Senior R&D Technician

Critical success factors – The critical success factors for a Senior R&D Technician to excel in this position include:
1. Safety conscious for self and co-workers
2. Excellent verbal and written communication skills
3. Ability to compile, write and present production documents
4. Computer literate, especially Excel and Word
5. Aptitude with operating and maintaining electro-mechanical equipment
A Senior R&D Technician must possess relevant technical knowledge and interpersonal skills and be capable of developing a thorough understanding of ACM's manufacturing processes including ceramic or metal powder preparation, furnace and hot press operations.
Essential Job Functions – The Senior R&D Technician will be responsible for executing tasks defined by management and team leaders.
Such tasks may include:
• Work in small team environment to accomplish team objectives
• Monitor inventory, order and prepare raw materials
• Operate and maintain high temperature furnaces and support equipment
• Precise weighing and mixing of compounds and fine powders
• Operate and maintain mixing and grinding machine equipment
• Enforce safety standards in all operations
• Record and maintain lab book and production documentation
• Perform material quality control testing
• Trouble shoot and improve manufacturing/research processes
Education:  Bachelors degree in advanced materials, engineering, physics, chemistry or other science/technology field is highly desired.  High school diploma with 5+ relevant years of experience may be considered acceptable.
Experience:  A proven track record of successfully performing basic ceramic or metal powder production tasks with two or more years of manufacturing or laboratory experience is highly desired.  High temperature furnace and surface grinding operating experience is desired.  Familiarity with basic machining, vacuum pumps, electrical wiring and metallographic sample preparation is a big plus.  Track record as an independent problem solver.
Knowledge:  Well-balanced technical background with focus on ceramic or metal powder materials or basic knowledge of chemical compounds is desired.  Detailed knowledge of a wide variety of ceramic processes is desired.
Essential Physical Requirements:  Ability to safely weigh, mix and cast ceramics and operate high temperature equipment.  Ability to work with powders.  Some heavy lifting required.
Special Requirements:  US citizenship is required.