Research & Development Technician

Washington Mills; New York (NY); On-site; USD 50,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Washington Mills is seeking a Research and Development Technician in Niagara Falls, NY. The role focuses on hands‑on lab work supporting the Development Engineer to resolve material and process challenges for internal and external customers.

You will perform tests, document results, and help interpret outcomes for the research group, including setting up powder mixes, operating furnaces, and ensuring a clean, organized lab environment.

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree in a technical curriculum.
• Hands-on mechanical aptitude.
• Ability to work independently and prioritize tasks.
• Attention to detail and accurate test documentation.
• Familiarity with Excel, Word, and other Microsoft products.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Safety-first mindset.
• U.S. citizen.

Responsibilities

• Perform tests and experiments under the direction of an engineer.
• Document work and interpret outcomes for the research group.
• Set up and mix powders, operate experimental furnaces, and submit samples for analysis.
• Design and execute tests and learn to communicate results.
• Conduct material handling tasks, including forklift operation.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area.

Skills

Hands-on mechanical aptitude

Independent worker

Attention to detail

Written and verbal communication

Safety mindset

US Citizenship

Education

Associate’s degree in a technical curriculum

Tools

Excel

Word

Job description

Position type: Full-Time, Salaried

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

Location: Niagara Falls, NY

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
• Be a US Citizen

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
• Opportunities for career development

Interested?

We want to hear from you! Visit washingtonmills.com/careers and tell us why you’re the candidate we’re looking for.

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.

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY BY SUBMITTING THIS APPLICATION YOU ACKNOWLEDGE THAT YOU UNDERSTAND AND ACCEPT THIS INFORMATION.

I certify that the information on this application and its supporting documents is accurate and complete. I understand and agree that failure to fully complete the form, or misrepresentation or omission of facts, represents grounds for elimination from consideration for employment, or termination after employment if discovered at a later date.

I authorize Washington Mills to investigate, without liability, all statements contained in this application and supporting materials.

I authorize references and former employers, without liability, to make full responses to any inquiries in connection with this application for employment.

If selected for a position, I agree to submit to a physical exam, background investigation, and/or screening for illegal substances upon conditional offer of employment, depending on the position requirements. Job‑related concerns identified during any of the above screenings may disqualify you from the new position or your current role. Background results will be evaluated on a case‑based approach.

I understand that this document is NOT an offer of employment, and that an offer of employment, if tendered, does NOT constitute a contract for continued guaranteed employment. I understand that employees of Washington Mills who work at union facilities and are obligated to join the union as a result of the position they are applying for, serve pursuant to the terms of the applicable contract and the employment relationship may be terminated at any time by you, for any or no reason, and the Company may terminate you pursuant to the applicable contract but in no event for a reason prohibited by law.

If employed, I will be required to furnish proof of eligibility to work in the United States, and any other information required to be provided to employer by law or for benefit eligibility, and to comply with Company and departmental policies, practices, rules, and regulations.

I understand that if employed on a temporary basis, I would be paid for hours worked only, and would be ineligible for benefits including paid time off. I understand that any benefits I receive outside any applicable contract may be subject to change or discontinuation at any time without prior notice.

I understand that if offered employment, I will be required to complete a Form I-9 and that the Company reserves the right to terminate my employment if said information is processed through E-Verify and I am unable to resolve any discrepancies in my information with the Social Security Administration, the Department of Homeland Security, or any other applicable government agency.