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Polymer Composites Specialist

Luna Labs USA

Blacksburg, Virginia

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JOB DETAILS
SKILLS
Analysis Skills, Biotech and Pharmaceutical, Budgeting, CAD/CAM (Computer-Aided Design/Computer-Aided Manufacturing), Chemistry, Cleanroom, Communication Skills, Composite Materials, Conferences, Consulting, Cross-Functional, Customer Satisfaction, Data Analysis, Dental Insurance, Detail Oriented, Distribution Channel, Engineering Software, Environmental Research, Experiment Design, Government, Government Contracts, Government Organizations, Government Regulations, Hand Tools, Healthcare, Laboratory Management, Laboratory Techniques, Manufacturing, Material Science, Materials Testing, Matrix Composite, Mentoring, People Management, Polymers, Problem Solving Skills, Product Development, Project Schedule, Project/Program Management, Prototyping, Reporting Skills, Research & Development (R&D), Research Laboratory, Sales Presentation, Small Business, SolidWorks, Startup, Team Player, Technical Writing, Testing, Travel Industry, United States Citizen, Vendor/Supplier Licensing, Vision Plan, Willing to Travel
LOCATION
Blacksburg, Virginia
POSTED
5 days ago
Polymer Composites Specialist
 
About Luna Labs
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 Opportunity
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.
 
What You'll Do
  • 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
Minimum Qualifications
  • 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.
Preferred Skills
  • 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
Work Environment
  • The role involves working onsite and in a laboratory environment and interacting with technical staff.
  • Occasional travel between company locations, client sites, conferences, and related events is required.
  • Ability to lift and carry up to 100lbs may be required.
  • Duties may occasionally be completed remotely using secure company equipment and software, at the supervisor's discretion.
What We Offer
  • Salary Range: $80,000 -- $85,000 annually depending on experience
  • Health, dental, and vision insurance
  • 401(k) with company match
  • Opportunities for professional development and continued education
  • Collaborative, innovation-focused work culture

About the Company

L

Luna Labs USA

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