Research and Design Test Technician

ACS INDUSTRIES INC; Lincoln (RI); On-site; USD 48,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

ACS Industries Inc. in Lincoln, RI is seeking an R&D Test Technician to support the Research & Development team with sample preparation, test execution, and data organization.

This is a dynamic, non-repetitive testing role where priorities evolve as new products and materials are developed. The successful candidate will be hands-on, technically curious, and detail-oriented, collaborating with engineers and researchers.

Qualifications

• Associate or bachelor's degree in Engineering, Engineering Technology, Materials Science, Chemistry, Physics, or related technical discipline or equivalent experience.
• 2+ years of relevant experience in a laboratory, engineering, quality, or other technical environment preferred.
• Strong hands-on technical aptitude with ability and willingness to learn unfamiliar equipment, test methods, and processes.
• Strong computer skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Excel for organizing and presenting test data.
• Detail-oriented and organized with the ability to follow technical procedures and manage changing priorities.

Responsibilities

• Prepare samples and specimens for materials characterization using precision saws and metallographic prep.
• Perform materials analysis including optical microscopy, microhardness testing, ICP-MS, and sample digestion.
• Operate Instron systems, leak testers, test stands, furnaces, sputter coaters, and other lab equipment.
• Perform electrical resistance measurements and other material testing as required.
• Collect and present data using established formats, including tables and graphs in Excel.
• Set up equipment, calibrate, swap fixtures, and troubleshoot as needed.
• Support evaluation and initial operation of new test equipment and methods.
• Provide testing/inspection support to Quality and Manufacturing as needed.

Skills

Hands-on technical aptitude

Microsoft Excel

Detail-oriented

Learning new equipment

Laboratory environment experience

Education

Associate or Bachelor's degree in Engineering/Materials Science

Equivalent technical experience

Tools

ICP-MS

Instron

SEM

CMM

DC sputter coater

Job description

Job Details: Job Location: Lincoln, RI 02865, Position Type: Full Time, 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 and 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 preparation
• Perform materials analysis and characterization including optical microscopy, microhardness testing, ICP-MS, and cleaning/digestion of samples using acidic or basic solutions
• Operate 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 equipment
• Perform electrical resistance measurements and other material or component testing as required
• Collect, organize, and present test data using established formats, including tables and graphs in Microsoft Excel
• Perform routine equipment setup, calibration, fixture changes, and basic troubleshooting as required
• Support the evaluation and initial operation of new test equipment, fixtures, and testing methods developed by the R&D team
• Provide occasional testing and inspection support to Quality and Manufacturing as needed

Qualifications:

• Associate or bachelor's degree in Engineering, Engineering Technology, Materials Science, Chemistry, Physics, or a related technical or scientific discipline, or equivalent relevant technical experience
• 2+ years of relevant experience in a laboratory, engineering, quality, or other technical environment preferred
• Strong hands-on technical aptitude with the ability and willingness to learn unfamiliar equipment, test methods, and processes
• Strong computer skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Excel for organizing and presenting test data
• Detail-oriented and organized with the ability to accurately follow technical procedures, recognize unusual results, and manage changing priorities

Preferred Experience:

Experience with any of the following equipment or processes:

• Metallographic sample preparation and polishing
• Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) or other analytical laboratory instrumentation
• Microhardness testing
• Digestion, cleaning or etching samples with acidic or basic solutions or organic solvents
• Instron or other Universal Test Systems
• Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM)
• Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM)
• Fiber laser cutting equipment
• Machining (mill, lathe, CNC, etc.)
• Spanish language proficiency

Job 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.

Qualifications: