Advanced R&D Engr/Scientist
About The Position
The Advanced R&D Engineer/Scientist is a key technical contributor responsible for developing and optimizing electrochemical processes that support high-purity copper and other metals used to manufacture PVD sputtering targets. The role leads complex development projects from concept through laboratory validation, pilot-scale evaluation, and implementation in manufacturing. It works with R&D, Engineering, Operations, Quality, Commercial teams, customers, and external partners to develop process solutions, resolve technical challenges, support product commercialization, and advance Solstice’s electrochemical processing capabilities. The position is located in Spokane, Washington, and reports directly to the Senior R&D Manager. The role covers electrorefining, electrowinning, electroplating, metal recovery, and related technologies. It involves designing and analyzing experiments at laboratory, pilot, and production scales; developing process improvements; supporting technology transfer, scale-up, qualification, troubleshooting, and corrective actions; and contributing to process design, procedures, equipment specifications, and controls. The engineer or scientist also evaluates materials and process performance using analytical and characterization techniques, identifies opportunities for cost, yield, and product improvements, and provides technical support across manufacturing and service teams. The position collaborates with universities, suppliers, laboratories, and other external partners; produces technical reports and presentations; and may contribute to invention disclosures, patents, and technical publications. It also provides technical guidance to junior staff and monitors developments in electrochemistry, metal refining, and electronic materials.
Requirements
- 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.
Nice To Haves
- Master’s or Ph.D. degree with relevant industrial or research experience.
- 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.
Responsibilities
- Lead and execute R&D projects involving electrorefining, electrowinning, electroplating, metal recovery, and related electrochemical technologies.
- Design, conduct, and analyze laboratory-, pilot-, 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.
Benefits
- Employer-subsidized medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.
- Short-term and long-term disability.
- 401(k) match.
- Flexible Spending Accounts and Health Savings Accounts.
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
- Educational assistance.
- Parental leave.
- Paid time off for vacation, personal business, sick time, and parental leave.
- 12 paid holidays.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
