Materials Engineer

The Material Science Engineer will
•    Work with mostly ferrous materials and, occasionally, polymers
•    Provide failure analysis, new product evaluations, and product testing 
•    Provide technical support for operations personnel 
•    Perform on-site investigations/testing 
•    Provide data analytics (Python)
•    Operate/maintain laboratory equipment and shop machinery 
•    Participate on various industry committees and advisory groups

Principal Duties
-    Process projects through complete failure analysis cycle:  document incoming material, develop failure analysis plan, prepare samples for various tests (chemical, mechanical, metallographic), analyze data and write summary report. 
-    Operate and maintain laboratory equipment, machine equipment, and supplies: spectrograph, hardness testers (Brinell, Vickers, Rockwell, Durometer), optical microscopes, metallographic mounting press, MTS Cycle Testing equipment, mounting press, polishing/grinding stations, chemicals, etchants, band saw, abrasive cut-off saw, swisher/grinder, and fork truck. 
-    Possess ability to apply engineering knowledge to railroad operations to achieve project objectives. 
-    Provide technical expertise to solve problems related to premature failures, production, welding, heat treatment, safety, and quality. 
-    Provide failure analysis and expert investigation pertaining to incidents, which may or may not include litigation.  The incumbent must resolve questions of manufacturers’ responsibility in premature service failures, as well as determine whether structural components of equipment or track contributed to derailments.
-    Design and conduct field tests to evaluate real world environment for railroad components (including but not limited to rolling stock, maintenance of way, and fixed facilities).
-    Provide organized, documented, traceable laboratory work with a subsequent written report that is well-documented, factual, concise, grammatically correct, and presented in a logical format.
-    Respond to customer needs in a timely manner and meet departmental deadlines on project work. 
-    Interface on technical issues with all levels of Norfolk Southern management, Norfolk Southern field personnel, and representatives of other railroads and of the rail supply industry. 
-    Provide non-destructive testing (NDT) expertise 
-    Represent Norfolk Southern on technical committees and advisory groups.
-    Must be willing to travel as required.