Research and Design Test Technician

About ACS Industries:

ACS Industries is the world’s largest vertically integrated metal mesh manufacturer and the global leader in pyrotechnic airbag inflator filters. We serve a wide range of industries including vehicle safety, clean air systems, industrial markets, and green energy. Our core manufacturing capabilities include expanded metal, knitted wire mesh, and woven wire mesh, with manufacturing equipment and processes developed in-house.

Our Lincoln, Rhode Island headquarters and R&D center develops new products, manufacturing processes, test methods, and equipment while providing technical support to ACS manufacturing operations globally. The R&D team works across a broad range of materials, technologies, and applications in a hands-on environment where priorities and technical challenges evolve as new products and processes are developed.

Position Overview:

The R&D Test Technician will support the Research & Development team by preparing samples, operating laboratory and test equipment, executing established test methods, and collecting and organizing test data. This is not a repetitive production testing role; R&D testing requirements and priorities change frequently as new products, materials, processes, and customer requirements are developed.

The successful candidate will be hands-on, technically curious, detail-oriented, and adaptable. The person in this role will work closely with research and engineering personnel and may move between materials preparation, microscopy, mechanical testing, analytical laboratory equipment, and custom R&D test systems based on current project needs. Engineers will typically establish test methods and interpret the resulting data, while the R&D Test Technician will be responsible for reliable test execution, identifying unusual results or equipment behavior, and supporting the evaluation of new equipment and test methods.

A willingness to learn unfamiliar equipment and processes is essential.

Primary Responsibilities:

Prepare samples and specimens for materials characterization, including sample slicing using a precision low speed saw, polishing and metallographic preparation

Perform materials analysis and characterization including optical microscopy, microhardness testing, ICP-MS, and cleaning/digestion of samples using acidic or basic solutions

Operate mechanical and component test equipment including Instron systems, leak testers, pressure-drop test stands, tube furnaces, DC sputter coaters, and other custom R&D test equipment

Perform electrical resistance measurements and other material or component testing as required

Collect, organize, and present test data using established formats, including tables and graphs in Microsoft Excel Perform routine equipment setup, calibration, fixture changes, and basic troubleshooting as required

Support the evaluation and initial operation of new test equipment, fixtures, and testing methods developed by the R&D team Provide occasional testing and inspection support to Quality and Manufacturing as needed

Qualifications:

Associate or bachelor's degree in Engineering, Engineering Technology, Materials Science, Chemistry, Physics, or a related technical or scientific discipline, or equivalent relevant technical experience2+ years of relevant experience in a laboratory, engineering, manufacturing, quality, or other technical environment preferred

Strong hands-on technical aptitude with the ability and willingness to learn unfamiliar equipment, test methods, and processes

Strong computer skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Excel for organizing and presenting test data Detail-oriented and organized with the ability to accurately follow technical procedures, recognize unusual results, and manage changing…