Senior Materials Technician – R&D

Solstice Advanced Materials • Spokane, WA

2d • Onsite

About The Position

As a Senior R&D Technician at Solstice, you will play a critical role in the development of advanced metal PVD sputtering targets for semiconductors and other high-technology applications. You will work closely with R&D scientists and engineers to design, execute, and analyze experiments, operate specialized laboratory and pilot-scale equipment, and support materials characterization and process optimization activities. This position requires a hands-on technical professional with strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and a passion for innovation in advanced materials. Your contributions will be instrumental in advancing next-generation sputtering target technologies, accelerating product development, and delivering high-quality material solutions that meet customer and business objectives. You will report directly to Senior R&D Manager, and you will work out of our Spokane Valley, WA facility.

Requirements

• 6+ years of strong hands-on experience working with metallic materials, metallurgy, powder processing, machining, thermal processing, or related materials development activities.
• Proficiency in operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting laboratories or manufacturing equipment in a R&D or manufacturing environment.
• Experience with one or more materials characterization and testing techniques, including sample preparation, metallography, dimensional measurements, and analysis of material properties.
• Ability to accurately collect, analyze, and document experimental data, maintain detailed laboratory records, and communicate technical results effectively.
• Good problem-solving, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement skills, with the ability to work independently while managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced R&D environment
• Experience in working with various metals (steel, copper, aluminum, titanium, tantalum, etc.)
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and specifications.

Nice To Haves

• High school diploma or equivalent; technical certification or vocational training preferred.
• Experience working with high purity metals such as copper, aluminum, titanium, refractory metals, etc.
• Familiarity with sample preparation and analytical techniques such as metallography, optical microscopy, hardness testing, density measurements, XRD, SEM or chemical analysis methods.
• Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Passion for innovation and continuous improvement.
• Previous work in aerospace, automotive, electronics or medical device industries.

Responsibilities

• Plan, execute, and document laboratory and pilot-scale experiments supporting the development of advanced metal PVD sputtering target materials and manufacturing processes.
• Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot R&D equipment used for powder processing, melting, metal working, heat treatment, and material characterization.
• Prepare test samples and perform metallurgical, physical, and mechanical evaluations to support materials development, process optimization, and product qualification activities.
• Collect, analyze, and communicate experimental data, maintaining accurate laboratory records and contributing to technical reports, presentations, and project reviews.
• Collaborate with scientists, engineers, manufacturing, quality, and commercial teams to support product development, scale-up, customer qualifications, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and quality standards while identifying opportunities to improve laboratory processes, equipment reliability, and operational efficiency.
• Conduct experiments and tests according to established protocols and procedures
• Collect and analyze data, and prepare reports summarizing the results
• Troubleshoot technical issues and propose solutions to improve processes
• Collaborate with crossfunctional teams to support the development of new technologies
• Maintain accurate records of experiments, data, and equipment maintenance
• Ensure compliance with safety regulations and protocols

Benefits

• employer-subsidized Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability
• 401(k) match
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Health Savings Accounts
• EAP
• Educational Assistance
• Parental Leave
• Paid Time Off (for vacation, personal business, sick time, and parental leave)
• 12 Paid Holidays

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: High school or GED