Materials Engineer-Research & Development

Elmet Technologies LLC; Lewiston (ME); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits from Day 1

401(k) with company match

Tuition assistance

Career development opportunities

PTO and holidays

Job summary

Elmet Technologies in Lewiston, Maine seeks an experienced Research & Development Materials Engineer to join our Engineering team. You will lead research, develop new materials and manufacturing processes, and drive continuous improvement across manufacturing operations.

Ideal candidates will have degrees in Materials Science or Metallurgical Engineering, hands‑on manufacturing experience, and strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, with ITAR compliance to be met.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Materials Science, Metallurgical Engineering, Materials Engineering, or a related field.
• Manufacturing engineering experience in a production environment required.
• Strong understanding of metallurgy, materials characterization, and manufacturing process development.
• Experience with root cause analysis, statistical problem solving, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Hands‑on engineering mindset with excellent analytical and troubleshooting skills.
• Experience with Lean Manufacturing principles preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead research, development, and continuous improvement initiatives for refractory metal products, materials, and manufacturing processes.
• Serve as the technical owner for assigned manufacturing equipment and processes, ensuring consistent performance, product quality, and process capability.
• Develop, validate, and optimize manufacturing processes, work instructions, equipment controls, and material specifications.
• Design and conduct material testing, analyze results, investigate failures, and recommend process or product improvements using data‑driven engineering principles.
• Partner with Production, Quality, Planning, and Product Development teams to support manufacturing operations, troubleshoot technical issues, and successfully launch new products.
• Lead engineering projects focused on increasing capacity, improving quality, reducing costs, and supporting future business growth through process and capital improvements.
• Provide hands‑on technical support to manufacturing personnel while maintaining accurate engineering documentation and promoting continuous improvement.

Skills

Materials science

Metallurgical engineering

Manufacturing engineering

Root cause analysis

Statistical problem solving

Continuous improvement

Lean manufacturing

Cross-functional collaboration

Analytical skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Materials Science

Master's degree in Metallurgical Engineering or related field

Job description

Description

About Elmet Technologies

Elmet Technologies is a division of The Elmet Group and a leading U.S.-based manufacturer of precision-engineered refractory metal products serving the aerospace, defense, semiconductor, medical, energy, and advanced industrial markets. Since 1929, Elmet has developed world-class expertise in tungsten, molybdenum, and other high-performance materials, producing engineered solutions for some of the world's most demanding applications.

Our Lewiston, Maine facility is home to advanced materials research, process development, and manufacturing innovation. We are seeking a Research & Development Materials Engineer who is passionate about metallurgy, materials science, and manufacturing technology to help develop the next generation of products and processes.

Position Overview

We are seeking a Research & Development (R&D) Materials Engineer to join our Engineering team at our Lewiston, Maine facility.

This role supports research and development, manufacturing, new product introduction, and continuous process improvement through technical leadership and hands‑on engineering support. The successful candidate will work closely with Production, Quality, Engineering, and Product Development teams to optimize manufacturing processes, develop new materials and alloys, troubleshoot technical challenges, and lead projects that improve product performance, manufacturing capability, and operational efficiency.

This position offers the opportunity to work with advanced refractory metals and cutting‑edge manufacturing technologies supporting aerospace, defense, semiconductor, and other high‑performance industries.

Requirements

Key Responsibilities

• Lead research, development, and continuous improvement initiatives for refractory metal products, materials, and manufacturing processes.
• Serve as the technical owner for assigned manufacturing equipment and processes, ensuring consistent performance, product quality, and process capability.
• Develop, validate, and optimize manufacturing processes, work instructions, equipment controls, and material specifications.
• Design and conduct material testing, analyze results, investigate failures, and recommend process or product improvements using data‑driven engineering principles.
• Partner with Production, Quality, Planning, and Product Development teams to support manufacturing operations, troubleshoot technical issues, and successfully launch new products.
• Lead engineering projects focused on increasing capacity, improving quality, reducing costs, and supporting future business growth through process and capital improvements.
• Provide hands‑on technical support to manufacturing personnel while maintaining accurate engineering documentation and promoting continuous improvement.

What Success Looks Like

• Successful development and implementation of new materials, products, and manufacturing processes
• Improved manufacturing capability, product quality, and operational efficiency
• Timely resolution of technical challenges affecting production
• Strong collaboration across Engineering, Production, Quality, and Product Development
• Well‑managed engineering projects completed safely, on time, and within scope
• Continuous improvements that enhance process capability, product performance, and customer satisfaction

Ideal Candidate Profile

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Materials Science, Metallurgical Engineering, Materials Engineering, or a related field
• Manufacturing engineering experience in a production environment required
• Strong understanding of metallurgy, materials characterization, and manufacturing process development
• Experience with root cause analysis, statistical problem solving, and continuous improvement methodologies
• Hands‑on engineering mindset with excellent analytical and troubleshooting skills
• Experience with Lean Manufacturing principles preferred
• Knowledge of powder metallurgy, thermo‑mechanical processing, rolling, wire drawing, swaging, or refractory metals is highly desirable
• Excellent communication, project management, and cross‑functional collaboration skills
• Must meet ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations) employment requirements

Why Join Elmet Technologies

• Benefits Starting from Day 1, including medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Work with one of the world's leading manufacturers of advanced refractory metal products
• Develop innovative materials and manufacturing technologies used in aerospace, defense, semiconductor, and energy applications
• Collaborate with experienced engineers, scientists, and manufacturing professionals on challenging technical projects
• Opportunity to lead process development, product innovation, and continuous improvement initiatives
• Competitive salary, annual bonus opportunity, 401(k) with company match, paid time off, paid holidays, tuition assistance, career development opportunities, and a comprehensive benefits package designed to support you and your family

Search Process Note

The Elmet Group is managing this search directly and is not accepting submissions from outside recruitment firms.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The Elmet Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a proud federal contractor. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by law. We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace that reflects the diversity of our employees, our customers, and the communities we serve.