Contract Lead R&D Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

osition Title

Research & Development Technician

Department

Technology/ R&D

Reports To

Coating Scientist

Location

Piney Flats, Tennessee

POSITION SUMMARY

The Research & Development Technician supports the development, testing, and improvement of coating technologies and manufacturing processes for lithium battery separator products. This position is responsible for assisting with laboratory testing, sample preparation, data collection, process trials, and product evaluations while ensuring compliance with safety, quality, and operational standards.

The ideal candidate will possess strong technical aptitude, attention to detail, and the ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced manufacturing and laboratory environment. This role plays a key part in supporting innovation initiatives and continuous improvement efforts that contribute to product performance, customer satisfaction, and operational excellence.

COMPANY CORE VALUES

Safety

• Follow all laboratory, manufacturing, and environmental safety procedures consistently.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment.
• Utilize proper personal protective equipment (PPE) and safe material handling practices.
• Support a culture where safety is prioritized in all testing and development activities.

Innovation & Continuous Improvement

• Identify opportunities to improve laboratory efficiency, testing accuracy, and product performance.
• Support innovation initiatives focused on advancing coating technologies and separator performance.
• Participate in continuous improvement activities that enhance quality, efficiency, and operational effectiveness.
• Contribute ideas and recommendations that support research and development goals.

Teamwork & Collaboration

• Build strong working relationships across R&D, Operations, Engineering, and Quality departments.
• Promote effective communication and teamwork during laboratory testing and production trials.
• Support a collaborative environment that encourages knowledge sharing and problem-solving.
• Contribute positively to team and organizational objectives.

Accountability

• Ensure testing, reporting, and documentation are completed accurately and on schedule.
• Maintain ownership of assigned projects, testing activities, and development tasks.
• Demonstrate attention to detail and commitment to quality in all work performed.
• Follow company policies, standards, and compliance requirements consistently.

Integrity

• Maintain honesty, professionalism, and confidentiality in all work activities.
• Ensure accuracy and transparency in laboratory testing and reporting.
• Demonstrate ethical decision-making and accountability in daily responsibilities.
• Treat team members, customers, and stakeholders with professionalism and respect.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Prepare and test water-based coating formulations (ceramic and polymer systems) following established procedures
• Conduct material and coating evaluations, including peel strength, shrinkage, viscosity, and coat weight measurements
• Perform routine characterization such as solids content, pH, and particle dispersion quality
• Accurately record, analyze, and report experimental data in lab notebooks and digital systems
• Maintain and calibrate laboratory equipment to ensure reliable and repeatable results

Laboratory & Product Testing

• Prepare and test coating formulations, raw materials, and separator samples according to established procedures.
• Conduct laboratory testing and evaluations to support product development and process optimization.
• Record, analyze, and report test data accurately and in a timely manner.
• Assist with troubleshooting product performance and process-related issues.
• Maintain laboratory equipment and ensure proper calibration and functionality.

Research & Development Support

• Support the Coating Scientist with product development initiatives, experimental trials, and continuous improvement projects.
• Assist in scaling laboratory trials to pilot or manufacturing production environments.
• Prepare technical reports, documentation, and summaries related to testing activities and development projects.
• Support validation activities for new products, materials, and coating technologies.
• Assist with sample preparation and shipment for customer evaluations and internal testing.

Process Development & Troubleshooting

• Identify coating defects (e.g., adhesion issues, non-uniformity, surface defects)
• Work closely with the Coating Scientist to investigate root causes and implement corrective actions
• Monitor and report process parameters such as drying temperature, coating thickness, and uniformity
• Support troubleshooting during lab experiments and production trials

Process Improvement & Innovation

• Identify opportunities to improve testing methods, laboratory processes, and product performance.
• Support process optimization efforts related to coating applications and separator technologies.
• Participate in research projects focused on enhancing product quality, efficiency, and sustainability.
• Contribute ideas and recommendations that support innovation and operational excellence.

Safety & Compliance

• Follow all safety procedures, laboratory standards, and company policies.
• Maintain clean and organized laboratory and work areas.
• Ensure compliance with environmental, health, and safety regulations.
• Utilize proper personal protective equipment (PPE) and safe chemical handling practices.

Teamwork & Collaboration

• Collaborate effectively with R&D, Operations, Quality, Engineering, and Production teams.
• Communicate testing results, observations, and recommendations clearly and professionally.
• Support cross-functional initiatives and manufacturing trials as needed.
• Foster a positive and collaborative team environment.

OBJECTIVES

Teamwork & Collaboration Objectives

• Build strong working relationships across R&D, Operations, Engineering, and Quality departments to support successful product development initiatives.
• Promote effective communication and teamwork during laboratory testing, production trials, and continuous improvement activities.
• Support a collaborative environment that encourages knowledge sharing and problem-solving.
• Assist team members and contribute to shared department and organizational goals.

Innovation & Continuous Improvement Objectives

• Identify opportunities to improve laboratory efficiency, testing accuracy, and product performance.
• Support innovation initiatives focused on advancing coating technologies and separator performance.
• Recommend process improvements that enhance quality, consistency, and operational effectiveness.
• Participate in continuous improvement activities that reduce waste and improve productivity.

Accountability Objectives

• Ensure laboratory testing, documentation, and reporting are completed accurately and on schedule.
• Maintain ownership of assigned projects, testing activities, and development tasks.
• Demonstrate attention to detail and commitment to quality in all work performed.
• Follow all safety procedures, company standards, and compliance requirements consistently.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Associate degree in Chemistry, Materials Science, Engineering Technology, Industrial Technology, or related technical field preferred.
• Equivalent laboratory or manufacturing experience may be considered.

Experience

• 1–3 years of laboratory, manufacturing, research, or technical experience preferred.
• Experience in coatings, chemical processing, plastics, battery technology, or manufacturing environments preferred.
• Experience working in a laboratory or industrial testing environment is a plus.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Strong technical and analytical skills.
• Ability to follow detailed testing procedures and work instructions.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and data entry.
• Ability to operate laboratory equipment and perform technical testing.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• High attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Accountability
• Attention to Detail
• Teamwork & Collaboration
• Innovation
• Problem Solving
• Communication
• Continuous Improvement
• Technical Aptitude
• Integrity
• Safety Focus

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Laboratory and manufacturing environment exposure.
• Frequent standing, walking, and use of laboratory equipment.
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds occasionally.
• Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) required.
• Exposure to chemicals, manufacturing equipment, and testing materials.

WHY JOIN US

Join a growing leader in lithium battery separator manufacturing focused on innovation, sustainability, and operational excellence. This role offers the opportunity to contribute directly to the advancement of battery technology while working in a collaborative and dynamic research and development environment.