pay Program
G&W Electric offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
- Medical Dental and Vision Insurance
- Short and Long-Term Disability
- Life Insurance
- Health club membership program and reimbursement
- Employee Assistance Program
- Tuition Reimbursement
- 401 (k)
- Annual Profit Sharing
- Vacation
- Air-conditioned/heated state-of-the-art manufacturing facility
About G&W Electric
Innovating since 1905 G&W Electric has grown into a global leader in engineered electrical power grid solutions. Working with us means joining a worldwide team of passionate manufacturing professionals striving to continually improve the technologies the world depends on to deliver safe reliable electricity. Our culture is focused on employee success so we foster an entrepreneurial environment that encourages everyone to thrive.
G&W Electric is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. All employees and applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age color disability gender national origin race religion sexual orientation gender identity protected veteran status or any other classification protected by federal state or local law. G&W Electric participates in the E-Verify process for all new hires.
*G&W Electric participates in the E-Verify process for all new hires.
VEVRAA Federal Contractor
About Company
Global leader in power grid solutions, advanced switchgear, reclosers, automation & distribution products. Engineering intelligent power for utilities & industry.