Composite R&D Scientist/Engineer

Epic Advanced Materials; Thousand Oaks (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

Epic Advanced Materials seeks a highly motivated R&D Scientist/Engineer to join our research team. The role focuses on dispersing BNNTs into solid matrices and advancing lab-scale formulations, with hands-on experimental work and collaboration with PhD scientists, lab technicians, and other staff.

The successful candidate will design experiments, process nanomaterials, and analyze data, reporting results to internal teams and partnering with external collaborators.

Qualifications

• Proven laboratory experience with experimental design and safety protocols.
• Experience with additive formulation and characterization in composite polymer and epoxy systems (mechanical and thermal testing).
• Experience with composite materials processing techniques (extrusion, hot pressing, electrospinning, etc.).
• Hands-on experience with nanomaterials, specifically boron nitride nanotubes or similar materials (preferred).

Responsibilities

• Design and conduct experiments to disperse BNNTs in solid matrices.
• Develop scalable methods for nanomaterial compounding in polymers/ceramics.
• Characterize nanocomposites for dispersion, mechanical and thermal properties (SEM/TEM, spectroscopy, thermal analysis).
• Analyze data and prepare concise reports for internal teams.
• Collaborate with R&D and product teams to scale lab formulations to production.

Skills

Lab experience

Experimental design

Additive formulation

Composite processing

Mechanical testing

Thermal testing

Data analysis

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree + 5+ years

Master’s degree +3-5 years

Ph.D. +1-3 years

Tools

SEM

TEM

FTIR

Job description

We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled R&D Scientist/Engineer to join our research and development team. The ideal candidate will have hands‑on lab experience and expect significant experimental work in a lab setting, focusing on the integration of nanomaterials into solid matrices. This position will operate within the R&D team to complete internal research, support academic partnerships, and fulfill customer requests. A successful candidate will be comfortable with self‑guided research, as well as interfacing with team members including lab techs, PhD scientists, and non‑technical staff to complete complex research tasks. Our company does not provide VISA sponsorship.

Key Responsibilities

• Experimental Design & Execution: Design and conduct experiments to effectively disperse and integrate boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) into various systems, with a focus on solid phase systems such as polymer, epoxy, ceramics, etc.
• Materials Processing: Perform R&D to develop methods for scaling compounding processes for nanomaterials with solid matrices.
• Characterization: Perform detailed characterization of developed nanocomposites to assess dispersion quality, mechanical properties, and thermal performance using techniques such as microscopy (SEM/TEM), spectroscopy, thermal analysis and mechanical testing.
• Data Analysis & Reporting: Analyze experimental data, interpret results, and prepare clear, concise reports and presentations for internal teams as necessary. Strong written and verbal communication skills are necessary.
• Collaboration: Work closely with other R&D scientists, engineers, and product development teams to develop successful lab‑scale formulations and transition to larger‑scale production.

Qualifications

• Educational Background: A Bachelor’s degree plus 5+ years industry experience, a Master’s plus 3-5 years industry experience or Ph.D. and 1-3 years industry experience in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemistry, or a related field is preferred.
• Technical Skills:

Must haves

• Proven experience with laboratory work, including experimental design and safety protocols.
• Experience with additive formulation and characterization in composite polymer and epoxy systems (mechanical and thermal testing).
• Experience with composite materials processing techniques (extrusion, hot pressing, electrospinning, etc.).

Nice to haves

• Hands‑on experience with nanomaterials, specifically boron nitride nanotubes or similar materials.
• Experience with chemical characterization methods (e.g., SEM, TEM, FTIR).
• Experience with microelectronic packaging materials (dielectrics, potting compounds, TIMs)

Salary Range: $90,000 - $115,000 DOE

Full-Time in Office/Lab located in Thousand Oaks, CA.