Smart Materials Engineer Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The R&D Materials Engineer - Quantum owns the research and feasibility testing for quantum circuits and support. This engineer focuses on activities to improve or create new products, processes, and technologies related to the production of flexible circuits, rigid-flex, heaters, and assemblies. This involves researching and optimizing new materials and processes and ensuring their safety, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. In this role they will use their expertise to advise on product and process materials, technology roadmaps, timelines, and costs that will help inform the strategy around future products, processes, and capabilities. This person will collaborate with cross-functional teams and stay up-to-date with advancements in circuit manufacturing and related materials. They will document test results in written reports and help create patent applications when applicable. The R&D Materials Engineer will report to the R&D Manager.

Essential Job Duties

Main contact for internal stakeholders on the research and feasibility of new materials and processes.

Research and provide technical expertise on materials and processes from the technical roadmap.

Provide regular status updates and gate reviews for projects.

Collaborate with cross-functional teams that may include customers, product managers, engineering, and operations to identify materials, products, and process requirements.

Identify risks and mitigation plans for new materials, products, processes, and technologies.

Advise on the research and development costs and lead times associated with project activities.

Design and execute experiments to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of new materials, processes, and products.

Prepare samples, materials, and prototypes according to established procedures.

Collect, record, analyze, and interpret test data accurately.

Document procedures, results, observations, and any deviations or anomalies.

Provide direction and feedback to R&D technicians.

Write formalized test methods.

Work closely with Engineers, Operators, and Technicians from across the organization.

Stay current with advancements in materials for flex circuits and related technologies and use this knowledge to advise on the technical roadmap.

Infrequent travel to other AFS factories as required.

Attend tradeshows to stay up to date with advancements in the quantum circuit space.

Participate in cross-functional activities to support the execution of critical production projects.

Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering, physics, chemistry, or other materials science related field.

Experience and/or Training

4-7 years of engineering experience.

Experience in regulated industries preferred.

Process Engineering experience with PCBs, flexible heaters, and assemblies desired.

Knowledge of principles and applications of statistical methods.

Experience with DOEs and ANOVA a plus.

Experience developing and characterizing thin films.

Technology/Equipment

Experience with basic metrology tools such as microscopes, calipers, micrometers, etc.

Experience with SEM and EDS.

Experience with advanced analytical tools preferred.

Travel

Infrequent travel between sites.

5% travel to customers or trade shows.

Additional Skill Set

Strong project management skills.

Self motivated.

Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills.

Excellent critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Strong communication skills.

Strong technical writing skills.

Strong Microsoft Office skills.

Effective change management skills.

We offer a competitive base salary in the $90,000 to $120,000 range, based on experience and qualifications, along with annual bonus and profit-sharing opportunities tied to performance.

Beyond pay, our market-leading benefits are designed to support your wellbeing. These include medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, as well as short- and long-term disability coverage. We also provide a health savings account with company match, a retirement plan with employer contributions through Vanguard, and access to the Granite Assistance Fund for support when it's needed most. We value time for rest and personal growth, offering generous paid time off, including volunteer time off and paid holidays.