Research Technologist

What You Will Do

Sigma-1 is seeking several research technologists to join the team to execute engineering and scientific principles in research projects related to materials manufacturing. Based on candidate's qualifications and interests, a technologist will join one of 4 teams including Thermomechanical Processing Science, Ceramics Processing Science, Material Assessment and Compatibility, and Machining and Inspection. A brief overview of each team is outlined below:

• Thermomechanical Processing Science
  :
  Blacksmith to laser smith, we are a middle ground of metals manufacturing science. We focus on changing the shape and/or properties of metal parts. We work with stakeholders to design solutions to their challenges and work outside the box to streamline manufacturing.
• Ceramics Processing Science
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  The Ceramics Processing Sciences Team specializes in materials synthesis and processing for metal and ceramic powders. Powder processing can form high melting point materials that cannot be formed in any other way such as tungsten, molybdenum, and zirconium, as well as oxides, carbides, nitrides and borides.
• Material Assessment and Compatibility
  :
  The Materials Compatibility Team enhances understanding of interactions among materials, and between materials and their service environment, specializing in corrosion and aging processes that often occur only when multiple materials are combined in a complex system.
• Machining and Inspection
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  The Machining and Inspection team performs prototype machining of metallic and non-metallic materials to support product development, production, and testing activities. Additionally, the team performs dimensional inspection of components using manual and automated methods.

Across Sigma-1, we support a wide variety of programs with an emphasis on identifying creative solutions to meet our customers' needs.

The successful candidate will be able to work effectively on both independent projects and as part of a team to assist on projects. The role will largely include a combination of hands‑on work, data analysis, and contributions to technical reporting.

• Demonstrated experience leading independent projects, including collaborating with other team members and developing techniques to meet project goals.
• Demonstrated knowledge and demonstrated experience operating and doing method development with one of the aforementioned team's core operations.
• Demonstrated experience providing significant input on internal reports, progress reports to sponsors, or technical publications in peer-reviewed journals.
• Demonstrated experience with laboratory equipment or instrument specification, procurement, assembly, modification, maintenance, and repair.
• Demonstrated experience within a quality controlled / quality assurance framework.
• Demonstrated ability to work with and mentor a diverse team of professionals including technicians, engineers, and scientists including effective communication skills across all levels.
• Demonstrated ability to develop new techniques, leverage ingenuity, creativity, and personal independence to support multiple concurrent team tasks.
• Demonstrated ability to independently troubleshoot and solve instrumental and experimental problems.
• Motivated to be a self‑guided learner of new techniques under the supervision of more experienced personnel.

Position requires a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and 8 years related experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation. At this level, post graduate course work may be desirable.

• Experience developing and assembling mechanical systems, test assemblies, and experimental hardware.
• Experience developing and maintaining authorizing documents to perform work safely and compliantly.
• Experience performing routine maintenance of furnaces, vacuum systems, water lines, and hydraulic systems, rolling mills, etc. including maintaining supplies for the equipment in these areas.
• Experience operating processing equipment which could include furnace systems, hydraulic presses, milling equipment, CMM…