---
title: 'Staff Materials Engineer at MetOx International, Inc.'
canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/staff-materials-engineer-metox-international-inc-houston-7360m5xcjzs3'
type: 'job'
last_seen: '2026-09-15'
---

# Staff Materials Engineer at MetOx International, Inc.

- **Company:** MetOx International, Inc.
- **Location:** Houston, TX
- **Posted:** 2026-07-30
- **Last confirmed live:** 2026-09-15
- **Apply:** https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/metoxinternationalinc/jobs/5374957008

## Job description

Empower Your Future: At MetOx International, we’re pioneering the next era of energy security and abundance through breakthrough superconducting technology. As a Staff Materials Engineer focused on high-temperature superconducting (HTS) materials, you'll join a multidisciplinary team advancing the materials science that enables next-generation superconducting wire. Your work will directly influence superconducting performance, manufacturing capability, and the commercialization of one of the world's most transformative energy technologies.

Based at our global headquarters in Houston, TX, the Staff Materials Engineer provides technical leadership in the development, characterization, optimization, and scale-up of high-temperature superconducting materials and related complex oxide systems that support MetOx's manufacturing platform. Working closely with Process Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Equipment Engineering, Quality, and R&D, this role combines advanced materials science, thin-film engineering, and process development to establish technical direction, improve manufacturing robustness, and accelerate the commercialization of next-generation superconducting technologies.

## Key Responsibilities

Materials Development Strategy

- Leads the materials strategy supporting MetOx's HTS manufacturing platform and long-term technology roadmap.
- Develops a first-principles understanding of the relationships between MOCVD process conditions, film growth, microstructure, and superconducting performance.
- Defines microstructural targets (texture, defects, interfaces, pinning centers, and composition) required to maximize in-field critical current and manufacturing robustness.
- Identifies and evaluates new precursor chemistries, deposition approaches, and characterization methods to improve performance, yield, and scalability.
- Drives the transition of laboratory discoveries into robust, high-volume manufacturing processes.

Project & Experiment Leadership

- Designs and leads experimental programs to establish processing-structure-property relationships in HTS thin films.
- Develops MOCVD process windows through systematic experimentation, physics-based modeling, and statistical analysis.
- Applies advanced characterization techniques, including XRD, SEM, TEM, EBSD, AFM, Raman spectroscopy, and XPS, to identify performance-limiting mechanisms.
- Leverages large manufacturing datasets using multivariate statistics, machine learning, and artificial intelligence to correlate tool parameters, diagnostics, and film performance.
- Develops new in situ and ex situ diagnostic methods to improve understanding and control of film growth.

Integration and Cross-Functional Leadership

- Partners with Process, Equipment, Manufacturing, Quality, and Operations teams to transition new materials and processes into production.
- Translates scientific understanding into manufacturable process improvements that increase yield, consistency, and performance.
- Collaborates with suppliers, universities, national laboratories, and strategic partners to accelerate technology development.

Mentorship and Technical Leadership

- Provides technical leadership and mentorship to engineers and scientists.
- Promotes rigorous experimental design, data-driven decision-making, and scientific excellence.
- Serves as the subject matter expert for HTS materials, MOCVD process science, and superconducting performance.
- Guides technical problem solving and supports critical engineering decisions across research, process development, and manufacturing teams.
- Builds technical capability by coaching engineers, fostering collaboration, and cultivating a culture of continuous learning and innovation.

## Minimum Qualifications

- Master’s in Materials Science, Physics, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or a related discipline. An advanced degree may be substituted for required experience on a year-for-year basis, depending on relevance and level.
- 7+ years of experience developing HTS materials, complex oxides, epitaxial thin films, or closely related functional materials.
- Deep understanding of processing–structure–property relationships in advanced materials.
- Experience with thin-film growth, epitaxy, crystal defects, microstructure evolution, and advanced materials characterization.
- Demonstrated ability to design and execute complex experimental programs.
- Experience applying multivariate statistics, machine learning, or AI to large experimental or manufacturing datasets.
- Strong scientific foundation with the ability to connect first-principles materials behavior to manufacturing outcomes.

## Preferred Qualifications

- D. in Materials Science and Engineering, Materials Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related engineering or scientific discipline.
- Direct experience with REBCO, YBCO, or related high-temperature superconductors.
- Expertise in MOCVD or other epitaxial thin-film deposition methods (PLD, sputtering, ALD, CVD).
- Experience developing vortex pinning architectures and optimizing in-field critical current.
- Experience transferring research into pilot-scale or manufacturing environments.
- Record of technical leadership demonstrated through publications, patents, or commercialization of advanced materials technologies.

Physical Demands: This position requires sitting at a desk and viewing a computer screen for extended periods while working or performing other office tasks. Ability to move around the office, including occasional standing, walking, and bending to retrieve documents, attend meetings, or use office equipment. Some light lifting may be required, up to 20 lbs.

MetOx is proud to offer competitive benefits including:

- Health, dental, and vision available on the first day of employment
- 401(k) match
- Paid parental leave & adoption assistance
- Educational reimbursement
- And more!

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

## About MetOx International, Inc.

## Company Overview
- **One-liner**: MetOx International manufactures high-temperature superconducting (HTS) Xeus™ wire that carries high electrical current with near-zero resistance, enabling efficient power generation, grid expansion, and energy delivery for hyperscale data centers, AI, fusion energy, and advanced medical systems.
- **Entity Type**: Private – Series B funded (latest round December 2023 led by Koch Disruptive Technologies); additional grant funding from the US Department of Energy.
- **Headquarters**: Houston, Texas, United States (with additional presence in Canada and Ireland)
- **Founded**: 1998
- **Founders**: Dr. Alex Ignatiev (co‑founder and Chief Science Officer) and others (details not fully public)

## Core Business
- **Primary Industry**: Advanced manufacturing of high-temperature superconducting (HTS) wire; renewable energy semiconductor manufacturing.
- **Target Customers**: B2B – utility companies, fusion energy developers, hyperscale data center operators, high-field magnet manufacturers, and providers of advanced medical imaging.
- **Mission / Purpose**: “Deliver the world’s most advanced and efficient wire – enabling clean, reliable and abundant power for humanity.”

