Application Scientist at FlackTek Manufacturing Inc – Louisville, Colorado

ABOUT FLACKTEK

Headquartered in Louisville, Colorado, FlackTek™ has delivered advanced materials processing solutions since 1996. We specialize in high-speed, bladeless centrifugal mixing technology — providing industry-leading performance across every stage of development, from R&D to full-scale production.

Since 2019, we’ve designed and manufactured our systems and accessories in our state-of-the-art U.S. facility, combining decades of technical expertise with nationally sourced, high-quality components. The result: the most advanced centrifugal mixing systems on the market, capable of processing volumes from grams to over 1,200 kg per hour. With new facilities in Germany and Italy, along with a growing global partner network, FlackTek supports customers worldwide. What truly sets us apart, however, is our service. From initial demonstrations and model selection to implementation, in-depth training,

technical support, and on-site maintenance, our team is committed to your success at every step. Whether you’re solving complex formulation challenges or scaling production, FlackTek delivers performance and support that goes far Beyond Mixing™.

POSITION SNAPSHOT

In this role, you will own the development, validation, and scaling of material processing applications across FlackTek’s full machine platform—from lab-scale to Mega systems. You will build deep expertise in mixing physics, application behavior, and process repeatability, translating complex customer materials into proven, scalable “recipes” that deliver consistent results. You will serve as the bridge between engineering, commercial, and customer teams—supporting critical opportunities, validating performance, and helping customers successfully scale from development to production. This includes hands-on work in the lab, direct customer interaction, and collaboration with engineering to continuously improve machine capability, software, and process design. You will also lead the development of FlackTek’s internal Mixing Center of Excellence, establishing best practices, analytical validation capabilities, and a structured recipe library that reinforces FlackTek’s position as the technical leader in material processing.

This role reports to the: Technical Director

PRIMARY OUTCOMES

Validated, repeatable application “recipes” developed for priority materials and industries

Demonstrated scaling success from lab scale to Mega systems with predictable outcomes

Reduction in customer scale-up cycles and increased first-pass success rates

Established Mixing Center of Excellence with defined analytical validation methods

Strong commercial support through technical validation of high-value opportunities

Continuous feedback loop into engineering for product, software, and system improvements

FlackTek recognized as the application and process authority—not just equipment provider

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES

Application Development & Recipe Creation

Develop and validate material processing “recipes” across a range of industries and applications

Establish repeatable, scalable processes that meet or exceed OEM/customer specifications

Build and maintain a structured application and recipe library for internal and customer use

Ensure consistency and repeatability through rigorous testing and validation protocols

Scaling & Mixing Physics

Develop fundamental understanding of mixing physics across all machine sizes—from lab scale to Mega

Define and validate scaling laws across machines, cup sizes, and configurations

Model and predict equivalent processing conditions across different systems

Reduce variability and improve predictability in scale-up outcomes

Laboratory Ownership & Center of Excellence

Own and operate FlackTek’s laboratory and application testing environment

Build a Mixing Center of Excellence with appropriate analytical chemistry and testing equipment

Define methods to evaluate mixing quality, dispersion, curing, and material performance

Establish best practices for lab workfiows, documentation, and validation standards

Commercial Support & Customer Engagement

Partner with sales and support teams on high-value or technically complex opportunities

Travel to customer sites to evaluate applications, provide guidance, and support scale-up

Host customers onsite for demos, trials, and scale-up validation in Colorado

Provide technical credibility and confidence during the sales process

Mega Machine Expertise

Become FlackTek’s internal expert on Mega systems and large-scale processing

Develop best practices for Mega operation, performance optimization, and application

Lead scale-up trials and ensure successful transition from smaller platforms to production systems

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Work closely with engineering to provide feedback on machine design, controls, and software

Identify opportunities for product improvements, feature development, and system enhancements

Support engineering change requests (ECRs) with real-world application insights

Collaborate with marketing and sales on case studies, technical content, and application positioning

Data, Validation & DoE

Design and execute Design of Experiments (DoE) to validate process models and assumptions

Capture and analyze repeatability data across multiple runs and configurations

Define key process variables (RPM, CF, energy, time, viscosity, density, fill %, etc.)

