Materials Engineer-Research & Development

H.C. Starck Solutions

$90K — $125K *
Manufacturing & Automotive
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Materials Science, Metallurgical Engineering, Materials Engineering, or related field
  • Manufacturing engineering experience in a production environment required
  • Strong understanding of metallurgy and materials characterization
  • Experience with root cause analysis and continuous improvement methodologies
  • Hands-on mindset with excellent analytical and troubleshooting skills
  • Experience with Lean Manufacturing principles preferred
  • Knowledge of powder metallurgy or refractory metals is highly desirable
  • Excellent communication and project management skills

Responsibilities

  • Lead research and development initiatives for refractory metal products and processes
  • Serve as technical owner for assigned manufacturing equipment, ensuring performance and quality
  • Develop and optimize manufacturing processes and equipment controls
  • Conduct material testing, analyze results, and recommend improvements
  • Partner with various teams to support operations and troubleshoot issues
  • Lead projects focused on capacity increase and cost reduction
  • Provide hands-on support to manufacturing while promoting continuous improvement

Benefits

  • Benefits starting from day 1, including medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • Work with leading manufacturers of advanced refractory metal products
  • Collaborate with engineers and scientists on challenging projects
  • Opportunity to lead process development and product innovation
  • Comprehensive benefits package including 401(k) with company match, paid time off, and tuition assistance
Full Job Description


Our Lewiston, Maine facility is home to advanced materials research, process development, and manufacturing innovation. We are seeking a Research & Development Materials Engineer who is passionate about metallurgy, materials science, and manufacturing technology to help develop the next generation of products and processes.

Position Overview

We are seeking a Research & Development (R&D) Materials Engineer to join our Engineering team at our Lewiston, Maine facility.

This role supports research and development, manufacturing, new product introduction, and continuous process improvement through technical leadership and hands-on engineering support. The successful candidate will work closely with Production, Quality, Engineering, and Product Development teams to optimize manufacturing processes, develop new materials and alloys, troubleshoot technical challenges, and lead projects that improve product performance, manufacturing capability, and operational efficiency.

This position offers the opportunity to work with advanced refractory metals and cutting-edge manufacturing technologies supporting aerospace, defense, semiconductor, and other high-performance industries.

Requirements

Key Responsibilities
  • Lead research, development, and continuous improvement initiatives for refractory metal products, materials, and manufacturing processes.
  • Serve as the technical owner for assigned manufacturing equipment and processes, ensuring consistent performance, product quality, and process capability.
  • Develop, validate, and optimize manufacturing processes, work instructions, equipment controls, and material specifications.
  • Design and conduct material testing, analyze results, investigate failures, and recommend process or product improvements using data-driven engineering principles.
  • Partner with Production, Quality, Planning, and Product Development teams to support manufacturing operations, troubleshoot technical issues, and successfully launch new products.
  • Lead engineering projects focused on increasing capacity, improving quality, reducing costs, and supporting future business growth through process and capital improvements.
  • Provide hands-on technical support to manufacturing personnel while maintaining accurate engineering documentation and promoting continuous improvement.

What Success Looks Like
  • Successful development and implementation of new materials, products, and manufacturing processes
  • Improved manufacturing capability, product quality, and operational efficiency
  • Timely resolution of technical challenges affecting production
  • Strong collaboration across Engineering, Production, Quality, and Product Development
  • Well-managed engineering projects completed safely, on time, and within scope
  • Continuous improvements that enhance process capability, product performance, and customer satisfaction

Ideal Candidate Profile
  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Materials Science, Metallurgical Engineering, Materials Engineering, or a related field
  • Manufacturing engineering experience in a production environment required
  • Strong understanding of metallurgy, materials characterization, and manufacturing process development
  • Experience with root cause analysis, statistical problem solving, and continuous improvement methodologies
  • Hands-on engineering mindset with excellent analytical and troubleshooting skills
  • Experience with Lean Manufacturing principles preferred
  • Knowledge of powder metallurgy, thermo-mechanical processing, rolling, wire drawing, swaging, or refractory metals is highly desirable
  • Excellent communication, project management, and cross-functional collaboration skills
  • Must meet ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations) employment requirements

Why Join Elmet Technologies
  • Benefits Starting from Day 1, including medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • Work with one of the world's leading manufacturers of advanced refractory metal products
  • Develop innovative materials and manufacturing technologies used in aerospace, defense, semiconductor, and energy applications
  • Collaborate with experienced engineers, scientists, and manufacturing professionals on challenging technical projects
  • Opportunity to lead process development, product innovation, and continuous improvement initiatives
  • Competitive salary, annual bonus opportunity, 401(k) with company match, paid time off, paid holidays, tuition assistance, career development opportunities, and a comprehensive benefits package designed to support you and your family

Search Process Note

The Elmet Group is managing this search directly and is not accepting submissions from outside recruitment firms.

Salary Description

$90,000-$125,000

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