Research and Development Engineer I

What we do-

Aspen is a technology leader in sustainability and electrification solutions. The Company's aerogel technology enables its customers and partners to achieve their own objectives around the global megatrends of resource efficiency, e-mobility, and clean energy. Aspen's PyroThin products enable solutions to thermal runaway challenges within the electric vehicle ("EV") market. Aspen Battery Materials, the Company's carbon aerogel initiative, seeks to increase the performance of lithium-ion battery cells to enable EV manufacturers to extend the driving range and reduce the cost of EVs. The Company's Cryogel and Pyrogel products are valued by the world's largest energy infrastructure companies. Aspen's strategy is to partner with world-class industry leaders to leverage its Aerogel Technology Platform into additional high-value markets. Aspen is headquartered in Northborough, Mass.

What we value-

At Aspen, our values reflect who we are and how we work both with each other and our customers, suppliers, and communities. They shape our interactions, guide our decisions, and inspire us to bring our best. Whether collaborating internally or externally, our values drive us to make a meaningful impact within Aspen and in all our relationships.

Aspen's CORE Values

We Do the Right Thing

We are Problem Solvers

We are Allies

We Drive Forward

What you will do-

This position will be part of Aspen's R&D department responsible for developing, implementing, and coordinating technical activities associated with characterizing and improving the performance of aerogel-based products. The R&D Engineer is provided input on objectives and goals by the Manager of Advanced Materials Testing and is responsible for planning problem solving strategies at a highly detailed level, documentation of development activities, including design reviews, and technology dissemination to other groups within R&D. A Research and Development Engineer is thus accountable for delivery of specific objectives for projects in a professional and timely manner. This position should fit well for an energetic, self-starter, proactive thinker with a chemical, material science and mechanical background who can independently lead multiple project activities. Experience with Python and SQL for data handling, analysis, developing data tools and SQL database management is highly desirable. The candidate should enjoy hands on work in a chemical lab, design, procurement, assembly, chemical and materials testing, and supporting the startup of prototype processing equipment. We seek to develop and implement advanced materials testing capabilities that can benchmark the performance of developmental aerogel products thus providing the basis of technology translation from small to large scale. This position also plays a central role in supporting detailed translation of technologies developed within R&D into the manufacturing implementation stage.

How will you do it-

• Research and develop new and existing testing methods to advance knowledge, understanding and implementation of aerogel products and processes.
• Ability to develop, qualify and execute thermal and mechanical testing methods, document and analyze results in written reports.
• Ability to compile, refine and analyze large data sets and identify solutions to complex problems.
• Comfortable with hands on work with various mechanical tools, parts and equipment to develop and assemble non-standard test apparatus.
• Plan, coordinate, and implement technical efforts to meet corporate objectives under the direction of the Advanced Materials Testing Manager.
• Assure that critical instrumentation utilized in product testing activities is calibrated, operated according to safe practices, is kept in good repair, and operated according to national standard codes.
• Design, document, and implement research activities in accordance with defined research and development deliverables.
• Provide leadership within a group to help identify technical opportunities, write technical research proposals, and help develop intellectual property.
• Provide leadership as a representative of the R&D group to facilitate cross-functional activities intended to meet corporate objectives.
• Develop project milestones, metrics, budgets, and schedule for proposed projects.
• Focus on instrumentation design, measurement and control strategies for existing or new process equipment for aerogel processing.
• May be responsible for other related duties as assigned by management.
• Adopt and follow Aspen's core values of Safety, Quality, Integrity, Teamwork, Customer and Innovation on both a personal and professional level.

Why you are right for the job-

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering, Material Science, Chemistry, Mechanical Engineering or other related fields.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in materials characterization and testing, test setup, product development or process development, or fundamental/applied research in process engineering related to materials processing.
• Ability to successfully manage various projects or activities independently and meet project timeline, deliverable and goals.
• Experience in implementation of bench to pilot scale-up activities.
• Ability to do hands on development of test systems, engineering design and experimentational work.
• Knowledge of chemical process safety management and risk assessment is a plus (ie HAZOP, What-if's, MOC, process engineering safety controls).
• Ability to work in a team setting environment and independently.
• Present research work to management or technical team. Share knowledge, information and work closely with scientists and engineers to solve complex research problems.
• Python programming skills for data handling, analysis, and tool development, as well as SQL database management experience.
• Experience with material characterization, data analysis and design of experiments. (Knowledge of JMP or other related data analysis tools is a plus).
• Experience with mechanical systems, designs and lab equipment, or general mechanical background is desirable.
• Excellent written, oral and interpersonal skills.
• Motivated, self-starter and proactively looking for improvements, new knowledge and solving technical challenges.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and multitasks.
• Ensure safe laboratory operation, follow safety requirements, participate in scheduled safety meetings and safety trainings.

What to expect-

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

• Frequently required to stand, walk, sit
• Frequently required to utilize hand and finger dexterity
• Occasionally required to climb, balance, bend, stoop, kneel or crawl
• Frequently works with mechanical parts, tools and lab and pilot scale equipment.
• Occasionally works around fumes, airborne particles, or toxic chemicals
• Occasionally move and lift equipment more than 30 pounds.
• This position requires hands on work with PPE in a research laboratory working with chemicals, tools and equipment to perform experimental activities.

The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or physical requirements. Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

PERKS OF JOINING OUR TEAM!

Aspen is committed to offering a comprehensive benefits package, a positive and productive work environment, encouraged work/life and family balance, and opportunities for growth and development, in a culture that is focused on inclusion, sustainability, and working together to solve the world's toughest challenges.

Aspen is proud to offer a competitive benefits package including Medical, Dental, Vision, Tuition Reimbursement, Paid Holidays, Sick Time, and PTO. In addition, we also offer 401k Employer Match, Life and Disability Insurance, and other benefits.

Aspen Aerogels, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics.

Aspen Aerogels, Inc. is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process, please send an e-mail to abuttitta@aerogel.com or call and leave a voice message at (508) 466-3111 and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information and we will return your message.