R&D Engineer I

What we do- Aspen•Northborough, MA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

This position will be part of Aspen’s R&D department responsible for developing, and supporting technical activities associated with characterizing and improving the performance of aerogel-based products. The R&D Engineer is provided input on objectives and goals by the Manager of Advanced Testing and is responsible for executing routine and developmental testing, analyzing and documenting results, and supporting technical problem-solving within R&D. A Research and Development Engineer is thus accountable for delivery of specific objectives for projects in a professional and timely manner. A significant component of this position is providing timely and reliable testing support for ongoing R&D programs while balancing assigned technical projects. This position should fit well for an energetic, self-starter with a chemical, material science and mechanical background who can take ownership of assigned work, proactively address obstacles, and move activities toward completion. Candidate should enjoy hands on work in a chemical lab, including materials testing, equipment setup, and support of prototype processing activities. The role operates in a fast-paced environment with changing priorities and requires adaptability, clear communication, practical problem-solving, and constructive collaboration across teams. We seek to develop and implement advanced testing capabilities that can benchmark the performance of developmental aerogel products thus providing the basis of technology translation from small to large scale. This position also supports the transfer of technologies developed within R&D toward manufacturing implementation.

Requirements

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry, Mechanical Engineering or other related fields.
Minimum of 2 years of relevant experience in materials characterization and testing, test setup, product development or process development, or fundamental/applied research in process engineering related to materials processing.
Ability to successfully manage and support various projects or activities independently and meet project timeline, deliverable and goals.
Experience in implementation of bench to pilot scale-up activities.
Ability to perform hands on development of test systems, engineering design and experimentational work.
Ability to work effectively in a team setting environment and independently.
Present research work to management or technical team.
Share knowledge, information and work closely with scientists and engineers to solve complex research problems.
Experience with material characterization, data analysis and design of experiments.
Excellent written, oral and interpersonal skills.
Motivated, self-starter and proactively looking for improvements, new knowledge and solving technical challenges.
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and multitasks.
Ensure safe laboratory operation, follow safety requirements, participate in scheduled safety meetings and safety trainings.

Nice To Haves

Experience with mechanical systems, designs and lab equipment, or general mechanical background is desirable.

Responsibilities

Execute established testing methods accurately and efficiently to support routine and time-sensitive R&D needs.
Balance routine testing support with method development and other assigned technical projects.
Research and develop new and existing testing methods to advance knowledge, understanding and implementation of aerogel products and processes.
Develop, qualify and execute thermal and mechanical testing methods, document and analyze results in written reports.
Compile, refine and analyze large data sets and identify solutions to complex problems.
Comfortable with hands on work with various mechanical tools, parts and equipment to develop and assemble non-standard test apparatus.
Plan, coordinate, and execute assigned technical activities under the direction of the Advanced Testing Manager.
Identify technical or operational obstacles, develop practical solutions, and proactively move work toward completion.
Ensure that critical testing equipment is calibrated, kept in good repair, and operated according to safe practices and national standard codes.
Design, document, and implement research activities in accordance with defined R&D deliverables.
Contribute to the identification of technical opportunities, development of research proposals, and generation of intellectual property.
Support cross-functional activities intended to meet corporate objectives.
Support project milestones, metrics, budgets, and schedule for proposed projects.
Focus on instrumentation design, measurement and control strategies for existing or new process equipment for aerogel processing.
Work constructively with colleagues across R&D and other functions, contributing to team effectiveness and broader organizational goals.
Adopt and follow Aspen’s core values of Safety, Quality, Integrity, Teamwork, Customer and Innovation on both a personal and professional level.
Perform other related duties as assigned by management.