Polymer Composites Specialist

Luna Labs USA•Blacksburg, VA

5d•$80,000 - $85,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Luna Labs is a product development company working with leading organizations and key government agencies to create unique solutions for complex challenges in defense, industrial, and healthcare markets. We operate like a self-contained incubator for defense and biotech startups, taking solutions from concept through development to new products in the market. We leverage small business agility and large business capabilities to accelerate breakthrough solutions from concept to early-stage growth. Working with a robust global network of manufacturers, suppliers, licensees, and distributors, Luna Labs develops everything from small-scale prototypes to market-ready products. The Materials group is seeking a creative and goal-oriented R&D Polymer Composites Specialist to contribute to fast-paced research focused on the development of new materials. This position will involve managing and executing projects related to materials product development for our government and commercial customers. Current application areas include structural polymer composites, high/low temperature seals and gaskets, and chemical/biological protection. This role will support research and development with hands-on polymer formulation, composite production, and material testing using new or established methodologies. Practical experience with the fabrication of thermoset-matrix composite materials is desired. Ideal candidates will have a background in materials science with specific experience in project management, including idea generation, experimental design/execution, scheduling, budgeting, data analysis, report writing, customer presentations, coordination of internal/external collaborators, and staff mentorship.

Requirements

Bachelors, Masters, or Ph.D. degree in Materials Science, Chemistry, Polymer Science, or related fields.
3—6 years of experience with materials research and development
Experience with project management including scheduling, budgeting, and customer presentations
Comfortable working in a chemical laboratory setting and willing to learn outside your core area of expertise
Strong communication, technical writing, and analytical skills, with a commitment to quality and attention to detail
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, team-oriented R&D environment, with a drive to move technologies from lab to product
Due to government contracting regulations, U.S. Citizenship is a firm requirement.

Nice To Haves

Experience managing and executing laboratory-based research and development projects
Hands-on experience with polymer composite fabrication, including hand layup, tooling development, material characterization, and knowledge of composite material structure-property relationships
Proficiency with engineering software such as SolidWorks for 3D CAD and 2D manufacturing prints
Ability to work independently and collaboratively across multidisciplinary teams
Interest in understanding technical approaches within the context of end-use applications

Responsibilities

Manage research and development projects, including experimental design, problem solving, structure-property relationships, data summary and interpretation, report writing, and customer presentation
Drive technology transition from product concept and prototypes to pilot-scale production, manufacturing, and commercialization
Identify new technologies and match them with applications to satisfy significant customer needs
Participate and consult with the internal and external scientific community to maintain state-of-the-art knowledge to conduct experiments and projects
Mentor junior staff in project management and technology development
Travel to external facilities to perform testing and/or present results to potential or existing customers
Perform physical testing for materials characterization using in-house equipment
Maintain a positive environment with lab researchers emphasizing safe laboratory practices and clean workspaces