Metallurgical Engineer in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania at NovoLINC Inc

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.