Engineering/R&D Tech

W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.; Elkton (MD); On-site; USD 43,000 - 59,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Associate Stock Ownership Plan

Profit-sharing opportunities

Job summary

W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.

seeks an R&D Technician for the Day Shift at the Appleton North facility in Elkton, Maryland. You will partner with scientists and engineers to execute hands-on materials and process development, from bench-scale experiments to pilot-scale prototyping, supporting new material technologies and product portfolios. The role involves preparing solvent-based formulations, conducting coating and membrane-processing trials, and characterizing materials, with broad exposure

Qualifications

• Associate degree and 2+ years hands-on lab experience required.
• Experience in research, pilot, or prototyping environments.
• Experience handling solvents and chemicals safely.
• Experience preparing solutions, dispersions, coatings, or polymer formulations.
• Ability to collect, organize, and communicate technical data accurately.
• Ability to work independently and with an inclusive team.
• Ability to conduct basic statistical analysis.
• Ability to support prototype design, testing, and fabrication.
• Ability to perform non-standard experiments with accuracy and timeliness.
• Ability to write and maintain operating procedures and docs.
• Ability to travel up to 5%.

Responsibilities

• Plan, execute, and document materials, coating, processing, and prototyping experiments.
• Prepare solvent-based solutions and formulations from bench to larger batches.
• Conduct coating trials from bench scale to pilot or continuous processing.
• Set up material paths, tooling, fixtures, and data collection for trials.
• Prepare samples and characterize membranes and materials (physical, mechanical, chemical).
• Collect, organize, analyze, and communicate experimental data for decisions.
• Maintain a safe, organized laboratory, including handling of chemicals and equipment.

Skills

Solvent handling

Formulations

Pilot/prototype

Data communication

Independence

Team collaboration

Statistical analysis

Prototype support

Documentation

Process development

Attention to detail

Education

Associate degree in engineering technology, chemistry, materials science, or related field

Job description

About the Role

We are looking for an R&D Technician to join our team on the Day Shift. In this role, you will partner with scientists and engineers to execute hands-on materials and process development from bench-scale experiments through pilot-scale prototyping to support new material technologies and product portfolios. You will prepare solvent-based formulations, conduct coating and membrane-processing trials, and characterize materials. This opportunity provides broad exposure to coatings, porous membranes, prototyping, and advanced processing technologies in a collaborative environment that encourages continuous learning and shared problem solving.

This position will be located at our Appleton North facility in Elkton, Maryland.

Pay and Benefits

• $31 - $43 per hour
• This role is eligible for an additional $2/hr shift differential pay for evening, night, and weekend shifts.
• Factors considered in extending an offer within this pay range include (but not limited to) education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Medical, Dental and Vision benefits effective on Day 1 of employment! We offer a comprehensive total rewards package, including competitive benefits. More details are available at www.gore.com/careers/benefits

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with scientists and engineers to plan, execute, and document materials, coating, processing, and prototyping experiments.
• Prepare solvent-based solutions, dispersions, and polymer formulations safely and consistently from bench scale through larger batch sizes.
• Conduct coating trials from bench scale through pilot-scale or continuous processing equipment.
• Set up material paths, tooling, fixtures, process conditions, and data collection systems for experimental trials.
• Prepare samples and perform membrane and material characterization, including physical, mechanical, and chemical.
• Collect, organize, analyze, and communicate experimental and process data to enable timely technical decisions.
• Maintain a safe, organized, and productive laboratory environment, including management of chemicals, materials, test equipment, and supplies.

Required Qualifications

• Associate degree in engineering technology, chemistry, materials science, or a related field AND a minimum of 2 years of relevant hands‑on technical experience in a lab setting.
• Experience working in a research, pilot, or prototyping environment.
• Experience in safely handling solvents and chemicals.
• Experience preparing solutions, dispersions, coatings, or polymer‑based formulations and following documented mixing procedures.
• Demonstrated ability to collect, organize, and clearly communicate technical data with a high degree of accuracy including a strong attention to identifying inconsistencies, trends, and critical information to support informed decision-making and problem-solving.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize changing work requirements, operate independently, and collaborate directly and respectfully in an inclusive team environment.
• Ability to conduct basic statistical analysis.
• Ability to provide advanced support for design, testing, modification, and fabrication of prototypes.
• Ability to execute non‑standard experiments with a high degree of accuracy, quality, and timeliness. Attention to detail and good observation skills are essential.
• Ability to write, follow, and maintain operating procedures, instrument/equipment instructions, and experimental documentation.
• Ability to travel 5%.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience with coating, drying, curing, or scale‑up of solvent‑based polymer formulations.
• Experience with porous membranes, including material characterization, and prototype fabrication.

What We Offer

Our success is based on the capability and creativity of our Associates, and we are proud to offer a comprehensive and competitive total rewards program that supports your everyday and helps you build your tomorrow. We provide benefits that offer choice and flexibility and promote overall well‑being. And in keeping with our belief that every Associate should share in the collective success of the enterprise; we provide a distinctive Associate Stock Ownership Plan in each country as well as potential opportunities for "profit‑sharing". Learn more at gore.com/careers/benefits

Gore is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, national origin, ancestry, age, status as a qualified individual with a disability, genetic information, pregnancy status, medical condition, marital status, sexual orientation, status as a protected veteran, gender identity and expression, and any other characteristic protected by applicable laws and regulations.

Gore is committed to a drug‑free workplace. All employment is contingent upon successful completion of drug and background screening. Gore will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, e.g., arrest and conviction records, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable laws.

Gore requires all applicants to be eligible to work within the United States. Gore generally will not sponsor visas unless otherwise noted on the position description.