R&D Materials Engineer: Refractory Metals & Process Innovation

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

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.