Durability/Reliability Scientist
About the Role: We are looking for a Durability/Reliability Scientist to join the Fabrics US Product Development team who will focus on understanding the impact of raw materials, process, and composite design on the durability of final product performance. We are seeking someone with a solid technical background, strong hands-on ability, and experience working in global teams. The role will focus on understanding reliability in end use conditions, analyzing field failures, and the development of new test methods to mimic and accelerate those failures in the lab. The Associate will partner with global product development teams, lab team members, and cross-functional stakeholders to develop discrete material and product verification methods, verify new products are fit for use, and drive root cause investigations.
This position will be located at our facility in Elkton, Maryland, with the possibility of a hybrid remote work arrangement, depending upon the responsibilities of the role and business needs.
Responsibilities:
- Identify relevant in-use product failure mechanisms and associated root cause(s)
- Leverage existing tests and modify/develop test methods to detect, mimic, and accelerate product changes over time
- Utilize scientific method and engineering principles to understand product performance durability as functions of materials, processing, design, and product end use
- Work globally with cross-functional teams to support new innovations, commercialization of new raw materials and products, as well as existing commercial products
- Educate Gore associates, customers, consumers, and industry organizations regarding product durability test methods and metrics
Required Qualifications:
- Minimum of a PhD in in materials science and engineering, polymer science and engineering, mechanical engineering, biomechanical engineering, or related field; OR Master’s Degree in one of the above fields with a minimum of 3 years of experience in materials analysis/evaluation
- Hands-on experience with mechanical testing and method development
- Strong knowledge of material and composite property testing and characterization, with an emphasis on mechanical behavior (material deformation, fracture, and fatigue)
- Demonstrated experience in forensics/failure mode analysis
- Demonstrated skill in rapidly assessing complex technical challenges, applying creative problem solving skills, and building an effective course of action
- Demonstrated skill in translating complex ideas into understandable concepts for technically-diverse audiences
- Demonstrated ability to identify knowledge gaps and opportunities to advance understanding/capabilities (in alignment with business needs and priorities) and gain support to drive efforts
- Demonstrated ability to own, drive and manage complex projects to completion effectively within small, diverse teams
- Ability to connect field durability data to lab results through application/development of mechanistic understanding
- Ability to travel up to 10%
Desired Qualifications:
- Experience with Polyethylene, polyurethane, and/or laminate characterization
- Experience working with external agencies/standards committees on method standardization
- Experience with flexible composites, polymers and/or adhesives
This position requires access to export-controlled areas and information. Candidates must be "U.S. persons" as that term is defined in 8 USC §1324b(a)(3). The term "U.S. persons" includes resident aliens ("green-card" holders) as well as certain refugees, asylum-holders and residents qualifying for temporary residence under the terms of 8 USC §1255a.
Hybrid Working Arrangements are permitted for Associates in the continental United States (US) and Canada, with appropriate approval and compliance with Gore’s hybrid working policies, from the country in which they are employed.
What We Offer: Our success is based on the capability and creativity of our Associates, and we are proud to offer a comprehensive and competitive total rewards program that supports your everyday and helps you build your tomorrow.
We provide benefits that offer choice and flexibility and promote overall well-being. And in keeping with our belief that every Associate should share in the collective success of the enterprise; we provide a distinctive Associate Stock Ownership Plan in each country as well as potential opportunities for “profit-sharing”. Learn more at gore.com/careers/benefits
We believe in the strength of a diverse and inclusive workplace. With diverse perspectives, ideas and experiences, we uncover new possibilities and make a greater impact in the world. We are proud of Associates for building on our rich history of innovation, upholding our values and supporting an inclusive work environment where we treat each other and our external partners with fairness, dignity and respect.
Gore is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome all applications irrespective of race, color, religion, sex, gender, national origin, ancestry, age, status as a qualified individual with a disability, genetic information, pregnancy status, medical condition, marital status, sexual orientation, status as a covered veteran, gender identity and expression, and any other characteristic protected by applicable laws and regulations.
Gore is committed to a drug-free workplace. All employment is contingent upon successful completion of drug and background screening. Gore will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, e.g., arrest and conviction records, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable laws.
Gore requires all applicants to be eligible to work within the U.S. Gore generally will not sponsor visas unless otherwise noted on the position description.
Our Talent Acquisition Team welcomes your questions at gore.com/careers/contact