Engineer IV - Special Projects

Kunin Technologies•Chattanooga, TN

About The Position

The Engineer IV – Special Projects role is split between leading a DARPA-funded research program on nanocrystalline metal catalysts for energy production and hands-on process development for Kunin Technologies’ metal recovery projects. The role’s first-year research work includes preparing and characterizing palladium and nickel nanocrystal samples, running loading and triggering test matrices, and measuring results with calibrated detection and metrology instruments. The work is milestone-driven, with scheduled government sponsor reviews. Half of the role is technical leadership of the DARPA program, reporting to the Principal Investigator. The Engineer IV designs experiments and parameter studies, develops analysis methods, interprets findings against Phase 1 and Phase 2 milestones, and directs an Engineer II. The other half focuses on process development, including bench and pilot campaigns and translating results into mass and energy balances, a reviewed process design basis, P&IDs, and commercial equipment specifications. By the end of 2027, expected outcomes include completion and interpretation of the Phase 1 experimental program; validated analysis methods and models; delivery of milestone reports and review packages on schedule; training and development of the Engineer II; development of at least one metal recovery process through process design and equipment specification; and a data-supported recommendation on whether and how Phase 2 should proceed. The role also owns laboratory safety procedures and training, and coordinates across process engineering, research, and operations. Applicants must be U.S. citizens and willing to relocate to Chattanooga, Tennessee. Extended hours and weekends are frequently required to support critical project milestones. Compensation is $140,000–$225,000, plus benefits and equity.

Requirements

U.S. citizenship.
Willingness to relocate to Chattanooga, Tennessee.
Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering or Metallurgical Engineering with 10 or more years of progressively responsible R&D, plant, or engineering experience; alternatively, a master’s degree with 8 or more years, or a PhD with 4 or more years.
Deep expertise in at least one of the following: metal hydride and deuteride systems; catalysis and surface chemistry; nanomaterials; or nuclear and radiation measurement.
Experimental experience with gas handling and vacuum systems, materials synthesis and characterization (XRD, SEM/TEM, BET), or radiation and particle detection.
Hydrometallurgical process development experience, including a record of taking bench results into process design and equipment specification.
Data analysis and reduction modeling skills using Python or MATLAB.
A record of leading experimental programs.
Ability to write milestone reports, present to sponsors, and mentor an Engineer II.

Nice To Haves

Peer-reviewed publications.

Responsibilities

Design and lead experimental plans and parameter studies for the nanocrystal catalyst program, from sample preparation through loading and triggering cycles, detection, and metrology.
Develop analysis methods and models for program data and interpret results against Phase 1 and Phase 2 milestones.
Direct and mentor the Engineer II and own the quality of program deliverables.
Prepare technical reports and presentations for government program reviews in coordination with the Principal Investigator.
Develop metal recovery processes through bench and pilot campaigns, mass and energy balances, process design bases, P&IDs, and commercial equipment specifications.
Establish laboratory safety procedures and standard operating procedures for the Special Projects laboratory, including safety training and audits.
Coordinate with process engineering, research, and operations to meet project milestones and timelines.