Associate, RF Materials & Fabrication Technician

Company Description

Vorbeck Materials is engineering the future of technology for first responders, military, and industry. From PFAS-free firefighting foams to conformal antennas, we deliver mission-critical solutions with superior performance.

Job Description

Job Type: Full-time
Classification: Non-Exempt
Pay: $26 - $36 per hour, based on qualifications and experience.
Physical Setting/work location: On-site, Columbia, MD.
Clearance Level: This position requires that the candidate be capable of obtaining and maintaining a Secret-level security clearance. Candidates with an active SCI-level clearance are strongly preferred.

Vorbeck is seeking a Materials & Fabrication Technician to support the research, development, fabrication, and testing of advanced materials and RF technologies. This role will work closely with engineering and product development teams to fabricate prototype components, conduct laboratory testing, support additive manufacturing processes, and maintain laboratory operations. The ideal candidate will have a strong technical foundation, a hands-on approach to problem-solving, and an interest in advancing graphene-enabled technologies for commercial, aerospace, government, and defense applications.

• Materials Fabrication & Processing: Support the fabrication and processing of advanced materials, printed electronics, conformal antennas, and RF components. Prepare materials and fabricate prototype and production components in accordance with established procedures, engineering specifications, and quality requirements.
   
• Additive Manufacturing & Prototype Development: Assist with additive manufacturing, printing, coating, and related fabrication processes used in the development of RF technologies and conductive materials. Support prototype builds, process development activities, and product development initiatives.
   
• Product Testing & Evaluation: Perform testing, measurements, inspections, and data collection activities to evaluate material properties, fabrication quality, and product performance. Accurately document results and communicate findings to engineering and product development teams.
   
• Laboratory Operations & Equipment Support: Operate, maintain, calibrate, and troubleshoot laboratory and fabrication equipment. Assist with equipment setup, preventative maintenance, inventory management, and overall laboratory organization.
   
• Engineering & Product Development Support: Work closely with engineers and scientists to support product development, material evaluations, process improvements, and technical investigations. Provide hands-on support for research, testing, and development activities.
   
• Documentation & Reporting: Maintain accurate laboratory records, test data, fabrication logs, work instructions, and technical documentation in accordance with company procedures and quality standards.
   
• Continuous Improvement: Identify opportunities to improve fabrication methods, laboratory processes, testing procedures, and operational efficiency. Support the implementation of process improvements and best practices.
   
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with Engineering, Product Development, Manufacturing, and Operations teams to support project objectives, product development efforts, and business goals.
   
• Safety & Compliance: Maintain a safe and organized work environment by following laboratory, manufacturing, environmental, health, and safety procedures. Ensure materials, equipment, and processes are handled in accordance with company standards.
   
• Other Responsibilities: Support additional laboratory, fabrication, testing, and product development activities as assigned.
   
• Travel (Expected): Up to 10%.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, Engineering Technology, Chemistry, or a related technical field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant laboratory, fabrication, manufacturing, or military technical experience.

Experience

• 1–3 years of experience in a laboratory, manufacturing, research, fabrication, or engineering support environment preferred.
• Internship, co-op, undergraduate research, military technical experience, or other hands-on laboratory experience will be considered.

Skills and Abilities

• Exceptional drive and work ethic.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and attention to detail.
• Ability to follow technical procedures, engineering drawings, work instructions, and laboratory protocols.
• Experience operating laboratory, fabrication, or manufacturing equipment.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to accurately collect, document, and communicate technical data and test results.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a cross-functional team environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and basic data management tools.
• Familiarity with additive manufacturing, printed electronics, RF technologies, advanced materials, or graphene-based products is preferred.
• Ability to learn new fabrication techniques, laboratory procedures, and testing methods in a research and development environment.

Additional Information

Benefits include:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• 401(k) Program
• Vacation, Personal Time, and 10 Paid Holidays
• Company-sponsored Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, and Life Insurance
• Opportunity for Relocation Assistance

*Vorbeck is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, lactation, or related medical conditions), marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability, veteran status, military or uniformed service member status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, local, or international law. This position will involve work on government contracts and the government requires that qualified candidates must be United States citizens. All personal information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.*