Development Engineering Tech I

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. 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. At Aspen, our values reflect who we are and how we work both with each other and our customers, suppliers, and communities. This position will be part of Aspen’s R&D department responsible for developing, and supporting 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 Testing and is responsible for executing routine and developmental testing, analyzing and documenting results, and supporting technical problem-solving within R&D. A Research and Development Engineer is thus accountable for delivery of specific objectives for projects in a professional and timely manner. A significant component of this position is providing timely and reliable testing support for ongoing R&D programs while balancing assigned technical projects. This position should fit well for an energetic, self-starter with a chemical, material science and mechanical background who can take ownership of assigned work, proactively address obstacles, and move activities toward completion. Candidate should enjoy hands on work in a chemical lab, including materials testing, equipment setup, and support of prototype processing activities. We seek to develop and implement advanced 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 supports the transfer of technologies developed within R&D toward manufacturing implementation.

Execute established testing methods accurately and efficiently to support routine and time-sensitive R&D needs.

Balance routine testing support with method development and other assigned technical projects.

Research and develop new and existing testing methods to advance knowledge, understanding and implementation of aerogel products and processes.

Develop, qualify and execute thermal and mechanical testing methods, document and analyze results in written reports.

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 execute assigned technical activities under the direction of the Advanced Testing Manager.

Ensure that critical testing equipment is calibrated, kept in good repair, and operated according to safe practices and national standard codes.

Design, document, and implement research activities in accordance with defined R&D deliverables.

Contribute to the identification of technical opportunities, development of research proposals, and generation of intellectual property.

Support 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.

Adopt and follow Aspen’s core values of Safety, Quality, Integrity, Teamwork, Customer and Innovation on both a personal and professional level.

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry, Mechanical Engineering or other related fields.

Minimum of 2 years of relevant 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 and support various projects or activities independently and meet project timeline, deliverable and goals.

Experience in implementation of bench to pilot scale-up activities.

Ability to perform hands on development of test systems, engineering design and experimentational work.

Experience with material characterization, data analysis and design of experiments.

Experience with mechanical systems, designs and lab equipment, or general mechanical background is desirable.

Ensure safe laboratory operation, follow safety requirements, participate in scheduled safety meetings and safety trainings.

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. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

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.

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 View email address on click.appcast.io.