Graphene Extraction Technical Lead

AIJ Search; Maryland; On-site; USD 140,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Retirement plan

Paid time off

10% annual performance bonus

Job summary

A pioneering materials company in Maryland seeks a technical leader to architect graphene production at pilot-scale. This role involves evaluating and translating graphene extraction methods into stable operations, defining extraction parameters, and supporting equipment selection. Candidates should bring 7-12 years of experience in carbon materials science or advanced materials processing, along with a Bachelor's or Master's degree. This opportunity offers a competitive salary of $140,000 - $160,000 and a performance bonus, with comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• 7-12 years of experience in carbon materials science, nanomaterials processing, or advanced materials process development.
• Ability to translate laboratory research into pilot-scale production.
• Experience in startup or pilot plant environments.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate graphene production approaches and translate viable concepts into pilot-scale operations.
• Develop test plans to optimize material purity and performance.
• Support equipment selection and commissioning of production systems.

Skills

Graphene extraction methods

Process optimization

Experimental design

Carbon nanomaterials science

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Materials Science

Tools

Mechanical shear exfoliation

Electrochemical exfoliation

Thermal shock or expansion

Job description

Build a First-of-Its-Kind Domestic Platform

An advanced materials venture in Maryland is launching a pilot facility to commercialize a proprietary carbon-conversion platform for next-generation carbon materials. The facility will produce purified carbon materials supporting downstream graphite and graphene development.

Backed by experienced technical leadership and validated bench-scale chemistry, the organization is entering equipment installation, pilot commissioning and process scale-up. This role offers the opportunity to architect graphene production at pilot scale and help define the pathway to industrial-scale manufacturing within a new domestic carbon platform.

What You Will Do

In this hands‑on process development role, you will lead the technical work required to evaluate graphene extraction approaches and translate the most promising methods into stable pilot‑scale operations, helping define the pathway for scalable graphene production.

Responsibilities include

• Evaluate graphene production approaches and translate viable concepts into pilot‑scale operating conditions, defining extraction parameters, flake morphology targets, and yield optimization strategies.
• Develop and execute structured test plans to optimize material purity, consistency, and performance
• Support equipment selection, process design, testing, and commissioning of graphene production systems
• Help define the long‑term process architecture for scalable graphene production

What Success Looks Like

Within the First 18 Months

• Graphene extraction processes translated from laboratory concept into stable pilot‑scale operations
• Equipment installed, commissioned, and operating with defined process parameters
• Initial yield, flake morphology, and purity targets established through structured testing
• Process architecture defined to support future scale‑up

Beyond 18 Months

• Graphene production systems established and ready for multi‑hundred‑ton annual capacity

What You Bring

• We are targeting technical leaders capable of bridging carbon nanomaterials science with pilot‑scale execution, particularly individuals who have helped scale emerging materials technologies from laboratory proof‑of‑concept into pilot systems.
• Strong candidates will bring 7–12 years of post‑bachelor’s experience in carbon materials science, nanomaterials processing, or advanced materials process development (graduate and postdoctoral work count toward experience)

Relevant backgrounds may include

• Mechanical shear exfoliation
• Electrochemical exfoliation
• Thermal shock or expansion
• Plasma or energy‑driven carbon synthesis
• Nanocarbon production environments

Common titles may include

• Senior Materials Scientist
• Graphene Process Engineer
• Nanomaterials Process Development Engineer
• Carbon Process Development Engineer

REQUIREMENTS

The strongest candidates demonstrate

• Experience translating laboratory research into pilot‑scale production
• Strong experimental design and process optimization capability
• Hands‑on technical execution and ownership mindset
• Comfort operating in fast‑moving technical environments
• Startup or early commercialization experience

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Nanotechnology, or a related discipline required; PhD preferred. Candidates may come from multiple educational pathways, with the expected level of industry experience varying accordingly.

Operating Environment - This is an early‑stage pilot‑scale operation. Success requires

• Comfort operating in a fast‑moving build environment while helping establish technical rigor
• Strong operational judgment in a small, high‑accountability team
• The ability to define systems rather than simply operate within them
• Startup or pilot plant experience is highly valued.

Travel

Minimal expected travel; primarily facility‑based in Maryland.

• Base Salary: $140,000 – $160,000 (commensurate with experience)
• Bonus: 10% annual performance bonus
• Eligible for Long‑Term Incentive plan
• Benefits: medical, dental, vision, retirement plan, paid time off

Work Authorization

Candidates must qualify as a U.S. Person as defined under applicable U.S. export control regulations (such as U.S. citizens, U.S. permanent residents/green card holders, or other protected individuals). Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Our client is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.