R&D Technician

Materion•Newton, MA

12d

About The Position

At Materion, everyone is included, respected and offered opportunity to grow. Join us! This role involves assisting in planning and executing R&D projects, preparing samples, and conducting experiments using various lab techniques. The technician will perform tests such as material characterization, mechanical testing, failure analyses, and thermal analysis with precise sample preparation and traceability. Responsibilities also include setting up, calibrating, operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting lab equipment, recording detailed experimental data, analyzing results, and assisting scientists/engineers with interpreting findings. The role requires maintaining electronic laboratory notebooks and spreadsheets, helping prepare technical reports, and developing, writing, updating, and following Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Ensuring compliance with safety protocols, environmental regulations, and lab quality standards (5S, ASTM, ISO) is crucial. Additionally, the technician will maintain lab organization, cleanliness, and inventory control, properly dispose of waste, manage consumables, and support continuous improvement initiatives. Collaboration with engineering, quality, and production teams is expected to align research goals with product development priorities.

Requirements

Associate’s degree or high school diploma/GED with 1–3 years of relevant lab experience in materials science, chemistry, or engineering.
Export compliance eligibility for access to U.S. controlled technology which comes under the licensing jurisdiction of the U.S. Department of State, International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and the U.S. Department of Commerce, Export Administration Regulations (EAR).
Must qualify as either a U.S. citizen, a U.S. National, a lawful permanent resident of the U.S., a Person Admitted into the U.S. as an Asylee or Refugee., a National of a country that is not prohibited from having access to U.S. controlled technology (via a letter of assurance), or a Person to be approved for an export license by the governing agency whose technology comes under its jurisdiction.

Nice To Haves

Experience with coating formulations, sample characterizations (optical, peel adhesion, thickness), and analytical messaging.
Familiarity with statistical methods and data analysis software.
Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to follow complex protocols.

Responsibilities

Assist in planning and executing R&D projects, preparing samples (weighing, mixing), and conducting experiments using various lab techniques.
Conduct tests such as material characterization, mechanical testing, failure analyses, and thermal analysis with precise sample prep and traceability.
Set up, calibrate, operate, maintain, and troubleshoot lab equipment (e.g., DSC, TGA, FTIR, SEM, mechanical test frames).
Ensure proper instrumentation calibration, repair, and documentation.
Record detailed experimental data, analyze results, and assist scientists/engineers with interpreting findings.
Maintain electronic laboratory notebooks and spreadsheets; help prepare technical reports.
Develop, write, update, and follow SOPs.
Ensure compliance with safety protocols, environmental regulations, and lab quality standards (5S, ASTM, ISO).
Maintain lab organization, cleanliness, and inventory control.
Properly dispose of hazardous and non-hazardous waste, manage consumables, and support continuous improvement initiatives (lean lab techniques).
Work closely with engineering, quality, and production teams to align research goals with product development priorities.