ATS-MER, LLC

ATS-MER, LLC is an advanced materials and manufacturing R&D company based in Tucson, Arizona, specializing in the development of novel materials and manufacturing processes for defense, aerospace, energy, and space applications. Founded in 1985 (first SBIR award year) and incorporated formally around 2015, the company has received over $108 million in SBIR/STTR funding across 359 Phase I and 126 Phase II awards from the Department of Defense (Army, Navy, Air Force, DLA), Department of Energy, and NASA. Key technology areas include additive manufacturing (Plasma Transferred Arc and Friction Stir Additive Manufacturing), advanced composites, carbon-carbon materials, metal matrix composites, nanotechnology, ceramic composites, and nuclear materials. ATS-MER's innovations support applications ranging from lightweight aircraft brakes and remotely piloted aircraft engines to nuclear reactor structural materials and lithium-ion battery components. The company operates with approximately 36 employees and maintains a strong conversion rate of 35.1% from Phase I to Phase II SBIR awards, reflecting sustained technical credibility across multiple federal agencies.