Scientist – Thermal Management Materials

About the Company

Talent Connection's client is a leader in manufacturing technology, specializing in thermal management materials for high-power semiconductor applications. They are at the forefront of advanced material innovation, developing porous tungsten composites, diamond, and graphite-based solutions to enhance performance and reliability.

Scientist – Thermal Management Materials

Location: Watsonville, CA
Position Type: Full-Time
Education Level: Graduate Degree (MS/PhD preferred)
Salary Range: $91,000 - $105,000
Travel: Up to 25%
Industry: Manufacturing Technology

About the Role

We are seeking a Scientist to join the Thermal Management Division, working closely with the Technology Manager to lead materials research, process development, and product innovation. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in materials science, metallurgy, and process engineering with hands-on expertise in analytical testing and manufacturing.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct research and development on thermal management materials, focusing on porous tungsten composites, diamond, and graphite-based solutions.

• Innovate manufacturing processes to improve material performance, yield, and cost-efficiency.

• Utilize advanced testing and characterization techniques such as SEM/EDX, metallography, XRF, thermomechanical analysis, and optical profilometry.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams in Quality, Process Engineering, and Business Development to drive product advancements.

• Partner with external research labs and the parent company's R&D team to expand testing capabilities.

• Benchmark against competitors to improve product quality, throughput, and waste reduction.

• Support customer interactions, business development efforts, and industry events to showcase technology advancements.

• Manage engineering projects, competitive analysis, failure mode analysis (FMEA), and Design of Experiments (DOE).

Required Qualifications

• PhD/MS in Materials Science, Engineering, Chemistry, or Physics (or a Bachelor’s degree with significant industry experience).

• Expertise in powder metallurgy, thin film deposition, solid-state synthesis, and material characterization.

• Hands-on experience with vacuum systems, plating, machining, and inspection metrology.

• Strong understanding of thermomechanical/material testing and troubleshooting complex systems.

• Proficiency in DOE, SPC, and failure analysis methodologies.

• Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills.

• Ability to work independently while excelling in a collaborative, cross-departmental environment.

This is an exciting opportunity to lead cloud innovation at a major retailer while shaping the future of their technology infrastructure

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary: $91,000 - $105,000 per year.

• Full benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, and 401(k) with employer match.

• Professional growth opportunities through industry conferences, external research collaborations, and publications.

• Work-life balance with flexible scheduling and occasional remote work options.

Application Details

Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship. This company participates in E-Verify.

Interested? Apply today!