R&D Technician

Position Summary

NIC is seeking a motivated R&D Technician to support execution of high-performance coatings and advanced material development programs from early laboratory work through qualification, scale-up, and commercialization support. This is a hands-on laboratory role for someone who enjoys building, testing, learning, and contributing to real product development. You will work closely with scientists, technicians, and cross-functional partners in manufacturing, quality, and EH&S to generate high-quality experimental data, maintain strong laboratory execution, and help move development programs forward. This role is ideal for an early-career candidate who wants to build broad experience in high performance coatings, materials, testing, and process development in a fast-moving industrial R&D environment.

Why Join NIC

• Be part of a best-in-class organization and R&D team commercializing products that outperform the competition on this planet and beyond.
• Contribute directly to 0-to-1 development of high-impact solutions.
• Grow your career by taking on real responsibility in an environment where accountability earns trust and opportunity.

What You’ll Do

• Support execution of coating formulation and materials development programs using NIC core technologies in a world-class lab, assisted by cutting-edge software tools and a world-class characterization suite.
• Perform hands-on laboratory work, including sample preparation, formulation, coating application, testing, and data collection.
• Assist team members in execution of experimental plans to solve formulation, materials, and process challenges.
• Prepare raw materials, intermediates, test panels, and laboratory samples accurately and safely.
• Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot standard laboratory and analytical equipment.
• Document experimental work, test results, and observations clearly, accurately, and in a timely manner.
• Compile and organize data to support technical reviews, project updates, and development decisions.
• Help maintain laboratory efficiency, cleanliness, organization, and safety.
• Support scale-up, qualification, and commercialization activities through strong laboratory execution and timely follow-through.
• Assist with raw material evaluations, material handling, and inventory organization.
• Support development and refinement of laboratory methods, workflows, and best practices.
• Partner with R&D, manufacturing, and other teams as needed to support product and process development goals.

What We’re Looking For

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry or a related technical field.
• 0–3 years of relevant laboratory, internship, co-op, or industry experience in coatings, materials, chemicals, or related product development environments.
• Strong interest in hands-on laboratory work and experimental execution.
• Ability to follow test methods, standard procedures, and technical direction with accuracy and consistency.
• Strong organization, attention to detail, and documentation habits.
• Ability to collect, record, and communicate data clearly.
• Willingness to learn coating chemistry, material behavior, and development workflows in an industrial R&D setting.
• Commitment to work safely with chemicals, solvents, powders, and laboratory equipment.
• Experience using Excel or similar tools for data entry, organization, and basic analysis.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work on site.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States and meet applicable export-control requirements, including qualification as a U.S. Person.

Preferred Qualifications

• Internship, co-op, undergraduate research, or early-career industry experience in coatings, polymers, materials, chemicals, or manufacturing support.
• Experience with common laboratory equipment and characterization methods such as FTIR, DSC, TGA, rheology, particle size analysis, microscopy, or similar tools.
• Experience with sample preparation, coatings application, or physical property testing.
• Familiarity with laboratory safety practices, SDS use, and chemical handling procedures.
• Experience working with structured documentation, test methods, or quality systems.
• Exposure to manufacturing, pilot, or scale-up environments.

What Will Help You Succeed

• You enjoy hands-on technical work and take pride in clean, accurate execution.
• You are organized, dependable, and attentive to detail.
• You learn quickly and are eager to build technical depth.
• You communicate clearly and follow through on commitments.
• You work well with scientists, engineers, and cross-functional partners.
• You care about safety, quality, and doing things the right way.

We understand that outstanding candidates may not check all boxes, so applicants are encouraged to apply if they believe they can succeed in this role.