University of Maine

Job Description

TITLE:	Technician – Composites Testing, US Persons Only

DEPARTMENT:	Advanced Structures & Composites Center

DATE:	2/23/21

REPORTS TO:	Business Development Manager

Introduction to the Advanced Structures and Composites Center

3Dirigo, a 25 ft. long, 5,000lbs patrol boat printed by UMaine in 72 hours, winning a Guinness World Record. The Advanced Structures and Composites Center (ASCC) is a world-leading, interdisciplinary center for research, education, and economic development encompassing material sciences, advanced manufacturing and engineering of composites and structures. Housed in a 100,000ft2 ISO-17025 accredited facility, the ASCC has been recognized nationally and internationally for cutting edge research programs leading and impacting new industries including offshore wind and marine energy, civil infrastructure, bio-based large-scale 3D printing, soldier protection systems and innovative defense-related applications. The ASCC is the largest university-based research Center in Maine, and one of the fastest growing research laboratories in the world, with research revenue growth of 5X in the past 5 years. Facility has expanded to include 13 integrated laboratories with more than 260 full and part time personnel, including faculty, staff and students. Since its founding in 1996 with support from the National Science Foundation, the Center has financially sponsored more than 2,600 students, received 70 patents, received over 26,000 visitors, created 14 spinoff companies through licensing of patents or trade secrets, and received more than 40 national and global awards for research excellence.

ASCC secured $150 million commitment to build a 10-12MW floating turbine using its patented VolturnUS technology.

The ASCC’s 2020 Strategic Plan, called GEM, focuses the Center’s work on Green Energy and Materials development. Through GEM, the Center is at the forefront of major new sustainability industries in the U.S., including these recent successful initiatives:

Floating offshore wind technology developed at the ASCC led to a $100 million investment by global energy heavyweights Diamond Offshore Wind and RWE Renewables, and $50 million investment from the US DOE, to launch the first full-scale floating offshore wind project off the Maine coast. Read more about this accomplishment

Largest polymer 3D printer in the world, commissioned at ASCC in Q4 2019. The print volume is 60 ft x 22ft x 10ft, and deposition rate is 150 lbs/hour Awarded three Guinness World Records for the world’s largest prototype polymer 3D printer, largest solid 3D-printed object, and largest 3D-printed boat. The awards came after ASCC printed 3Dirigo, a 25ft marine patrol vessel weighing 5,000lbs in under 3 days. Read more about this accomplishment

First large-scale bio-based additive manufacturing program in the US, via a $20M additive manufacturing program with Oak Ridge National Lab to work with the forest products industry to produce new bio-based materials that will be conducive to 3D printing large-scale products such as boat hull molds, shelters, building components, tooling for composites and wind blades. Read more about this accomplishment

Selected to lead the $14.2 million Transportation Infrastructure Durability Center with 5 other universities across New England to develop more sustainable, transformative and economical solutions to address our nation’s infrastructure challenges. Read more about this accomplishment

Purpose: The Composites Technician – Testing is responsible for managing and conducting composite material testing projects for Maine’s composites industry, for the Advanced Structures and Composites Center’s industrial clients worldwide, and for grant-funded R&D programs. Responsibilities include preparing ASTM test specimens, performing ASTM mechanical tests, post processing and reporting results. Additional responsibilities include devising and performing nonstandard tests as needed, preparing proposals, interacting with existing clients, and initializing communication to new clients, particularly in Maine’s composites industry.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Perform thermoset composite material strength and stiffness tests on automated testing machinery.

Prepare test specimens using a variety of cutting and finishing tools.

Post process measurements using Microsoft Excel and a variety of proprietary software.

Write testing proposals and technical reports for industrial and research clients.

Train and supervise students and junior staff in composite material testing procedures.

Support continuous improvement in testing operations by identifying and implementing improvements in Standard Operating Procedures pertaining to composites testing.

Manage maintenance of ASTM test fixtures.

Specify new test equipment and fixtures when needed to support ASCC project activities.

Write work instructions for assigned projects.

Ensure compliance with Center policies pertaining to safety, quality and security.

Perform other reasonably related duties as assigned, such as assisting with structural tests using hydraulic or electromechanical equipment.

Required Qualifications:

A four-year degree in engineering or technology and three years of relevant experience in materials testing, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Demonstrated competence in performing mechanical tests.

Demonstrated competence in data analysis, including fluency with Microsoft Excel.

Demonstrated competence in writing technical memos or reports with strong attention to detail.

Experience in safe work practices around power tools and machinery, and ability to train others in these practices.

Excellent organizational skills, including the ability to prioritize tasks and to manage several concurrent projects.

Strong oral and written communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience in performing thermal analysis of polymer materials and in interpreting results.

Experience using Excel macros and Mat lab scripts for data analysis and presentation.

Demonstrated competence in applied statistics for quality control and improvement.

Experience devising nonstandard tests and designing test fixtures.

Demonstrated competence in CAD with Solidworks or AutoCAD.

Experience in training or supervising employees.

Position Type: Professional, full-time appointment, contingent on funding and successful performance.

Work Schedule: Normal University of Maine business hours are Monday through Friday 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. Work outside of normal business hours will be necessary in order to complete the requirements of this position. This position is among Essential Personnel as per the ASCC Storm Day Policy.

Work Environment: Work will be performed at the Advanced Structures and Composites Center, a 100,000 ft2 laboratory with a world-leading team of over 150 faculty, staff and students who conduct contract research with a variety of public and private entities developing the next generation of low-cost, high performance composite materials.

Schedule for Evaluation: In accordance with UMPSA agreement.

Job Family/Salary Band: 07 – Technical / TBD by qualifications and skills.

The finalist for this position must complete a pre-employment physical. Appropriate background checks will be required.

All UMS employees are required to comply with applicable policies and procedures, as well as to complete applicable workplace related screenings and required employee trainings, including Information Security, Safety Training, Workplace Violence and Sexual Harassment. The finalist for this position must be a “US person”, as defined by US export control laws and regulations.