Director, R&D

Niron Magnetics is scaling the world’s first advanced manufacturing process for the mass production of permanent magnets powered by its breakthrough material formulation. The company’s proprietary magnet technology based on Iron Nitride enables magnets that are inherently high magnetization, free of rare earths and other critical materials, and will drive innovation in various industries. Niron Magnetics is comprised of a team of professionals with a desire to make a positive impact on the global community. We were named one of “America's Top GreenTech Companies” for 2024 and 2025 by TIME Magazine and the “Innovation of the Year” at the 2025 mHUB Fourth Revolution Awards.

Our team is made up of people who think big, dare to innovate, and strive to impact the planet through technological innovation for our customers. Ready to learn alongside amazing people, solve complex problems, and leave a legacy? Join our team.

What you’ll do

Niron Magnetics is seeking a Director, Research & Development to lead the execution of R&D efforts for our breakthrough iron nitride technology. This position will lead technical projects and engineering teams, collaborating closely with Niron’s CTO to align execution with strategic goals. The ideal candidate is a hands-on technical leader with deep experience in materials development and process scale-up, capable of bridging scientific exploration and manufacturable solutions. The Research and Development Director will lead a team of R&D talent to test, develop and help implement new solutions.

• Partner with Niron’s CTO to develop quarterly and annual R&D strategy and tactics
• Lead the execution of R&D’s projects in collaboration with the technical direction of Niron’s CTO and other Chief Scientists
• Projects span capabilities such nanoparticle synthesis, surface engineering, and mechanical processing
• Collaborate with the Technology and Engineering team and the CTO to recommend technical solutions to meet or exceed magnet material property targets
• Support Niron’s Operations team to manufacture iron nitride permanent magnets at current pilot and future large-scale production facility
• Represent Niron internally and externally as a leader and subject matter expert
• Lead and develop a team of R&D team members across different levels and backgrounds to create a high performing organization
• Define team goals and priorities in partnership with the CTO aligned to business goals
• Build and sustain a positive and inclusive team culture that promotes collaboration and innovation
• Develop and mentor R&D professionals to increase performance and provide career growth opportunities

What We’re Looking For

• Master’s degree in engineering or science with strong engineering and materials science background,
• 7-10 years of experience in a position of management in a materials-related manufacturing industry
• Experience developing new materials manufacturing processes and products and transferring from R&D to production through stage gate approach
• Strong interpersonal communication, prioritization, and organizational skills
• Strong reporting skills with ability to concisely communicate engineering plans and the meaning of data both verbally and through written reports
• Ability to lead with little oversight

Nice to Have

• PhD in magnetic materials, materials science, materials engineering, or related field
• Experience leading multidisciplinary R&D or engineering teams in a commercial setting
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, JMP, SQL, and other statistical/data visualization tools
• Direct industrial experience in the development and commercialization of magnetic materials

Our pay and benefits

• Salary range: $170,000 - $200,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and skills
• Equity position in Niron via stock option grant
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Mental healthcare
• 401k plan with company match
• Paid vacation, sick time, and holidays
• Experience in a fun, high-performing, manufacturing environment