Materials Specialist
Not Disclosed•Full-TimeOn-site
location_on1194, Atlanta Way, Costa Mesa, Orange County, California, 92626, United States
About the Company
This organization is a leader in precision-engineered components and supply chain solutions for aerospace, defense, semiconductor, medical, and energy industries. With decades of technical expertise and a nationwide engineering and manufacturing network, the company helps partners improve product reliability, reduce risk, and maintain the highest quality standards.
About the Role
The Materials Specialist is a hands-on technical role responsible for the design, development, formulation, and testing of rubber and polymer materials used in custom-engineered products and assemblies. This position works directly with customers, suppliers, and internal manufacturing teams to scope new development projects, build and validate formulations, benchmark existing materials against new solutions, and optimize product performance to meet customer specifications.
This is a working technical seat, not a supervisory or delegating role. The ideal candidate is comfortable executing the lab work, running their own tests, building their own development plans, and driving projects forward without a large support staff. The position requires a junior-to-mid level technical contributor with strong rubber and polymer formulation experience who thrives in a small-team, customer-facing environment.
Location and Work Model
This is a full-time, on-site position based in Costa Mesa, California, United States. The role includes the ability and willingness to travel up to 20 percent to support customer meetings, field testing, and supplier visits.
Compensation and Culture
The company offers a competitive salary plus performance-based incentives, comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance options, and a 401(k) retirement plan with employer contributions. Additional perks include company-paid life and disability insurance, paid time off, an Employee Assistance Program, and a cell phone allowance. Employees benefit from career growth opportunities within a rapidly expanding organization.
Equal Opportunity
We are an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We consider qualified applicants regardless of background, race, religion, gender, or other protected characteristics.
Work location
Work model: On-site
1194, Atlanta Way, Costa Mesa, Orange County, California, 92626, United States
Costa Mesa, California
Key Responsibilities
- check_circleDesign and execute laboratory and field test plans to validate formulations
- check_circleWork directly with customers to gather technical requirements and scope projects
- check_circleBenchmark existing materials and competitor products against new solutions
- check_circleBuild and maintain standard testing and development plans for customer projects
- check_circlePartner with Sales, Marketing, and Operations to support scale-up and production
- check_circleSource, evaluate, and manage relationships with raw material suppliers and vendors
- check_circlePrepare technical reports and lead customer technical reviews
- check_circleExecute development projects within budget and schedule commitments
- check_circleDevelop new rubber and polymer formulations for product launches and improvements
Requirements
- verifiedBachelor's or Master's degree in Chemistry, Polymer Science, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or related technical discipline
- verified3+ years of hands-on experience at a rubber manufacturing or polymer compounding facility
- verifiedWorking knowledge of ASTM and ISO test methods for rubber and plastics
- verifiedProficiency with Microsoft Office
- verifiedAbility to travel up to 20 percent
Nice to Have
Background at a rubber manufacturer or polymer compounder such as Rubbercraft, Saint-Gobain, LA Rubber Group, Abbott, or similar custom rubber and elastomer organization. Experience supporting aerospace, defense, industrial, or OEM customer programs.
Benefits & Perks
check_circleComprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance optionscheck_circleCompany-paid life, AD&D, and long-term disability insurancecheck_circle401(k) retirement plan with employer contributionscheck_circlePaid time off and company holidays starting upon hireEmployee Assistance Program (EAP)
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Skills, education and keywords
Skills: Chemistry, Polymer Science, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Rubber Manufacturing, Polymer Compounding, Rubber Formulation, Elastomer Formulation, Molded Rubber Product Development, Astm Test Methods.
Education: Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Polymer Science, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or related technical discipline required; Master's degree in Chemistry, Polymer Science, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or related technical discipline required.
Frequently asked questions about Materials Specialist at Upgrade Resources
What does a Materials Specialist at Upgrade Resources do?expand_more
A Materials Specialist at Upgrade Resources is responsible for the following: Design and execute laboratory and field test plans to validate formulations; Work directly with customers to gather technical requirements and scope projects; Benchmark existing materials and competitor products against new solutions; and Build and maintain standard testing and development plans for customer projects.
What are the requirements for this Materials Specialist role?expand_more
To qualify for the Materials Specialist at Upgrade Resources position, applicants should have: Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemistry, Polymer Science, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or related technical discipline; 3+ years of hands-on experience at a rubber manufacturing or polymer compounding facility; Working knowledge of ASTM and ISO test methods for rubber and plastics; Proficiency with Microsoft Office; and Ability to travel up to 20 percent.
Where is the Materials Specialist role at Upgrade Resources located?expand_more
Materials Specialist at Upgrade Resources is based in 1194, Atlanta Way, Costa Mesa, Orange County, California, 92626, United States. This is a on-site role.
Is this Materials Specialist job remote, hybrid, or on-site?expand_more
Upgrade Resources has listed this Materials Specialist role as on-site.
How much experience is required for this Materials Specialist role?expand_more
Materials Specialist at Upgrade Resources typically requires 3+ years of relevant experience at the mid level level.
What skills do you need for the Materials Specialist role at Upgrade Resources?expand_more
Key skills for Materials Specialist at Upgrade Resources include Chemistry; Polymer Science; Materials Science; Chemical Engineering; Rubber Manufacturing; Polymer Compounding; Rubber Formulation; and Elastomer Formulation.
What education is required for Materials Specialist at Upgrade Resources?expand_more
Educational requirements for this role: Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Polymer Science, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or related technical discipline required; and Master's degree in Chemistry, Polymer Science, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or related technical discipline required.
What category does the Materials Specialist role belong to?expand_more
Materials Specialist at Upgrade Resources is part of the scientific & qa job category on Recrutus.