Metallurgical Engineer

Description About NovoLINC NovoLINC is a Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) spinoff, redefining thermal management for AI data centers, high-performance computing, and power electronics. Incubated through NSF and ARPA-E programs and backed by venture capital, NovoLINC is commercializing advanced nanostructured thermal interface materials designed to deliver industry-leading thermal performance and reliability.

Position Overview

NovoLINC is seeking a highly motivated and hands-on Metallurgical Engineer to join our growing R&D team onsite in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Reporting to the Head of R&D Department, this role will focus on the development of advanced metal alloys and next-generation thermal interface materials for AI and high-performance computing applications.

Key Responsibilities

Design, synthesize, and optimize advanced metal alloy systems with targeted melting points and thermal properties. Develop next-generation thermal interface materials and improve existing product platforms. Perform alloy formulation, materials characterization, and failure analysis. Evaluate thermodynamic behavior, phase transitions, oxidation mechanisms, and long-term material stability.

Coordinate with thermal and process engineers to validate performance and support manufacturing scale-up. Work on interfacial engineering and develop application SOPs to facilitate robust and repeatable material performance in real applications. Support qualification activities including reliability testing and thermal cycling.

Maintain laboratory safety standards and EHS compliance. Prepare technical reports, presentations, and intellectual property documentation.

Qualifications

PhD in Metallurgy, Materials Science, Physics, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field. Strong expertise in low-melting-point alloys, liquid metals, and thermal materials. Deep understanding of thermodynamics, alloying mechanisms, and phase behavior. Minimum 3 years of experience in advanced materials R&D or product development.

Hands-on laboratory experience with alloy synthesis and materials testing. Excellent technical communication and cross-functional collaboration skills. Ability to work full-time onsite in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Preferred Experience Experience with thermal interface materials (TIMs) or semiconductor packaging materials.

Knowledge of material testing & characterization for compositions, impurities, etc. Knowledge of reliability testing methods for electronics cooling applications. Experience in startup or fast-paced technology commercialization environments. Why Join NovoLINC This is a unique opportunity to help commercialize breakthrough thermal materials technologies that will power the next generation of AI infrastructure and high-performance computing.