What are the responsibilities and job description for the Technical Product Associate position at Solarcore?
The Opportunity
Solarcore is an advanced materials technology company developing the most scientifically innovative thermal solutions on the planet. Our mission: solve the world’s biggest thermal efficiency challenges by revolutionizing the outdated world of insulation.
We’re seeking a Technical Product Associate to help bring new-to-world insulation technologies to life across footwear, outdoor apparel, shelters, industrial systems, and more. This hands-on role blends creativity with execution: building and preparing samples, supporting first-pass fixtures and prototypes, conducting testing, and helping translate physical product learning into tangible, testable, and market-ready solutions.
You’ll work closely with our Product Development, R&D, Sales, and Operations teams to develop samples, execute and document testing, research new methods, and keep technical information organized and useful. The ideal candidate is curious, hands-on, detail-oriented, resourceful, and comfortable juggling multiple projects in a fast-paced, innovative environment.
This position reports to the Product Development Director and will work closely with the Product Developer and VP of Product.
Key Responsibilities
- Assist with mechanical design, fixture development, tooling improvements, and problem-solving activities to support prototype development and testing.
- Operate R&D equipment and laboratory machinery to conduct mechanical, thermal, and material performance testing on new product concepts, specific to Product Development needs.
- Collect, analyze, and document test data, providing clear summaries and recommendations to support engineering and product development decisions.
- Evaluate competitive products, materials, and manufacturing approaches to identify opportunities for innovation.
- Maintain organized, searchable, and current libraries of material samples, competitor samples, test data, and related product-development information.
- Work with the team to translate testing findings into actionable insights and next steps for product development.
- Create and prepare samples for technical testing, marketing, and sales purposes.
Experience & Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related technical field OR applicable technical/trade education, training, certifications, or equivalent relevant hands-on experience.
- Hands-on experience with 3D modeling, cutting, and material fabrication; CAD experience is a plus, but not required.
- Mechanical ability to conceptualize and fabricate simple fixtures, jigs, and prototypes using readily available materials and components.
- Strong analytical skills to interpret testing data and generate actionable insights.
- Comfortable building "first-pass" engineering solutions to enable rapid product testing and development.
- Highly organized, with the ability to track multiple projects, samples, testing data, and documentation simultaneously.
- Passion for collaborative innovation and willingness to get hands-on in the lab, shop, or field.
Our Vision
Create Thermal Technology That Empowers Humanity to Reach Our Full Potential
The Culture
Solarcore’s continued success is made possible by the Solarcore team. The Solarcore team is made up of hardworking individuals that live and breathe Solarcore’s Pillars and science the sh*t out of life—
- Have Grit
- Be Adaptable
- Take Ownership
- Be Conscious
- Be Transformative
- Be Collaborative
These values are the common thread between every Solarcore team member, and they ultimately provide the foundation for our success.
Pay: $70,000.00 - $85,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
Application Question(s):
- Do you have hands-on experience supporting the development, fabrication, prototyping, or testing of physical products or materials?
- Do you have hands-on experience with cutting, converting, or material fabrication?
- Have you worked with ASTM standards, testing methods, or collaborated with external testing labs?
- Have you built or maintained a materials/sample library (e.g., adhesives, fabrics, competitive samples)?
- Are you comfortable in a hands-on role that regularly includes preparing samples, supporting prototypes/fixtures, conducting testing, and maintaining organized testing records/materials?
Location:
- Portland, OR 97214 (Required)
Work Location: In person
Salary : $70,000 - $85,000