Translate experimental data into actionable process insights and scalable frameworks

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry, Mechanical Engineering, or related field

Experience:

3–7+ years of experience in materials processing, formulation, mixing, or related application engineering roles

Hands-on experience with lab-scale and/or production-scale material processes

Technical Skills:

Strong understanding of material behavior, rheology, and mixing principles

Experience designing experiments and analyzing process data

Ability to translate experimental results into scalable, real-world applications

Experience working with lab equipment and analytical tools

Strong documentation and technical communication skills

Pro?ciency with data analysis tools (Excel, Python, or similar preferred)

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Preferred Experience:

Experience in industries such as aerospace, coatings, adhesives, pharmaceuticals, or specialty chemicals

Experience scaling processes from R&D to production environments

Familiarity with centrifugal or non-traditional mixing technologies

Preferred Skills:

Experience building application libraries or standardized process frameworks

Strong customer-facing technical experience

Experience supporting commercial teams in technical sales cycles

SUCCESS COMPETENCIES & FUNDAMENTALS

BE CURIOUS: In the search for the best solutions, challenge and question what you don’t understand. Don’t accept anything at face value if it doesn’t make sense to you. Be curious, ask thoughtful questions, and listen intently to the answers. Dig deeper to go beyond the expected. Ask the extra question.

GET THE FACTS: There’s always more to the story than you think. Learn to ask questions and gather the facts before jumping to conclusions and making judgments. Be curious about additional information that might yield a more complete picture.

FIND A WAY: Take personal responsibility for making things happen. Respond to every situation by looking for how we can do it, rather than explaining why it can’t be done. Be resourceful and show initiative. Don’t make excuses or wait for others to solve the problem. See issues through to their completion.

BE RELENTLESS ABOUT IMPROVEMENT: Regularly evaluate the way you work to find ways to improve. Don’t be satisfied with the status quo. “Because we’ve always done it that way” is not a reason. Guard against complacency. Find ways to get things done better, faster, and more efficiently.

WALK IN YOUR CUSTOMERS' SHOES: Understand your customers’ world. Know their challenges and frustrations. See the world from their perspective. The better you understand them, the more effectively you can anticipate and meet their needs.

WORK LOCATION, SCHEDULE & TRAVEL

Role Type: Full Time - Exempt

Location: Onsite, in person in Louisville, CO

Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8am - 5pm

Travel: 20–30% (customer visits, ? eld support, and industry engagement)

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

Compensation:

Annual Base Salary Range: $100,000 – $130,000

Health Benefits:

Optional health, dental, and vision insurance plus company-paid virtual and in-person primary care via Nice Healthcare

Short- and long-term disability and accidental death and dismemberment insurance

Company Benefits:

401(k) Plan with Employer Match

Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) with company discount

9 annual company-paid holidays

2 weeks of Paid Time Off (PTO) accrued in first year, and 48 hrs of sick time per year

Employee Assistance Plan (EAP)

Company-sponsored events & outings

Weekly work-sponsored team lunch stipend

Optional 9/80 work schedule (eligible after 90-day probationary period)

All employment offers are contingent upon successful completion of FlackTek’s pre-employment screening process, including a background investigation, pre-employment drug screening, and verification of eligibility to work in the United States. Employment with FlackTek is at-will. No manager, supervisor, or Human Resources representative has the authority to enter into any agreement for employment for a speci?ed period of time or to make any agreement

inconsistent with at-will employment.

FlackTek anticipates the application window for this position will close approximately 30 days from the date the notice was posted. However, candidate flow and business needs may require the company to shorten or extend the application window.