Coatings and Corrosion Research Engineer

High Performance Technologies, Inc. (HPTech); Raleigh (NC); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

High Performance Technologies, Inc. (HPTech) seeks a Coatings and Corrosion Research Engineer (CCRE) to support advanced research in a state‑of‑the‑art Coatings and Corrosion Laboratory at a government facility.

You will plan, conduct, and interpret experiments on coatings and corrosion of highway infrastructure. The role requires an advanced degree and at least five years of corrosion research experience, with emphasis on steel and reinforced concrete systems.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in a relevant corrosion or materials field.
• Minimum five years of research experience in coatings and corrosion.
• Experience with steel and reinforced concrete corrosion and coatings.
• Proven ability to design and execute experiments.
• Strong publication and presentation record.

Responsibilities

• Plan, develop, and conduct applied and advanced research on coatings and corrosion of highway infrastructure.
• Review literature and design laboratory and field experiments.
• Operate and maintain specialized instrumentation and analyze data.
• Contribute to numerical modeling of corrosion mechanisms.
• Prepare reports, papers, and presentations for dissemination.

Skills

Verbal communication

Presentation skills

Technical writing

Team collaboration

Education

Master's or PhD in corrosion/materials-related field

Tools

AMPP CPS certification

Job description

High Performance Technologies, Inc. (HPTech) is an infrastructure-focused firm specializing in engineering practice, research, policy, and technology transfer. Established in 2003, HPTech supports the U.S. federal government at research facilities and project sites nationwide. Our distinct strength lies in integrating physical sciences, social sciences, engineering, planning, and policy to deliver innovative, data-driven infrastructure solutions.

HPTech is currently seeking a highly qualified Coatings and Corrosion Research Engineer (CCRE) to support advanced research activities in a state-of-the-art Coatings and Corrosion Laboratory (CCL) located at a government research facility. Research conducted in the CCL advances corrosion prevention and mitigation technologies for highway infrastructure, with particular emphasis on improving the durability and long-term performance of corrosion-resistant metals, protective coating systems, and related infrastructure materials.

The selected candidate will be responsible for planning, developing, and conducting applied and advanced research related to coatings and corrosion of highway infrastructure systems. Responsibilities include reviewing and synthesizing technical literature; designing and conducting laboratory and field experiments; operating and maintaining specialized instrumentation; collecting and analyzing research data; and contributing to numerical modeling efforts to simulate corrosion mechanisms and long-term material behavior.

The position also requires active participation in technical communication and technology transfer activities, including preparation of research reports, peer-reviewed publications, technical presentations, seminars, webinars, workshops, and demonstration projects.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) in Corrosion Engineering, Civil Engineering. Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science/Engineering, Metallurgy, Chemistry, Electrochemistry, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of five (5) years of research experience in coatings and corrosion.
• Specific experience in corrosion of steel and/or reinforced concrete systems.
• Demonstrated knowledge of corrosion prevention and mitigation technologies and protective coating systems.
• Experience with materials and techniques used for coating application on steel bridges.
• Proven ability to develop and execute experimental research plans and test protocols.
• Record of peer-reviewed journal publications, technical reports, and conference presentations.
• Strong verbal, presentation, and technical writing skills.
• Strong team-oriented and collaborative capabilities.
• Corrosion Specialist certification from AMPP (formerly NACE) is highly desirable.

Location

This position is based in McLean, VA.

Work Authorization

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States.

Application Deadline

For full consideration, candidates should submit their online application no later than March 18, 2026.

Employment Application