R&D Technician

Empower Your Future: At MetOx International, we’re pioneering the next era of energy security and abundance through breakthrough superconducting technology. As a Research & Development (R&D) Technician, you’ll join a dynamic team committed to strengthening the world’s energy systems to make them more resilient, efficient, and reliable.

Based at our global headquarters in Houston, TX, the R&D Technician supports the operation, development, and continuous improvement of MetOx’s advanced superconducting wire manufacturing and lamination processes. This role supports R&D, process scale-up, MOCVD development activities, equipment operation, process documentation, quality testing, and experimental execution within a fast-paced research and development environment.

The R&D Technician works closely with scientists, engineers, and manufacturing teams to support next-generation HTS technology development and manufacturing readiness activities. The ideal candidate is hands-on, detail-oriented, and comfortable supporting evolving technologies, equipment, and processes within a rapidly scaling technical environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Process & Equipment Operations

• Operates and supports pilot-scale manufacturing and equipment used in the development of HTS wire and related processes.
• Assists with setup, operation, monitoring, and shutdown of R&D and process equipment.
• Supports execution of experimental trials, process development activities, and engineering evaluations.
• Maintains safe and organized operation of laboratory, pilot line, and process areas.
• Assists with equipment troubleshooting, maintenance, and basic repairs.

• Documentation & Procedure Development
  • Develops, updates, and maintains standard operating procedures (SOPs), work instructions, and process documentation.
  • Documents process observations, deviations, and troubleshooting findings to support engineering analysis and continuous improvement efforts.
  • Assists with data collection, organization, and reporting on MOCVD development programs.
  • Supports continuous improvement of documentation practices to improve process consistency, repeatability, and manufacturing readiness.
• Quality Control & Testing Support
  • Supports operation of quality control and characterization equipment used to evaluate process and product performance.
  • Assists with sample preparation, measurement collection, and documentation activities.
  • Helps maintain calibration, organization, and readiness of QC equipment and testing areas.
  • Supports engineers and scientists by providing accurate and timely process and test data.
• Continuous Improvement & Technical Support
  • Assists with root cause investigations, corrective actions, and process optimization activities.
  • Supports development, fabrication, and assembly of fixtures, tooling, and experimental components.
  • Collaborates cross-functionally with R&D, Manufacturing, Engineering, and Quality teams to support program objectives and technology development.
  • Supports additional operational, technical, and facility-related activities as needed within a rapidly growing environment.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelors degree or higher in Chemistry, Materials Science, Physics, Engineering Technology, Manufacturing Technology, Mechanical Engineering Technology, or a related technical field.
• 2 years of experience in a manufacturing, laboratory, pilot production, or research and development environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with vacuum systems, semiconductor manufacturing, energy technology, or industrial process environments.
• Experience supporting thin film manufacturing, vapor deposition, lamination, coating, web handling, or advanced materials processes.
• Familiarity with quality control, SPC, 6-sigma, metrology, or analytical characterization.
• Experience supporting pilot-scale manufacturing or process development programs.
• Mechanical, fabrication, electrical, instrumentation, or machine shop experience is a plus.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

• Strong mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills.
• Ability to maintain accurate technical documentation and process records.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow technical procedures with consistency.
• Ability to learn new equipment, processes, and technical concepts quickly.
• Strong organizational, communication, and teamwork skills.
• Demonstrated problem-solving mindset with a hands-on approach to execution and continuous improvement.

Physical Demands: Frequent standing, walking, reaching with arms, using hands, talking, and hearing. Some sitting, climbing, stooping, crawling, or crouching will be needed. Frequent lifting/carrying/moving of up to 10 pounds will be needed and, in some instances, lifting/carrying/moving up to 50 pounds will be required, manually transport a load up to 75 lbs., apply up to 100-foot pounds of torque. The ability to adjust vision focus from near to far and peripheral is needed as well as the ability to distinguish the difference in colors.

MetOx is proud to offer competitive benefits including:

• Health, dental, and vision available on the first day of employment
• 401(k) match
• Paid parental leave & adoption assistance
• Educational reimbursement
• And more!

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.