Now Hiring - Aci Materials Inc - Applications Engineer in Goleta, CA

Full description of the position

About ACI Materials ACI Materials has developed a breakthrough processing technology that fundamentally transforms advanced materials manufacturing. Our proprietary platform delivers 10-100x performance improvements in conductive inks, aerospace coatings, and electronic adhesives while reducing manufacturing costs and waste streams. ACI is positioned at the epicenter of North American electronics manufacturing reshoring and the global transition to sustainable materials processing. As we scale from current operations to a world-class commercial organization to capture the extraordinary market opportunity ahead. * The Opportunity Join a deep tech company transitioning from development to commercial-scale manufacturing serving aerospace, energy, mobility, and advanced electronics sectors. As an AS9100 and ISO 9001 certified manufacturer, we engineer advanced material formulations using proprietary fluid dynamics processing technology that fundamentally transforms material properties at the molecular level, enabling breakthrough performance across multiple industrial applications. The Applications Engineer leads technical development and prototype manufacturing for ACI's advanced materials applications, with primary focus on additive flex PCB solutions and stretchable electronics platforms. This role bridges R&D, business development, and pilot-scale manufacturing by translating customer requirements into functional prototypes while establishing scalable processes that demonstrate commercial viability. You'll manage customer-facing technical engagements, optimize materials integration across diverse substrates and deposition systems, and coordinate cross- functional resources to accelerate technology commercialization. * Core Responsibilities * Lead technical development and prototyping for additive flex PCB applications using ACI's solderable silver ink systems, managing the complete workflow from customer design specifications through functional circuit validation, including CAD file generation for printing based fully additve manufacture of circuits using AutoCAD, EDA, or other software, screen preparation optimization, printing parameter development, and assembly process qualification supporting both in-house demonstrations and customer evaluation programs * Drive stretchable electronics development initiatives spanning wearable sensors, heated garments, and flexible interconnects by systematically evaluating substrate compatibility, optimizing print parameters across multiple deposition platforms (screen printing, aerosol jet, inkjet), conducting mechanical and electrical performance testing under strain conditions, and documenting processing guidelines that enable manufacturing partners to achieve consistent results * Execute customer-facing technical engagements by conducting application demonstrations, troubleshooting integration challenges during trials, collecting performance feedback that informs formulation refinements, and maintaining systematic records capturing customer requirements, processing parameters, and success criteria that support both immediate projects and long-term opportunity assessment * Coordinate cross-functional resources including R&D chemists for formulation modifications, contract manufacturers for assembly services, external testing laboratories for reliability validation, and business development for customer communications, maintaining project timelines and technical deliverables that support commercial qualification milestones * Operate and optimize diverse materials deposition systems including manual and automated screen printers (targeting <250m line widths), Voltera Nova desktop printer for rapid prototyping, and coordinate with external printing partners, systematically documenting equipment setup parameters, print quality assessment criteria, and troubleshooting protocols that enable consistent process execution across multiple platforms * Develop technical documentation including application notes, process specifications, customer demonstration materials, and design-for-manufacturing guidelines that communicate ACI's capabilities, establish best practices for materials integration, and support sales activities by translating technical performance into customer-relevant value propositions * Collaborate with VP of Business Development to prioritize development initiatives based on market opportunity, resource availability, and technical feasibility, providing quantitative assessments of commercialization readiness including time to qualification, manufacturing complexity, and economic viability that inform strategic business decisions Required Qualifications * B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or Physics with 3-5 years of experience in functional materials development, prototype manufacturing, or functional electronics applications * Demonstrated hands-on experience with materials processing equipment and prototype fabrication systems, with the ability to troubleshoot equipment issues, optimize process parameters through systematic experimentation, and train others on proper operation procedures * Strong foundation in design-of-experiments methodologies and data analysis, with demonstrated ability to structure investigations that isolate variables, identify root causes, and translate experimental findings into actionable process improvements or formulation modifications * Proven technical communication skills enabling effective interaction with both specialized experts and non-technical stakeholders, including ability to prepare customer-facing presentations, write technical application notes, and translate complex materials science concepts into commercial value propositions * Project coordination experience managing multiple concurrent initiatives with competing priorities, demonstrated through successful delivery of prototypes or product development milestones that required coordination across internal functions and external partners * Adaptability and rapid learning capacity evidenced by successfully working across diverse technology platforms, assimilating new technical concepts outside formal training, and applying knowledge from one domain to solve problems in unfamiliar applications * Systematic approach to problem-solving with strong attention to detail in documentation, maintaining comprehensive records of experimental procedures, equipment settings, material specifications, and results that enable process repeatability and support future optimization efforts Preferred Qualifications * Functional screen printing experience including screen selection, ink rheology optimization, print parameter development (mesh selection, squeegee pressure, speed, snap-off distance), registration alignment, and troubleshooting common defects including pinholes, bridging, and incomplete transfer * Direct experience with PCB design and manufacturing processes including ECAD/EDA tool proficiency (JitX, Altium, KiCAD, Eagle, or similar), Gerber file generation and verification, understanding of design-for-manufacturing constraints, and familiarity with flex PCB materials, stackups, and assembly processes * Working knowledge of conductive inks, adhesives, or functional coatings including understanding of how filler loading affects rheology and electrical properties, curing kinetics and final performance relationships, and substrate surface treatment effects on adhesion and film formation * Experience with printed electronics or additive manufacturing techniques such as inkjet printing, aerosol jet deposition, or dispensing systems, including understanding of resolution limitations, material compatibility requirements, and post-processing requirements * Practical experience with electrical characterization methods including four-point probe resistivity measurement, solder joint reliability testing, adhesion testing (tape test, cross-hatch), and environmental stability evaluation (temperature cycling, humidity exposure) * Customer-facing technical support experience, including conducting product demonstrations, troubleshooting customer integration issues, collecting application requirements, and translating customer feedback into technical specifications for internal development teams * Proficiency with Python, MATLAB, or similar tools for data analysis, process modeling, or test automation * Experience working with contract manufacturers or external processing partners including managing technical specifications, quality requirements, and coordinating sample submissions for evaluation programs Compensation & Benefits * Base salary: Dependent on experience and technical depth * Equity compensation: Stock options with significant upside potential tied to company growth * Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance * 401(k) retirement plan with company match * Professional development support for continued technical education and certifications