## Products & Services
- **[Xeus™ HTS Wire](https://www.metoxtech.com/)**: High-temperature superconducting wire that transmits large electrical currents with near-zero energy loss. Available in commercial lengths for integration into power cables, fusion magnets, grid infrastructure, and high‑field magnet systems. Currently ramping to 2,000 km annual output from a dedicated Houston facility, with a second 5× capacity factory planned in North Carolina.

## Market Standing
- **Valuation / Market Cap**: Not publicly disclosed (private company).
- **Key Financial Metric**: Annual revenue of approximately **$8.0 million** (LinkedIn estimate); total funding of **$146.2 million** across 9 rounds (including grants).
- **Notable Investors / Partners**: Koch Disruptive Technologies (led Series B), US Department of Energy (grants totaling $83M+), University of Houston (research origins); strategic partnerships with transmission and fusion energy programs.
- **Growth Signals**:
  - Awarded an **$80 million grant** from the US Department of Energy (October 2024) for scaling production.
  - Plans to build a second factory in **North Carolina** (buildout expected to commence in 2026) with 5× capacity of the current Houston plant.
  - Employee headcount growth of **+1.3% monthly**; active job postings increased **+167% quarterly**.
  - LinkedIn follower growth of **+3.5% monthly**.

## Competitive Advantages
- **Proprietary Manufacturing Process**: MetOx’s Xeus wire is produced using advanced thin‑film deposition technology developed from decades of university research, resulting in uniform, high‑performance HTS wire at scale.
- **Largest Dedicated HTS Wire Plant in North America**: The Houston facility is already the biggest of its kind on the continent, providing a first‑mover advantage in domestic supply.
- **Near‑Zero Loss Technology**: Superconducting wire eliminates resistive losses that plague copper conductors, making it essential for the next generation of power‑hungry applications (AI, fusion, grid modernization).

## Strategic Focus
- **Scaling Production**: Ramp to 2,000 km annual output from the current facility and rapid buildout of the North Carolina plant.
- **Deepening Energy Partnerships**: Collaborate on transmission pilots, data‑center power architectures, and fusion magnet programs.
- **Enabling AI & Compute Growth**: Target hyperscale data centers that need efficient, high‑density power delivery.

## Why Work Here
- **Culture & Values**: Emphasizes teamwork, innovation, growth mindset, and inclusivity. Teams are encouraged to take ownership, collaborate, and push boundaries.
- **Benefits & Perks**: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance; 401(k) with company match; paid parental leave; flexible work arrangements; educational reimbursement; IP incentive program; gym pass options; Employee Assistance Program.
- **Work Environment**: A mix of on‑site manufacturing and engineering roles in Houston (with some flexibility). Company supports career development through technical and managerial paths, on‑site training, and continuous learning opportunities.
- **Employer Rating**: **4.3/5** on LinkedIn (from 9 reviews) – Culture 4.5, Work‑Life 4.2, Career 4.2, Compensation 3.3.
- **Hiring Outlook**: Actively hiring for roles in mechanical engineering, process engineering, project management, accounting, and production (8 open positions as of mid‑2026).

## Sources
1. [MetOx International – Official Website](https://www.metoxtech.com/)
2. [MetOx International – About Page](https://www.metoxtech.com/about)
3. [MetOx International – Careers Page](https://www.metoxtech.com/careers)
4. [MetOx International – LinkedIn Company Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/company/metox-international)
5. [MetOx International – Job Board (Greenhouse)](https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/metoxinternationalinc)

## Other roles at MetOx International, Inc.

- [Production Technician I (Night Shift)](https://feeny.ai/job/production-technician-i-night-shift-metox-international-inc-houston-vpd8wf5whswd) — Houston, TX
- [Head of Manufacturing](https://feeny.ai/job/head-of-manufacturing-metox-international-inc-houston-qt6tr7pybe5k) — Houston, TX
- [Mechanical Engineering Intern (Spring 2027)](https://feeny.ai/job/mechanical-engineering-intern-spring-2027-metox-international-inc-houston-p7byhwzfzzy1) — Houston, TX
- [VP Research & Development (R&D)](https://feeny.ai/job/vp-research-development-r-d-metox-international-inc-houston-r9epk7c814sz) — Houston, TX
- [Manager Research & Development (R&D) Lab](https://feeny.ai/job/manager-research-development-r-d-lab-metox-international-inc-houston-b5ted41cca0v) — Houston, TX
- [Senior Mechanical Engineer - Web Handling and Conveyance Systems](https://feeny.ai/job/senior-mechanical-engineer-web-handling-and-conveyance-systems-metox-jxwcc3pp98e7) — Houston, TX
- [Senior Process Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/senior-process-engineer-metox-international-inc-houston-jsev2zb0hnzw) — Houston, TX
- [Senior Mechanical Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/senior-mechanical-engineer-metox-international-inc-houston-7v6e1r8papme) — Houston, TX
- [Senior Mechanical Engineer (Cryogenics)](https://feeny.ai/job/senior-mechanical-engineer-cryogenics-metox-international-inc-houston-96b5637genq2) — Houston, TX
- [Process Engineering Intern](https://feeny.ai/job/process-engineering-intern-metox-international-inc-houston-r1eqqg6qw01a) — Houston, TX