Research and Development Associate

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.

The Research and Development Associate plays a critical role in supporting the design, development, and testing of innovative aerogel materials and technologies. This position involves conducting a variety of chemical, mechanical, and physical analyses to assist in product development, quality control, and continuous improvement. The Research and Development Associate collaborates closely with research scientists and cross-functional teams, contributing technical expertise to drive the development of next-generation aerogel products.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Research & Development Support:
  
  
  
  • Assist in designing and executing experimental plans for new product development and material optimization.
  • Collaborate with chemists, engineers, and other R&D personnel to advance material properties and product performance.
  
  
  
  
• Advanced Laboratory Analysis & Equipment Operation:
  
  
  
  • Conduct specialized analyses using sophisticated instruments, such as:
    
    
    
    • Thermal Analysis: TGA and DSC+
    • Mechanical Testing: Compression, tension, and elasticity measurements
    • Thermal Conductivity Testing: Evaluate insulation properties of aerogel materials
    • Chromatography: GC and GPC for chemical analysis
    • Spectroscopy: IR and other methods to characterize material properties
    • Surface Area & Porosity: BET analysis to assess particle characteristics
    
    
    
    
  
  
  
  
• Sample Testing & Quality Control:
  
  
  
  • Test product samples to verify conformance with established specifications, ensuring high-quality standards are met.
  
  
  
  
• Data Collection, Analysis & Reporting:
  
  
  
  • Record experimental data accurately; perform data analysis to interpret findings and support R&D objectives.
  • Prepare detailed reports, including observations, methodologies, and conclusions, to aid in project decision-making.
  
  
  
  
• Instrumentation Troubleshooting & Maintenance:
  
  
  
  • Troubleshoot and maintain laboratory equipment; manage calibration schedules and coordinate necessary repairs.
  • Assist in optimizing equipment utilization to ensure accurate and reliable test results.
  
  
  
  
• Quality Assurance & Compliance:
  
  
  
  • Follow established quality assurance protocols and Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) guidelines, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and laboratory best practices.
  
  
  
  
• Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs):
  
  
  
  • Draft, review, and update SOPs for laboratory practices to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and safety in lab operations.
  
  
  
  
• Continuous Improvement & Innovation:
  
  
  
  • Actively participate in identifying areas for process improvement and innovation, contributing ideas that enhance R&D efficiency and outcomes.
  
  
  
  
• Inventory & Resource Management:
  
  
  
  • Ensure adequate stock of laboratory supplies and manage inventory to support seamless project execution.
  
  
  
  
• Project Planning & Execution:
  
  
  
  • Organize and prioritize tasks to meet project timelines, working independently and collaboratively to achieve team objectives.
  
  
  
  

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Materials Science, Engineering, or related field required; advanced degree preferred.
• Experience: 2 years minimum in an R&D or laboratory setting. With hands-on experience in thermal analysis, chromatography, spectroscopy, and/or mechanical testing preferred.
• Preferred Skills: Experience with aerogel or other advanced materials; familiarity with nanomaterials and material characterization techniques is an advantage.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Frequently required to stand and use hands.
• Occasionally required to climb, balance, stoop, kneel, or crouch.
• Regularly works in an environment with exposure to fumes, airborne particles, or chemicals; personal protective equipment is provided.
• Occasionally required to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.

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 Fitness Reimbursement, a 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. The EEO is the Law poster is available here: http://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/eeopost.pdf.

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.