Composite R&D Scientist/Engineer

We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled R&D Scientist/Engineer to join our research and development team. The ideal candidate will have hands-on lab experience and expect significant experimental work in a lab setting, focusing on the integration of nanomaterials into solid matrices. This position will operate within the R&D team to complete internal research, support academic partnerships, and fulfill customer requests. A successful candidate will be comfortable with self-guided research, as well as interfacing with team members including lab techs, PhD scientists, and non-technical staff to complete complex research tasks. Our company does not offer visa sponsorship.

Key Responsibilities:

• Experimental Design & Execution: Design and conduct experiments to effectively disperse and integrate boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) into various systems, with a focus on solid phase systems such as polymer, epoxy, ceramics, etc.
• Materials Processing: Develop and optimize scalable processing techniques for synthesizing and purifying BNNTs for a variety of applications. Perform R&D to develop methods for scaling compounding processes for nanomaterials with solid matrices.
• Characterization: Perform detailed characterization of developed nanocomposites to assess dispersion quality, mechanical properties, and thermal performance using techniques such as microscopy (SEM/TEM), spectroscopy, thermal analysis and mechanical testing.
• Data Analysis & Reporting: Analyze experimental data, interpret results, and prepare clear, concise reports and presentations for internal teams as necessary. Strong written and verbal communication skills are necessary.
• Collaboration: Work closely with other R&D scientists, engineers, and product development teams to develop successful lab-scale formulations and transition to larger-scale production.

Qualifications:

• Educational Background: A Bachelor’s degree plus 5 years industry experience, a Master's plus 3-5 years industry experience or Ph.D. and 1-3 years industry experience in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemistry, or a related field is preferred.

• Technical Skills:

Must haves:

• Proven experience with laboratory work, including experimental design and safety protocols.
• Experience with additive formulation and characterization in composite polymer and epoxy systems (mechanical and thermal testing).
• Experience with composite materials processing techniques (extrusion, hot pressing, electrospinning, etc.).

Nice to haves:

• Hands-on experience with nanomaterials, specifically boron nitride nanotubes or similar materials.
• Experience with chemical characterization methods (e.g., SEM, TEM, FTIR).
• Experience with microelectronic packaging materials (dielectrics, potting compounds, TIMs)

Salary Range: $80,000 - $105,000 DOE

Full-Time in Office/Lab located in Thousand Oaks, CA.

Benefits: Medical/Dental/Vision, 401k matching