Job DescriptionThe Advanced R&D Engineer/Scientist serves as a key technical contributor responsible for developing and optimizing electrochemical processes supporting high-purity copper and other metals required for the manufacturing of PVD sputtering Targets. This role leads complex development projects from concepts through laboratory validation, pilot-scale evaluation, and manufacturing implementation. Working closely with R&D, Engineering, Operations, Quality, Commercial teams, customers, and external partners, the position develops innovative process solutions, solves technical challenges, supports product commercialization, and contributes to the advancement of Solstice electrochemical processing capabilities. This position reports directly to senior R&D manager, and will be located at our Spokane, WA, USA.
Key Responsibilities- Lead and execute R&D projects involving electrorefining, electrowinning, electroplating, metal recovery, and related electrochemical technologies.
- Design, conduct, and analyze laboratory, pilot-scale, and production-scale experiments with minimal supervision.
- Develop technical hypotheses, experimental plans, and process improvements to address complex manufacturing challenges.
- Collaborate with Process Engineering, Quality, and Production teams to transfer new technologies into manufacturing.
- Support scale-up, process qualification, troubleshooting, root-cause analysis, and corrective actions.
- Contribute to process design, operating procedures, equipment specifications, and process control strategies.
- Apply analytical and characterization techniques to evaluate materials, impurities, electrolyte chemistry, and process performance.
- Identify opportunities for technology advancement, cost reduction, yield improvement, and product differentiation.
- Provide technical support to Quality, Manufacturing, and Technical Service teams regarding existing and new products.
- Collaborate with universities, suppliers, laboratories, and external partners on technology development efforts.
- Generate technical reports, presentations, invention disclosures, patents, and technical publications.
- Provide technical guidance to junior engineers, scientists, interns, and technicians while supporting knowledge-sharing initiatives.
- Monitor emerging technologies and industry trends related to electrochemistry, metal refining, and electronic materials.
QualificationsMust Have- Bachelor's degree in chemical engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, Materials Science, Electrochemistry, Chemistry, or a related technical discipline.
- Minimum 8 years of industrial R&D, process development, product development, or manufacturing experience.
- Strong knowledge of electrochemistry, electrowinning, electroplating, hydrometallurgy, or related metal purification technologies.
- Hands-on experience with electrochemical process development, experimental design, data analysis, and technical problem solving.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills and ability to work effectively within cross-functional teams.
- Demonstrated ability to lead technical workstreams, influence project decisions, and contribute to innovation through patents, publications, or technology implementation.
We Value- Master's or Ph.D. degree with relevant industrial or research experience preferred.
- Knowledge of high-purity copper production, impurity control, and contamination management.
- Experience scaling technologies from laboratory to pilot or manufacturing environments.
- Familiarity with analytical techniques such as ICP-OES/MS, GDMS, SEM/EDS, XRD, and spectroscopy.
- Experience with DOE, statistical analysis, process modeling, or data analytics.
- Strong project leadership, teamwork, interpersonal, and communication skills, with the ability to influence cross-functional teams and drive successful project outcomes.
- Ability to work independently and manage projects in a fast-paced environment.
COMPENSATIONThe annual base salary range for this position is
$112,468k - $140,074k. Please note that this salary information serves as a general guideline. Solstice Advanced Materials considers various factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to the scope and responsibilities or the position, the candidate's work experience, education and training, key skills, as well as market and business considerations.
BENEFITS OF WORKING FOR SOLSTICE ADVANCED MATERIALSIn addition to a competitive salary, leading-edge work, and developing solutions side-by-side with dedicated experts in their fields, Solstice Advanced Materials employees are eligible for a comprehensive benefits package. This package includes employer-subsidized Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance; Short-Term and Long-Term Disability; 401(k) match, Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Accounts, EAP, and Educational Assistance; Parental Leave, Paid Time Off (for vacation, personal business, sick time, and parental leave), and 12 Paid Holidays. For more information visit: click here
