Materials Engineer - Functional Polymer Gels

About 3D Architech:

3D Architech is pioneering next-generation metal manufacturing infrastructures that push the boundaries of design at the unprecedented scale – 10 micron or lower. Our proprietary gel‑enabled metal manufacturing platform enables geometries, thermal performance, and materials combinations that are not achievable with conventional additive or subtractive processes.  

Our operation across the USA, Japan, and Taiwan, bridging advanced materials R&D with scalable manufacturing for thermal management applications.  As we expand our R&D operations in the US, we’re seeking talented engineers to drive our manufacturing technology and the development of application-specific products for cooling devices.

Role Overview:

In this role, you will support the development and optimization of functional polymer gel systems for our proprietary gel-enabled metal manufacturing technology. Specifically, you will primarily focus on hands-on experimental execution, routine R&D activities, data interpretation, and technical documentation related to polymer gel formulation, processing, and characterization. 

Working closely with senior engineers and scientists, you will translate technical direction into well-executed experiments, contribute to incremental process improvements, and proactively support daily R&D operations with accuracy and consistency. 

As a member of a fast-growing startup, this role is not limited to gel development alone. You may be involved in a variety of R&D projects depending on evolving priorities and business needs, and are expected to flexibly support different experimental and development activities across the organization. This role requires adaptability, a hands-on mindset, and a willingness to take on new tasks and responsibilities as projects and team needs evolve. 

Key Responsibilities:

• Execute wet-chemistry and polymer chemistry experiments for the formulation and optimization of functional polymer gel systems. 
• Perform routine characterization and evaluation of gel properties, including mechanical behavior, transport behavior, and processing-related performance. 
• Accurately collect, analyze, and interpret experimental data, and prepare clear technical reports and experimental records. 
• Support the development and optimization of gel-based photopolymerization and manufacturing processes under guidance from senior engineers. 
• Proactively identify opportunities for process tweaks, experimental improvements, or workflow optimizations at the laboratory level, and implement them through experiments. 
• Maintain experimental reproducibility, data integrity, and laboratory best practices in daily R&D activities. 
• Communicate experimental progress, issues, and findings clearly with international R&D and manufacturing teams. 

Required Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Chemistry, Materials Science, Polymer Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related field; or Bachelor’s degree with 2 years of relevant industry experience. 
• Practical experience in wet chemistry and polymer chemistry experiments. 
• Ability to follow experimental protocols accurately while understanding their technical intent. 
• Experience with routine data analysis, interpretation, and technical report writing in an R&D environment.  
• Strong attention to experimental detail, reproducibility, and documentation. 
• Ability to execute assigned technical direction efficiently and reliably. 
• Willingness to take ownership of daily R&D tasks and proactively support team objectives. 
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced experimental environment with evolving priorities. 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with polymer gels, hydrogels, or soft material systems. 
• Hands-on experience with rheology, mechanical testing, thermal analysis, image analysis, or related characterization methods. 
• Experience with photopolymerization or 3D printing processes, particularly gel-based or vat polymerization systems. 
• Demonstrated ability to propose and implement process improvements, experimental tweaks, or workflow optimizations. 
• Experience collaborating closely with senior engineers or scientists in an industrial R&D setting. 
• Experience or familiarity with scale-up considerations, including QC/QA aspects of material and process development. 
• Interest in applications enabled by advanced materials and manufacturing technologies, and alignment with the broader company vision. 

Work Schedule and Compensation:

• Working Hours: Standard business hours with flexibility available. 
• Occasional domestic and international travel 

Benefits:

• Medical and dental insurance coverage 
• Paid leave, maternity/paternity leave, and caregiving leave 
• Five-day workweek with weekends off 

Application Process:

Interested candidates are encouraged to apply via the LinkedIn application form or send their resume/CV to applications@3d-architect.com.