Materials R&D Process Technician
About The Position
Antora Energy is seeking a Materials R&D Process Technician to join our materials development team at our vendor's [GrafTech] facility in St. Marys, PA. In this hands-on role, you will partner directly with engineers to execute high-temperature experiments using production scale furnaces and supporting experimental equipment — work that is central to developing the novel materials inside Antora's thermal energy storage systems. You will be responsible for setting up and running tests, operating instrumentation and data acquisition systems, and producing clear, thorough documentation of every experiment. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced hardware R&D environment, is meticulous about data quality, and takes pride in keeping experiments running smoothly.
Requirements
- Associate's degree or higher in a technical field (e.g., Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering Technology, Physics, Chemistry, or related discipline), or equivalent hands-on experience.
- 3+ years of experience working in a hardware R&D lab, test lab, or similar hands-on technical environment.
- Direct experience operating furnaces, kilns, ovens, or other high-temperature equipment.
- Familiarity with data acquisition systems (DAQs), instrumentation, and technical documentation.
- Strong documentation habits — comfortable maintaining lab notebooks, writing test reports, and organizing & summarizing data.
- Proficiency with spreadsheets, databases, and AI for basic data organization, plotting, and analysis.
- Detail-oriented, safety-conscious, and comfortable working independently once given clear direction.
- Ability to lift and handle lab samples and equipment (up to ~50 lbs).
- Willingness to be based full-time on site in St. Marys, Pa and work in covered, unconditioned, outdoor environments throughout the year.
Nice To Haves
- Experience with high-temperature materials such as carbon, graphite, ceramics, or refractory metals.
- Familiarity with interpreting engineering drawings and fixture designs.
- Experience with PLCs, Python, AI, or other tools for data acquisition or analysis.
- Exposure to Design of Experiments (DOE) methodology.
- Prior experience in a startup or fast-moving R&D environment.
- Familiarity with sample preparation techniques (cutting, grinding, polishing, mounting) using equipment such as table saws and bandsaws
Responsibilities
- Set up, operate, and monitor production scale furnaces and other high-temperature equipment according to test plans and procedures defined by engineers. Manage sample preparation, fixturing, and loading/unloading of test articles.
- Install, configure, and operate DAQ systems, thermocouples, and other sensors to capture temperature profiles, environmental conditions, and material response data during experiments.
- Maintain detailed experimental notebooks and digital test records for every experiment. Compile data summaries, charts, and observations into clear reports for the engineering team.
- Perform routine calibration, preventative maintenance, and minor repairs on instrumentation, and experimental tools. Flag equipment issues early and coordinate with vendors or internal teams for resolution.
- Keep the experimental area organized, stocked, and compliant with safety protocols. Track consumables and supplies. Support sample inventory and traceability.
- Follow all EH&S procedures for high-temperature work, chemical handling, and general safety. Participate in safety reviews and report hazards or near-misses promptly.
- Suggest and implement improvements to test setups, fixtures, data collection & summarization workflows, and organization. Contribute to the development of standard operating procedures.
- Work closely with materials development engineers to understand test objectives, troubleshoot experiments in real time, and adapt plans based on emerging results.
Benefits
- equity compensation in the form of stock options
- a premium health benefits package with life and disability insurance
- a 401K plan with employer contributions
- flexible spending accounts
- an industry leading paid-time-off policy that features flexible and inclusive holiday observance, as well as paid volunteer time off
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
Associate degree
