Research Engineer

E INK CORPORATION  

E Ink Corporation is the global leader in electronic paper technology, transforming the way people access information through innovative, low-power display solutions. Our technology is used worldwide in eReaders, electronic shelf labels, digital signage, transportation displays, wearable devices, and a growing range of Internet of Things applications. By combining cutting-edge innovation with a commitment to sustainability, E Ink enables products that consume minimal power while delivering an exceptional reading and viewing experience. 

At E Ink, innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement are at the core of everything we do. We foster an inclusive and supportive work environment where diverse perspectives are valued, employees are empowered to grow, and teams work together to solve complex challenges. Whether you're advancing next-generation display technology, supporting our customers, or driving business operations, you'll have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on products used by millions of people around the world. If you're passionate about innovation and want to help shape the future of display technology, we'd love to hear from you. 

THE ROLE  

Our research team in Billerica, Massachusetts is at the forefront of this innovation. We are seeking a hands-on Research Engineer/chemist in Pigment research to help develop the advanced pigment materials that are fundamental to the performance of our color electrophoretic displays. This role offers the opportunity to work across the full development cycle—from pigment crystallization and finishing through to evaluating pigment performance within electrophoretic display systems—directly contributing to the next generation of E Ink 

This position is ideally suited to a practical, laboratory-focused chemist or engineer who enjoys experimental work, developing robust laboratory procedures, operating specialist equipment, solving technical challenges, and translating experimental observations into improved material performance. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES  

The essential duties and responsibilities of this position include, but are not limited to, the following: 

• Develop, execute, and optimize laboratory procedures for pigment crystallization, crystal engineering, finishing, and post-processing. 

• Investigate and optimize crystallization conditions to control crystal form, crystal habit, particle morphology, and particle size distribution. 

• Plan and perform laboratory experiments under the guidance of project scientists. 

• Operate, maintain, troubleshoot, and take ownership of laboratory pigment finishing equipment, including mills, filtration systems, washing equipment, dryers, and associated processing equipment. 

• Develop and optimize milling, filtration, purification, washing, and drying procedures to achieve target particle size, morphology, purity, and process consistency. 

• Characterize pigments using particle size analysis, microscopy, spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and other analytical techniques. 

• Identify impurities and correlate analytical results with pigment properties, crystallization behavior, and processing conditions. 

• Record, analyze, and interpret experimental data to improve laboratory procedures and pigment performance. 

• Maintain accurate laboratory notebooks, experimental records, and standard operating procedures. 

• Ensure laboratory equipment is maintained in good working order and that all work is carried out safely and in accordance with environmental, health, safety, and quality requirements. 

• Prepare and screen newly developed pigments in electrophoretic display formulations. 

• Evaluate pigment performance within the internal phase of electrophoretic display devices. 

• Correlate pigment chemistry, crystal structure, particle morphology, particle size distribution, surface properties, and purity with electro-optical performance. 

• Use characterization and device performance data to recommend improvements to crystallization, pigment finishing, and processing procedures. 

• Collaborate closely with formulation scientists, materials scientists, and device engineers to support the development of next-generation electrophoretic display materials. 
• Prepare clear technical reports and present experimental findings and recommendations to project teams. 

QUALIFICATIONS  

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential functions of the position. The qualifications listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, education, experience, and abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position. 

• B.Sc. or M.Sc. in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering, or a closely related scientific discipline, together with a minimum of two years' industrial experience in pigment development, crystallization, crystal engineering, pigment finishing, particle engineering, or the development of functional materials; or a Ph.D. in a relevant discipline with a minimum of two years' post-Ph.D. industrial experience in one or more of these areas. 

• A practical, laboratory-focused chemist with a passion for hands-on experimental research and process development. 

• Demonstrated experience developing, executing, and optimizing experimental procedures to solve technical problems and improve material performance. 

• Practical experience with crystallization, crystal engineering, pigment finishing, milling, filtration, purification, and drying processes. 

• Experience operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting laboratory-scale processing equipment. 

• Experience with particle characterization techniques, including laser diffraction, centrifugal particle sedimentation (CPS), BET surface area analysis, optical microscopy, SEM, and X-ray diffraction (XRD). 

• Experience interpreting analytical data from ICP-OES, ICP-MS, chromatography (IC), and related analytical techniques to identify and quantify inorganic and organic impurities. 

• Strong problem-solving, data analysis, and technical reporting skills. 

• Ability to work independently in the laboratory while collaborating effectively within a multidisciplinary R&D team. 

DESIREABLE QUALIFICATIONS:  

• Strong understanding of organic pigment and dye chemistry. 

• Understanding of color science and color theory, including CIE Lab* color space, chromaticity, color strength, hue, saturation, reflectance, and the optical properties of pigments. 

• Knowledge of colloidal science and non-aqueous dispersion systems. 

• Knowledge of electrophoretic display (EPD) materials and particle behavior in electrophoretic systems. 

• Experience evaluating materials in device or application testing and correlating material properties with performance. 

• Experience in inkjet pigment development, ink formulation, or dispersion technology. 

COMPENSATION DISCLOSURE 

At E Ink, we believe in rewarding employees with competitive total compensation through a combination of base salary and performance-based bonuses, with a larger portion of total compensation delivered through our annual bonus program than is typical at many companies. To provide applicants with a more complete picture of our compensation philosophy, we are disclosing both the estimated annual total compensation and the annual base salary range for this position. For this position, the estimated annual total compensation range is $123,000- $172,000, based on the company's most recent annual bonus payout. The annual base salary range for this position is $90,000- $120,000.  

 The annual base salary range reflects the company's good-faith estimate of the base salary it reasonably expects to pay for this position at the time of posting. Actual starting base salary is determined based on job-related factors, including experience, skills, education, certifications, and other qualifications. Annual bonus payments are based on Company performance, are not guaranteed, and may be higher or lower than the estimate reflected above. 

BENEFITS 

In addition to a competitive base salary, E Ink offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance; life and disability coverage; paid time off; and a 401(k)-retirement savings plan. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that an employee must meet to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

DISCLAIMER: 

The essential duties and responsibilities described above are intended to provide a general overview of the work performed in this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. Responsibilities may be modified or assigned at any time to meet business needs, including as a result of reasonable accommodation or other operational requirements.