Distinguished Engineer, Materials SME

HARMAN’s engineers and designers are creative, purposeful and agile. As part of this team, you’ll combine your technical expertise with innovative ideas to help drive cutting-edge solutions in the car, enterprise and connected ecosystem. Every day, you will push the boundaries of creative design, and HARMAN is committed to providing you with the opportunities, innovative technologies and resources to build a successful career.

A Career at HARMAN

As a technology leader that is rapidly on the move, HARMAN is filled with people who are focused on making life better. Innovation, inclusivity and teamwork are a part of our DNA. When you add that to the challenges we take on and solve together, you’ll discover that at HARMAN you can grow, make a difference and be proud of the work you do everyday.

Introduction: A Career at HARMAN Automotive

We’re a global, multi-disciplinary team that’s putting the innovative power of technology to work and transforming tomorrow. At HARMAN Automotive, we give you the keys to fast-track your career.

• Engineer audio systems and integrated technology platforms that augment the driving experience
• Combine ingenuity, in-depth research, and a spirit of collaboration with design and engineering excellence
• Advance in-vehicle infotainment, safety, efficiency, and enjoyment

About the Role

This Materials Expert position will work in the global Car Audio speaker engineering team and will be responsible for the selection, specification, development, and validation of materials used in automotive loudspeakers and components. This role applies strong analytical and problem‑solving skills to identify root causes of material-related failures, optimize material composition and processing, and ensure performance, durability, and cost targets are met. The Materials Expert develops and maintains material specifications, evaluates material properties and compliance with industry and regulatory standards, and collaborates cross‑functionally with engineering, manufacturing, quality, and suppliers to resolve material issues and support product development / performance throughout the vehicle lifecycle. This position plays a critical role in producing high‑quality loudspeaker products through data‑driven material decisions.

What You Will Do

• Define, develop, and maintain material specifications to ensure compliance with engineering requirements, industry standards, regulatory requirements, and customer specifications
• Evaluate material composition, properties, and processing parameters to optimize performance, durability, manufacturability, and cost
• Support product development by selecting appropriate metals, polymers, composites, adhesives, coatings, etc.... for automotive applications based on functional and environmental requirements
• Lead material‑related problem solving by investigating material failures, quality issues, and performance gaps using root cause analysis and data‑driven methodologies
• Coordinate material validation activities, including laboratory testing, supplier data review, and production trials, to ensure materials meet design intent
• Collaborate cross‑functionally with design, manufacturing, quality, and purchasing teams to resolve material‑related issues across the product lifecycle
• Translate lessons learned into actionable best practices, design guidelines, standards, and technical recommendations
• Interface with suppliers to review material formulations, process changes, and certifications, ensuring material consistency and traceability
• Analyze warranty, field, and production data to identify trends and implement corrective actions related to material performance
• Ensure materials comply with applicable automotive standards and regulations (e.g., OEM specifications, environmental and safety requirements)
• Participate as part of the material science and Sustainability consultant team for global applications

What You Need to Be Successful

• Master’s degree in Materials Science, Metallurgical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline
• A minimum of ten years of related experience and accomplishments demonstrated in materials testing
• Proven ability to analyze technical data and translate findings into practical recommendations
• A thorough understanding of organic and inorganic materials including adhesives, coatings, polymers, ceramic composites, etc....
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly document and present lessons learned and best practices at all organizational levels

Bonus Points if You Have

• PhD in Materials Science or a related field
• Working knowledge of the OEM customers’ specifications, requirements & expectations
• Background and experience of / in automotive loudspeakers
• Familiarity with industry standards (e.g., ASTM, ISO, SAE) and regulatory requirements
• Background in manufacturing processes, supplier quality, or product lifecycle management

What Makes You Eligible

• Be willing to travel up to 10%, domestic and international
• Be willing to work in the R&D Center in Novi, Michigan (US) or Suzhou, CN

What We Offer

• Flexible work environment, allowing for hybrid work one day per week for positions that can be performed outside a HARMAN or customer location.
• Access to employee discounts on world-class Harman (JBL, HARMAN Kardon, AKG, etc.)
• Extensive training opportunities through our own HARMAN University
• Competitive wellness benefits
• Access to HARMAN Campus Fitness Center and Cafeteria
• “Be Brilliant” employee recognition and rewards program
• An inclusive and diverse work environment that fosters and encourages professional and personal development

HARMAN is proud to be an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.