Position: Materials Science Test Engineer
Location: Etters, PA
Amphenol High Speed Products Group develops high speed, high bandwidth electrical connectors for telecom and datacom applications, including servers, storage, routers, switches, and mobile networks. We are building a product test lab in Etters, Pennsylvania to support product qualifications and one off engineering tests. The lab will work with product development, signal integrity, manufacturing, quality, and sustaining engineering.
Position Summary:
Lead materials characterization and materials focused qualification support for connector products. The engineer examines polymer housings, metal terminals, contact finishes, and joints; identifies how processing and environmental exposure affect performance; and connects physical evidence to mechanical and electrical test results.
Responsibilities:
- Translate product requirements and engineering questions into documented test plans with clear sample definitions, acceptance criteria, controls, and reporting requirements.
- Own test setup and method development, including fixtures, instrument selection, calibration status, repeatability checks, and safe operation; partner with lab technicians on execution and sample preparation.
- Maintain traceable records of sample identity, conditions, raw data, calculations, deviations, and results. Analyze variation and communicate conclusions and limitations in qualification reports and concise engineering updates.
- Plan schedules and equipment capacity for qualification programs and urgent one off requests; coordinate cross discipline work without compromising data quality or lab safety.
- Investigate unexpected results, distinguish test artifacts from product behavior, and recommend follow up tests or design changes with the responsible engineers.
- Develop materials test plans for polymers, metals, plating and contact finishes, solder joints, and adhesives or potting materials relevant to connector products.
- Perform or direct sample preparation and characterization such as sectioning, mounting, polishing, optical microscopy, metallography, dimensional measurements, and hardness testing; select additional methods such as SEM/EDS, DSC, or TGA when justified and available.
- Evaluate changes from thermal cycling, humidity, reflow, corrosion or other product specific exposures, including cracking, creep, plating wear, oxidation, and interfacial degradation.
- Define sampling and acceptance criteria with design, quality, and supplier teams; interpret material and process variation and support failure analysis with documented observations and evidence.
- Work with mechanical and electrical test engineers to correlate microstructure and material condition with force, deformation, resistance, and durability results.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Materials Science and Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, Polymer Engineering, or a closely related field.
- At least 3 years of relevant experience in materials testing, characterization, product qualification, or failure analysis; connector or electronics experience preferred.
- Working knowledge of polymer behavior, metallic alloys, surface finishes, and common laboratory preparation and microscopy methods.
- Ability to select appropriate characterization methods, document observations, interpret specifications and data, and write clear technical reports.
- Strong organization, independent judgment, and ability to work with technicians and cross functional engineering teams.
Physical Requirements:
Hands on sample preparation and use of laboratory tools and instruments, including work with approved laboratory chemicals under established safety procedures. Frequent microscopy and computer work. Ability to handle test articles and equipment components up to 50 lb, with appropriate assistance or lifting equipment when needed.