R&D Technician

Materion; Newton Upper Falls (MA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

Materion Corporation in Newton Upper Falls, MA is seeking a Laboratory Technician to assist in planning and executing R&D projects, preparing samples, and conducting experiments using various lab techniques. You will perform material characterization, mechanical testing, and failure analyses with precise sample preparation and traceability.

Work with instrumentation such as DSC, TGA, FTIR, and SEM; maintain electronic notebooks and prepare technical reports while adhering to SOPs and safety

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree or high school diploma/GED with 1–3 years of relevant lab experience in materials science, chemistry, or engineering.
• Experience with coating formulations, sample characterizations (optical, peel adhesion, thickness), and analytical messaging.
• Familiarity with statistical methods and data analysis software.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to follow complex protocols.

Responsibilities

• Assist in planning and executing R&D projects, preparing samples (weighing, mixing), and conducting experiments using various lab techniques.
• Conduct tests such as material characterization, mechanical testing, failure analyses, and thermal analysis with precise sample prep and traceability.
• Maintain electronic laboratory notebooks and spreadsheets; help prepare technical reports.
• Develop, write, update, and follow SOPs; ensure compliance with safety protocols and lab quality standards.

Skills

Experiment planning

Lab techniques

Data management

Documentation

Quality compliance

Education

Associate’s degree or high school diploma/GED

Tools

DSC

TGA

FTIR

SEM

Job description

At Materion, everyone is included, respected and offered opportunity to grow. Join us!Experiment Planning & ExecutionAssist in planning and executing R&D projects, preparing samples (weighing, mixing), and conducting experiments using various lab techniques.Conduct tests such as material characterization, mechanical testing, failure analyses, and thermal analysis with precise sample prep and traceability.Instrumentation Operation & MaintenanceSet up, calibrate, operate, maintain, and troubleshoot lab equipment (e.g., DSC, TGA, FTIR, SEM, mechanical test frames).Ensure proper instrumentation calibration, repair, and documentationData Management & ReportingRecord detailed experimental data, analyze results, and assist scientists/engineers with interpreting findings.Maintain electronic laboratory notebooks and spreadsheets; help prepare technical reports.Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) & ComplianceDevelop, write, update, and follow SOPs.Ensure compliance with safety protocols, environmental regulations, and lab quality standards (5S, ASTM, ISO).Lab Maintenance & SupportMaintain lab organization, cleanliness, and inventory control.Properly dispose of hazardous and non-hazardous waste, manage consumables, and support continuous improvement initiatives (lean lab techniques).Cross-functional CollaborationWork closely with engineering, quality, and production teams to align research goals with product development priorities.Basic RequirementsAssociate’s degree or high school diploma/GED with 1–3 years of relevant lab experience in materials science, chemistry, or engineering.Preferred Skills & ExperienceExperience with coating formulations, sample characterizations (optical, peel adhesion, thickness), and analytical messaging.Familiarity with statistical methods and data analysis software.Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to follow complex protocols.The selection of the person to be hired for this position is contingent on the candidate having export compliance eligibility for access to U.S. controlled technology which comes under the licensing jurisdiction of the U.S. Department of State, International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and the U.S. Department of Commerce, Export Administration Regulations (EAR).The candidate selected will have to qualify as either a U.S. citizen, a U.S. National, a lawful permanent resident of the U.S., a Person Admitted into the U.S. as an Asylee or Refugee., a National of a country that is not prohibited from having access to U.S. controlled technology (via a letter of assurance), or a Person to be approved for an export license by the governing agency whose technology comes under its jurisdiction. Please understand that any job offer that requires approval of an export license will be conditional on Materion’s determination that it will be able to obtain an export license in a time frame consistent with Materion’s business requirements.Materion Corporation and its subsidiaries (the “Company”) is an equal employment opportunity employer. It is the Company’s policy to not unlawfully discriminate against an applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, sex, age, physical or mental disability, veteran or military status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, or any other legally recognized protected basis under federal, state or local laws, regulations or ordinances. The Company also prohibits harassment of applicants and employees based on any of these protected categories. It is also the Company’s policy to comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws respecting consideration of unemployment status in making hiring decisions. The information collected by this application is solely to determine suitability for employment, verify identity and maintain employment statistics on applicants.Applicants with disabilities may be entitled to reasonable accommodation under the terms of the Americans with Disabilities Act and certain state or local laws. A reasonable accommodation is a change in the way things are normally done which will ensure an equal employment opportunity without imposing undue hardship on the Company. Please inform the Company’s personnel representative if you need assistance completing any forms or to otherwise participate in the application process.Materion’s Veteran Employee Resource group supports veterans and promotes the benefits of hiring veterans in the workplace. We honor all those who have served and are a military friendly company. Veterans are encouraged to apply and military experience and skills are transferrable to Materion careers.Please provide complete information. An incomplete application may affect your consideration for employment.