ACP Technologies (ACPT) — Advanced Carbon Products and Processing
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Location : Mt Pleasant, MI
Job Type : Full-time (up to 40 hours / week) | Schedule : Monday–Friday, with possible weekends
About Us
ACP Technologies is an agile, innovative, growth-oriented company commercializing a proprietary mesophase pitch process. Our carbon materials—mesophase pitch, isotropic pitch, graphite, carbon fiber, and carbon-carbon composites—support next-generation applications in lithium-ion batteries, rockets, and defense systems, with programs funded by the DoD and DLA. You'll join a hands-on team scaling breakthrough processes from pilot to production and partner closely with engineers and customers.
The Role
As a Senior Process R&D Technician, you will operate, monitor, and improve high-temperature and vacuum processing equipment used to produce advanced carbon materials. You'll execute DOEs created with the engineering team, ensure product quality and safety, and lead product analysis in the R&D laboratory. This role reports to the Director of Process Development (and collaborates with the Engineering Manager).
Job Responsibilities
Primary Responsibilities
- Run & monitor processes : Operate reactors, thermal processing units / furnaces, vacuum systems, distillation / evaporation, pumps, and filtration—startup to shutdown.
- Execute DOEs & collect data : Follow batch recipes and test plans; collect in-process samples and measurements; maintain accurate batch records and logs.
- Equipment readiness : Perform routine and preventive maintenance; calibrate analytical instrumentation.
- Quality & documentation : Verify product against spec, help improve SOPs, batch sheets, and safety procedures.
- Safety leadership : Model best practices for PPE, equipment operation, and handling of hot / flammable materials; lead safety meetings and near-miss reviews.
- Mentorship : Train and guide junior technicians; promote cross-training and standard work.
Analytical Methodology
Perform in-process and final product testing (with proper hot sampling and inert transfers), including :Softening point (Mettler / ring-and-ball), viscosity (Brookfield / capillary), density / specific gravity.Moisture (Karl Fischer or oven loss on drying), ash / volatile matter (as applicable).Insolubles (e.g., toluene / quinoline where applicable), basic particle size checks (sieves / laser diffraction if available).Support characterization of carbon materials (BET surface area / porosity, XRD indicators, DSC / TGA) in coordination with the lab.Calibrate / verify lab instruments, manage standards, and document out-of-tolerance findings with corrective actions.Partner with engineers to translate lab findings into process setpoint adjustments and control limits.Operating Equipment
Operate and care for production and support equipment, including :Reactors & thermal systems : Jacketed / stirred vessels, thermal oil systems, heat exchangers, condensers, chillers.Thermal processing : Ovens and furnaces for carbon / graphite processing; controlled ramp / soak profiles.Vacuum & transfer : Mechanical and dry vacuum pumps, ejectors, inert gas blanketing / purges, gear / diaphragm / centrifugal pumps, valves, hoses, quick-connects.Perform basic PM tasks (gasket / seal checks, lubrication, strainer cleaning), support changeovers, and execute line / equipment cleaning.Follow utilities best practices (nitrogen, compressed air, cooling / chilled water) and emissions controls (scrubbers / condensers) with proper logs.Secondary Responsibilities
Support lab / plant trials and scale-up runs; coordinate sample shipments and test requests.Prepare concise updates (slides or one-pagers) for internal reviews and customer / government updates.Participate in partner / customer meetings to align on requirements, limits, and goals.Job Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
U.S. citizenship required and eligibility for a DoD security clearance.10+ years as a process / production technician in chemical, carbon, polymer, refinery, or related high-temperature / vacuum operations.Proficiency operating and troubleshooting pumps, valves, pressure / vacuum systems, heat exchangers, thermal oil systems, ovens / furnaces, filtration, and basic utilities.Ability to follow batch recipes / SOPs.Strong data habits : accurate logs, basic analysis and charting in Excel.Excellent communication; collaborative, hands-on problem solver.Willingness to work extended hours / occasional weekends.Physical : Able to stand for extended periods, climb stairs / ladders, and lift up to ~50 lbs with proper technique.Preferred Qualifications
Bachelor's degreeExperience with carbon materials (mesophase / isotropic pitch, graphite, carbon fiber) or thermal processing of heavy organics.Pilot-to-production scale-up experience; executing DOEs and interpreting analytical data.Basic fabrication skills (hose / line setup, fitting swaps).Clear, well-structured report writing and slide preparation.What We Offer
ACPT provides a casual, friendly work environment.
Benefits : medical, dental, and vision insurance; HSA; 401(k) with 6% match; paid time off; life insurance; and more.
Pay : At or better than industry standards.
Work Location : Mt Pleasant, MI.
Relocation : Willing to relocate preferred