Research Engineer - Isostatic Products

Research Engineer – Isostatic Products

Location: Ashtabula, OH

About the Opportunity

RHI Magnesita is seeking a Research Engineer to join our team in Ashtabula, Ohio. In this role, you will apply your technical expertise to the development and improvement of isostatically pressed, resin-bonded refractory products used in continuous casting applications. You will play a critical role in advancing product performance, optimizing manufacturing processes, and developing innovative, cost-effective solutions through applied research and development.

This position offers the opportunity to work across the full product lifecycle, from laboratory research and material development to plant trials and industrial implementation. You will collaborate closely with Operations, Quality, Technical Marketing, Sales, and Global R&D teams to bring new technologies and product enhancements to market

What You’ll Do

• Develop new materials and refractory solutions for continuous casting applications, from laboratory concept through commercial implementation.
• Conduct applied research focusing on resin-bonded graphitic materials, glazes, raw materials, and product development.
• Identify innovation and technology development opportunities through customer engagement, industry research, literature reviews, and cross-functional collaboration.
• Design, coordinate, and evaluate plant and production trials in partnership with Operations and Quality teams.
• Supervise raw material and product development trials, ensuring effective execution and analysis of results.
• Support field trials alongside Technical Marketing and Sales to validate product performance and customer value.
• Investigate product failures and support root cause analysis and resolution of customer complaints.
• Analyze competitor products and emerging technologies to identify market opportunities and maintain technical leadership.
• Provide technical support to manufacturing operations as needed.
• Coordinate and prioritize research technician activities and project workloads.
• Work collaboratively with global R&D teams and regional operations colleagues on strategic development initiatives.
• Drive projects independently while making sound technical decisions and adapting approaches as project needs evolve.

What You Bring

• Bachelor's degree in Materials Science, Ceramic Engineering, Chemistry, Engineering, or related scientific discipline required.
• ​Consideration will also be given to candidates with an engineering background with a core understanding of ceramic and/or refractory technology. 
• Technical understanding of ceramic and/or refractory materials and manufacturing processes.
• Experience in an applied technical, manufacturing, materials, or research environment preferred.
• Hands-on experience working with materials, products, or manufacturing processes is highly desirable.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to translate research findings into practical applications.
• Excellent project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365 applications, including Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.
• Experience with CAD software, 3D printing technologies, or SAP is a plus.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including technical report writing and presentations.
• Highly organized, self-motivated, and capable of working both independently and within cross-functional teams.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate effectively across multiple organizational levels.

What We Offer

• Competitive Salary
• Comprehensive Benefits Package – Including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and disability coverage.
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – With company matching to help you plan for your future.
• Paid Time Off
• Training & Development – Access to learning resources and career development programs.
• Inclusive Work Environment – A culture that values diversity, safety, and collaboration.

About RHI Magnesita

RHI Magnesita is the leading global supplier of high-grade refractory products, systems and solutions which are critical for high-temperature processes in a wide range of industries. Serving customers around the world, RHI Magnesita has more than 20,000 employees in 65 main production sites (including raw material sites), 12 recycling facilities and more than 70 sales offices.

RHI Magnesita’s team in North America helps build refractory products that solve the most extreme manufacturing challenges. From advanced lithium-ion batteries for laptops and EVs and specialized glass on smartphones and tablets, to the steel and cement that build the world around us, our high-performance bricks and linings make it possible to melt, bend, shape, and refine these materials at extreme temperatures.

With a vertically integrated value chain, RHI Magnesita has helped forge the materials that build industries and economies for almost 200 years. Refractory products are essential to the production processes for cement, steel, aluminum, and many other industrial producers in the region.

Come get fired up with our North American team!

North America | RHI Magnesita