Research Technician - Advanced Materials

Mantel Technologies operates as a platform for innovation with a track record of executing product-centric research and development. The company is focused on driving technology advancements from concept to product with a focus on niche and emerging needs in the National Security/Defense sector with potential dual-use applications. In this position, the successful candidate will become part of Mantel’s Defense Technology division, which is focused on developing and delivering solutions that mitigate detection, enable awareness and reduce the impacts of unavoidable contact. You will contribute directly to Mantel’s mission of supporting survivability for people, canines, platforms and critical infrastructure.

About the Role

We are seeking a detail-oriented and motivated Research Technician to join our team in Fort Collins, Colorado. In this role, you will play a key part in developing novel, advanced materials systems. You will focus primarily on sample preparation, resin/coating formulations, surface application, and subsequent characterization and testing. If you excel at hands-on laboratory work, meticulous experimental tracking, and solving formulation-to-substrate application challenges, this role is for you.

Compensation: $47,000-$54,000 DOE

Key Responsibilities

• Formulation & Processing: Prepare specialized coating and resin formulations, maintaining high attention to detail for consistent and reproducible results.

• Surface Coating & Application: Apply formulations onto various substrates, exercising creative problem-solving to identify optimal application methods based on chemical properties and surface materials.

• Characterization & Testing: Perform physical, chemical, and mechanical testing/characterization on prepared samples.

• R&D Collaboration: Work closely with a multidisciplinary team of scientists and engineers to support the development and iteration of advanced materials systems.

• Documentation: Keep meticulous lab notebook records, organize test data, and communicate findings effectively to team members.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Education: Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Chemistry, Materials Science, or a closely related scientific discipline.

• Experience: Minimum of 2 years of professional laboratory/industry experience.

• Technical Skills:

  • Proven hands-on experience in sample preparation and formulation chemistry (coatings, resins, polymers, or adhesives preferred).
  • Familiarity with coating application techniques and surface characterization methods.
  • Strong technical troubleshooting and analytical problem-solving abilities.
• Security & Citizenship Requirements:

  • U.S. Citizenship is required.

  • Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance is required. (Active or prior security clearance is a strong plus).

Why Mantel:
Mantel’s Fort Collins team develops advanced materials from early R&D through manufacturing. You’ll work with a small, collaborative team of scientists, engineers, regulatory, quality and business personnel on projects at different stages of development.

Mantel also supports you with:

• Health & Wellness Support: We offer a solid healthcare package that includes Medical, Dental and Vision coverage to support you and your family’s everyday needs

• Future-Ready Financial Benefits: Contribute to your future with our 401(k) plan, including company contributions to help you build long-term financial stability

• Peace of Mind Coverage: We provide Long-term and Short-term Disability, AD&D, and Life Insurance to help protect you and your loved ones from life’s unexpected challenges

• Recharge and Refocus:Take the time you need with our generous PTO policy, designed to help you maintain a healthy work-life balance

• Work with Flexibility: We support flexible work schedules to help you do your best work in a way that works for you and your team

About Mantel

Mantel is an Equal Opportunity Employer and supports diversity in the workplace. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws.

Mantel is an E-Verify employer. E-Verify is an internet-based system operated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA) that allows participating employers to electronically verify the employment eligibility of their newly hired employees in the United States.