Advanced Materials Researcher

Littelfuse (NASDAQ: LFUS) is a diversified industrial technology manufacturing company shaping solutions for the safe and efficient transfer of electrical energy. Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, USA, we serve customers across industrial, transportation, and electronics markets worldwide. With approximately 16,000 employees we design and manufacture innovative technologies that support electrification, energy efficiency, and advanced automation. Our global reach is matched by a culture that empowers innovation and long-term growth. Guided by our principles We Care, We Succeed With Our Customers, and We Own the Outcome, we work collaboratively, think boldly, and deliver solutions that move industries forward.

Littelfuse is a diversified industrial technology manufacturing company empowering a sustainable, connected, and safer world. Across more than 20 countries, and with approximately 16,000 global associates, we partner with customers to design and deliver innovative, reliable solutions. Serving more than 100,000 end customers, our products are found in various industrial, transportation, and electronics end markets – everywhere, every day. Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, United States, Littelfuse has been driving innovation and technology and building communities for over 95 years.

Reporting to R&D Manager, you will work as an Advanced Materials Researcher and will be responsible for developing materials that redefine the thermal and electrical performance applied to fuses. This role involves hand-on material development, process engineering, and collaboration with cross-functional teams to deliver high-performance materials that meet stringent quality and performance standards of Littelfuse, Inc.

About the Job:

• Design and develop advanced materials (metals, polymers, ceramics and composites) with tailored thermal, electrical, and mechanical properties.

• Explore and evaluate novel material systems, additives, and processing routes.

• Define and execute material characterization plans (thermal, electrical, mechanical, and microstructural).

• Analyze failure modes and performance limitations to drive material improvements.

• Lead the development and optimization of compounding processes to achieve consistent material properties and performance.

• Ensure materials meet industry standards and application-specific requirements.

• Translate lab-scale formulations into scalable and manufacturable processes.

• Effectively apply project management fundamentals, including costing, scheduling, and resource management to meet project goals.

• Lead and collaborate with cross-functional teams and external partners to bring concepts to reality.

• Partner with Procurement and Product teams to validate and industrialize new materials.

• Document technical findings and contribute to intellectual property and internal knowledge development.

Requirements:

• Education: PhD in Chemistry, Materials, Physics, Semiconductors or similar is preferable.

• 4+ years of experience in materials, 5+ years preferable.

• Track record of being able to drive innovation and advanced R&D projects.

• 3+ years of experience in Circuit Protection preferably.

• Experience with scaling materials from R&D to initial manufacturing phases is desirable.

• Familiar with basic material characterization techniques of materials, such techniques (e.g., DSC, TGA, FTIR, SEM).

• Expertise in design of experiments (DoE).

• Manufacturing process capability development is desirable.

• Ability to work in fast-paced and project focused environments.

• Teamwork effectiveness and communication skills required.

• Fluent English (>70%) writing, reading and conversational.

• Self-directed.

Join Littelfuse and support us in our mission to improve the safety, reliability, efficiency, and performance of our customers’ products and systems by growing and developing in a culture of ongoing collaboration and respect for diverse global perspectives and expertise. We take pride giving every associate the means and encourage to make a difference – everywhere, every day!

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At Littelfuse, we support employee growth and development. Guided by our culture principles, our teams work together to deliver value for customers and make a positive impact in the communities where we operate. We are an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where everyone has the opportunity to grow and contribute. We offer competitive compensation and benefits, performance-based incentives, flexible work arrangements, and development opportunities.