Research and Design Test Technician

ACS-Industries,-Inc.; Lincoln (RI); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

ACS Industries in Lincoln, RI is seeking an experienced R&D Test Technician to support the Research & Development team. You will prepare samples, run tests, and collect data for new materials, processes, and equipment.

The role emphasizes hands-on work, learning new test methods, interpreting results, and collaborating with engineers to ensure accurate test execution and data presentation in Excel.

Qualifications

• Associate or bachelor's degree in Engineering, Engineering Technology, Materials Science, Chemistry or Physics.
• 2+ years of lab, engineering, or technical experience preferred.
• Ability to follow technical procedures and adapt to changing priorities.

Responsibilities

• Prepare samples for materials characterization.
• Perform materials analysis: optical microscopy and microhardness.
• Operate Instron systems, leak testers, and test fixtures.
• Run ICP-MS and other analytical measurements as needed.
• Record, organize, and present data in Excel.
• Assist in evaluating new test equipment and methods.
• Support Quality and Manufacturing with testing as needed.

Skills

Hands-on technical aptitude

Detail-oriented

Ability to learn unfamiliar equipment

Microsoft Excel proficiency

Laboratory/testing experience

Education

Associate or bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field

Tools

ICP-MS

Instron systems

Microscopy (optical/SEM)

CMM

DC sputter coater

Fiber laser cutting

Machining (mill/lathe/CNC)

Job description

About ACS Industries:ACS Industries is the world’s largest vertically integrated metal mesh manufacturer and the global leader in pyrotechnic airbag inflator filters. We serve a wide range of industries including vehicle safety, clean air systems, industrial markets, and green energy. Our core manufacturing capabilities include expanded metal, knitted wire mesh, and woven wire mesh, with manufacturing equipment and processes developed in-house.Our Lincoln, Rhode Island headquarters and R&D center develops new products, manufacturing processes, test methods, and equipment while providing technical support to ACS manufacturing operations globally. The R&D team works across a broad range of materials, technologies, and applications in a hands-on environment where priorities and technical challenges evolve as new products and processes are developed.Position Overview:The R&D Test Technician will support the Research & Development team by preparing samples, operating laboratory and test equipment, executing established test methods, and collecting and organizing test data. This is not a repetitive production testing role; R&D testing requirements and priorities change frequently as new products, materials, processes, and customer requirements are developed.The successful candidate will be hands-on, technically curious, detail-oriented, and adaptable. The person in this role will work closely with research and engineering personnel and may move between materials preparation, microscopy, mechanical testing, analytical laboratory equipment, and custom R&D test systems based on current project needs. Engineers will typically establish test methods and interpret the resulting data, while the R&D Test Technician will be responsible for reliable test execution, identifying unusual results or equipment behavior, and supporting the evaluation of new equipment and test methods. A willingness to learn unfamiliar equipment and processes is essential.Primary Responsibilities:Prepare samples and specimens for materials characterization, including sample slicing using a precision low speed saw, polishing and metallographic preparationPerform materials analysis and characterization including optical microscopy, microhardness testing, ICP-MS, and cleaning/digestion of samples using acidic or basic solutionsOperate mechanical and component test equipment including Instron systems, leak testers, pressure-drop test stands, tube furnaces, DC sputter coaters, and other custom R&D test equipmentPerform electrical resistance measurements and other material or component testing as requiredCollect, organize, and present test data using established formats, including tables and graphs in Microsoft ExcelPerform routine equipment setup, calibration, fixture changes, and basic troubleshooting as requiredSupport the evaluation and initial operation of new test equipment, fixtures, and testing methods developed by the R&D teamProvide occasional testing and inspection support to Quality and Manufacturing as neededQualifications:Associate or bachelor's degree in Engineering, Engineering Technology, Materials Science, Chemistry, Physics, or a related technical or scientific discipline, or equivalent relevant technical experience2+ years of relevant experience in a laboratory, engineering, manufacturing, quality, or other technical environment preferredStrong hands-on technical aptitude with the ability and willingness to learn unfamiliar equipment, test methods, and processesStrong computer skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Excel for organizing and presenting test dataDetail-oriented and organized with the ability to accurately follow technical procedures, recognize unusual results, and manage changing prioritiesPreferred Experience:Experience with any of the following equipment or processes:Metallographic sample preparation and polishingInductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) or other analytical laboratory instrumentationMicrohardness testingDigestion, cleaning or etching samples with acidic or basic solutions or organic solventsInstron or other Universal Test SystemsScanning Electron Microscope (SEM)Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM)Fiber laser cutting equipmentMachining (mill, lathe, CNC, etc.)Spanish language proficiencyJob Details:Location: On-site at ACS Industries, One New England Way, Lincoln, RI.Schedule: Full-time, not a remote position.Travel: Occasional domestic travel required to access local testing equipment not housed at the ACS Lincoln, RI office.