Research & Development Technician

Washington Mills; City of Niagara Falls, Northern (NY, KY); Hybrid; USD 50,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Medical and dental plans

Employer-sponsored retirement plan

Life insurance

Paid vacation and holidays

Sick and personal leave

Job summary

Washington Mills is seeking a Research & Development Technician in Niagara Falls, NY. This full-time, salaried role supports the Development Engineer with material and process challenges in a lab or pilot plant setting.

You'll perform tests, document outcomes, operate experimental furnaces, and ensure accurate results while upholding safety and quality. An associate degree in a technical field and practical hands-on skills are required.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in a technical field is required.
• Hands-on mechanical aptitude and safe work practices are essential.
• Ability to work independently and prioritize tasks to meet goals.
• Strong attention to detail and accurate test documentation.
• Familiarity with Excel, Word, and other Microsoft products; good communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Perform testing and experimentation under the direction of an engineer.
• Document work and help interpret outcomes for the research group.
• Set up powder mixes, operate furnaces, process furnace products, and submit samples for analysis.
• Design or perform tests and learn to interpret and communicate results.
• Conduct material handling tasks with lifting equipment.
• Maintain a clean and organized work environment.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Independent work

Attention to detail

Written and verbal communication

Safety mindset

Education

Associate degree in a technical curriculum

Tools

Lift truck operation

Job description

Washington Mills, 1801 Buffalo Ave, Niagara Falls, New York, United States of America

Job Description

Posted Thursday, August 20, 2026 at 4:00 AM

Research & Development Technician

Position type: Full-Time, Salaried

Pay range: $50,000.00 - $65,000.00 per year

Ask Yourself This…

Do you thrive in an employee-focused environment with a small-company feel? Are you looking for an exciting and rewarding challenge with an opportunity to grow and make an impact? If this sounds like you, then join us as our next Research and Development Technician in Niagara Falls, NY!

Who We Are

Washington Mills is built on values that matter. Founded more than 150 years ago, we have earned our reputation as one of the world’s most trusted and reliable producers of abrasive, ceramic and refractory grains and powders. Serving thousands of customers and offering the broadest selection of abrasive grain and specialty electro-fused minerals in the market today, we constantly pursue growth in our products, our approach, and our people. Our founding principles of honesty, integrity and reliability still guide our business today, and we are a proud community of hands‑on problem solvers, committed to shaping the materials applications of the future. With global distribution and sites located throughout North American and Europe, Washington Mills opens the door to a world of opportunity, creativity, and challenge.

What You’ll Do

The Research and Development Technician will work closely and collaboratively with the Development Engineer to help solve material or process challenges for internal and external customers. You will provide critical feedback regarding the appropriateness of a test, issues with how a test or process is to be performed, and the results of that test or process. This is a hands‑on position performed primarily in a laboratory or pilot plant setting.

• Perform testing and experimentation under the direction of an engineer
• Document work and help to interpret outcomes to the research group
• Set up and make powder mixes, operate experimental electric furnaces, remove and process the furnaced product, and submit furnace samples for analysis
• Design and/or perform tests, where appropriate, and learn to understand, interpret, and communicate the results
• Conduct material handling tasks that involve operating a lift truck and other handling equipment.
• Maintain a clean and organized work

What You’ll Need

To be successful in this position, you must:

• Possess an associate’s degree in a technical curriculum: (engineering science; chemistry; mechanical, electrical, or industrial engineering focus; or commensurate experience)
• Have good hands‑on mechanical aptitude
• Be able to work independently on and prioritize work to achieve goals
• Have attention to detail and be able to accurately document records of tests performed
• Possess some familiarity with Excel, Word, and other Microsoft products
• Have good written and verbal communication skills
• Have a “safety first” mindset

Compensation

We proudly offer robust compensation and benefits packages, including:

• Competitive pay, commensurate with experience
• Heavily subsidized medical and dental plans
• Employer-sponsored retirement plan
• Company-paid life insurance
• Immediate paid vacation and generous holiday time
• Family-friendly sick and personal leave policies

The job responsibilities described above indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not intended to include a comprehensive inventory of all duties and responsibilities for this job. Job duties and responsibilities are subject to change based on evolving business needs and conditions.

Washington Mills is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, ancestry, national origin, citizenship status, military or veteran status, religion, creed, disability, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, medical condition as defined by applicable law, genetic information, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws and ordinances. We do not tolerate unlawful discrimination in any employment decisions, including recruiting, hiring, compensation, promotion, benefits, discipline, termination, job assignments or training.

Washington Mills, 1801 Buffalo Ave, Niagara Falls, New York, United States of America