Engineer II - Special Projects

Kunin Technologies•Chattanooga, TN

About The Position

Kunin Technologies’ Special Projects group runs externally funded research programs alongside its metal recovery pipeline. This role supports a DARPA-funded program focused on nanocrystalline metal catalysts for energy production. Working under the Principal Investigator and a senior engineer, the Engineer II prepares and characterizes palladium and nickel nanocrystal samples, runs loading and triggering tests, operates calibrated detection and metrology instruments, and turns experimental output into clean, documented data for milestone reports and program reviews. The role is milestone-driven and includes developing a written sample preparation and characterization workflow, executing the Phase 1 test matrix on schedule, maintaining documented instrument calibration routines, delivering quality-checked datasets to the Principal Investigator within one week of each test campaign, and contributing to Phase 1 milestone deliverables and review packages. The position may also support Kunin’s metal recovery projects with bench work when the program schedule allows. Relocation to Chattanooga, Tennessee, is required, and applicants must be U.S. citizens.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering or Physics with 1 to 2 years of related laboratory experience, or a Master’s degree with 0 to 2 years of experience, or a PhD.
Experimental laboratory experience and comfort with gas handling and vacuum systems.
Ability to perform careful, repetitive bench work across a large test matrix.
Experience in at least one of materials synthesis, materials characterization (XRD, SEM/TEM, BET), or radiation and particle detection.
Data analysis skills using Python, MATLAB, or Excel, and discipline in maintaining data provenance.
Ability to work independently on routine tasks and seek direction for non-routine tasks.
Teamwork and ability to keep laboratory notebooks, data, and sponsor deliverables complete and on time.
Must be a U.S. citizen.
Must be willing to relocate to Chattanooga, Tennessee.
Willingness to work extended hours and weekends frequently to support critical project milestones.

Responsibilities

Prepare and characterize palladium and nickel nanocrystal samples using XRD, SEM/TEM, BET, and related methods.
Operate loading and triggering reactors and run samples through the test matrix, including gas handling and vacuum systems.
Calibrate and operate detection and metrology equipment, and keep calibration records current.
Collect, reduce, and document experimental data; maintain laboratory notebooks and data files to program standards.
Follow and maintain standard operating procedures, complete safety training, and keep the laboratory orderly to audit standards.
Identify improvements to laboratory workflows, test techniques, and equipment capability, and raise them with the senior engineer.
Support metal recovery projects with bench work when the program schedule allows.
Contribute written material to Phase 1 milestone deliverables and program review packages.
Deliver reduced, quality-checked datasets to the Principal Investigator within one week of each test campaign close.