Technologist, Level I-II

Texas A&M • Bryan, TX

4d • Onsite

About The Position

The Materials Technologist I position at the George H.W. Bush Combat Development Complex (BCDC) requires an individual with experience in scientific research or engineering principles, specifically within the field of materials science. The incumbent will be responsible for the operation and maintenance of complex furnace and manufacturing systems and will apply advanced, hands-on testing methodologies to evaluate the thermal, mechanical, and oxidative properties of new materials. Key responsibilities include conducting comprehensive materials characterization using techniques such as Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), thermal analysis, and mechanical testing to determine material performance limits. This role is particularly suited for candidates with substantial hands-on experience in both manufacturing and experimental testing of advanced materials. The Technologist will be expected to investigate and implement innovative manufacturing approaches aimed at enhancing the thermal and mechanical properties, structural efficiency, and high-temperature durability of materials. Collaboration with interdisciplinary teams is essential to successfully integrate material solutions into real-world defense applications. The Advanced Integrated Materials (AIM) research team at BCDC is dedicated to addressing critical challenges identified by the DoW in the manufacturing, design, and evaluation of high-performance materials. The primary objectives of this job include the development and evaluation, as well as the advancement of manufacturing concepts for materials from metal alloys to ceramics to carbon-carbon composites. Ideal candidates will demonstrate a strong, hands-on approach to research and problem-solving, with the proven ability to translate experimental findings into practical advancements in material performance. Applicants with experience in both the manufacturing and testing of advanced materials are strongly encouraged to apply.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in applicable field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience with some of the following, SEM, XRD, EDS, DSC, TGA, and mechanical testing methods (tensile, compression, shear, fatigue, etc.).
• Knowledge of thermal, mechanical, and oxidative testing for materials.
• Experience with MATLAB, Python, or other data analysis tools for processing experimental results.
• Experience in utilizing computational science for materials.
• Experience in handling high-temperature furnaces, thermal testing systems, and mechanical testing equipment.
• Two years of related experience (for Technologist II).
• Must be able to gain and maintain a DoW (Department of War) security clearance.

Nice To Haves

• Strong understanding of materials and materials processing/manufacturing.
• Knowledge in thermal processing, phase transformations, sintering, and microstructural optimization for materials.
• Familiarity with metal additive manufacturing, composite manufacturing techniques, and processing methods for high-temperature materials.
• Ability to implement and optimize testing protocols for material evaluation.
• Strong analytical skills to assess test results and troubleshoot material performance issues.
• Supporting role in research reporting, technical papers, and presentations.
• Ability to work effectively in interdisciplinary teams and communicate findings to researchers, engineers, and stakeholders.
• Ability to design experiments, analyze data, and derive conclusions with minimal supervision.
• Quickly learn and implement emerging testing methods, materials processing techniques, and analytical tools.
• Able to work across multiple projects while maintaining attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to multi-task and work cooperatively with others.

Responsibilities

• Provides hands on experience in the identification, analysis, and resolution of problems.
• Utilizes established engineering principles in the design and evaluation of engineering components.
• Ensures accomplishment of business goals and objectives through effective planning, organizing, estimating, scheduling and monitoring of work activities.
• Create and interpret technical drawings and schematics.
• Performs technical research and gathers data needed by engineers to solve technical problems and recommend actions.
• Prepares thorough and accurate technical reports, correspondence, documentation, calculations and sketches.
• Implement heat treatment/sintering protocols to enhance the microstructural stability, mechanical properties, and thermal resistance of materials.
• Evaluate the effects of thermal processing on phase transformations, grain structure, and oxidation resistance.
• Develop and conduct experiments to assess the mechanical, thermal, and oxidative performance of materials.
• Utilize advanced testing techniques such as tensile, fatigue, creep, and thermal cycling to evaluate material behavior.
• Utilize SEM, XRD, EDS, DSC, TGA, and other analytical techniques to investigate material properties.
• Analyze and interpret test results to improve material design and manufacturing processes.
• Explore additive manufacturing and novel fabrication methods to improve material performance.
• Process large datasets using computational tools (MATLAB, Python, etc.) to extract meaningful insights.
• Prepare technical reports and presentations summarizing key findings.
• Identify trends, correlations, and failure mechanisms to guide material development efforts.
• Communicate effectively with interdisciplinary teams, sponsors, and stakeholders.
• Work closely with engineers, scientists, and government agencies and participate in team discussions, contribute technical advice.
• Maintain a safe and organized research environment, following proper laboratory protocols.
• Adhere to compliance standards for handling materials and hazardous substances.
• Integrate cutting-edge research findings into ongoing projects to drive innovation.
• Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• competitive health benefits
• paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• a defined benefit retirement plan to include an employer contribution through Teachers Retirement System of Texas (TRS)
• if applicable, a defined contribution retirement plan to include an employer contribution through an approved ORP vendor
• additional voluntary tax deferred annuity (TDA) options
• tuition assistance
• wellness programs to promote work/life balance

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level