Mass Spectrometry Chemist

Socket.dev; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

General Matter seeks a Mass Spectrometry Chemist to establish and advance analytical capabilities for uranium isotopic analysis. You will work hands-on with isotope-ratio MS and ICP‑MS, developing, validating, and executing methods that support enrichment operations and product certification.

This is a fast-paced, high-impact role at a next-generation nuclear facility. You will build measurement systems from the ground up during rapid scale-up, collaborating with the Chemistry team and

Qualifications

• Hands-on laboratory experience with mass spectrometry techniques.
• Ability to develop, troubleshoot, and optimize analytical methods and instrumentation.
• Strong problem-solving skills and meticulous data collection and documentation.
• Ability to obtain and maintain security clearance for nuclear materials.
• Ability to work on-site in Los Angeles, CA or Paducah, KY.

Responsibilities

• Develop, optimize, and validate analytical methods for uranium isotopic analysis.
• Perform isotopic sampling, sample preparation, and measurement workflows to support enrichment process monitoring and product certification
• Operate, maintain, calibrate, and troubleshoot mass spectrometry instrumentation to ensure measurement accuracy, precision, and reliability
• Integrate measurement systems with sample-handling workflows and support automation and process improvements
• Collaborate closely with the Chemistry team and cross-functional partners (Operations, Product Certification, Engineering) to define analytical requirements and deliver results that drive decision-making
• Document methods, maintain rigorous QA/QC protocols, and support regulatory and compliance reporting as needed
• Contribute to continuous improvement of analytical capabilities as General Matter scales production

Skills

Strong problem-solving

Attention to detail

Data analysis

Documentation

Collaborative work

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Radiochemistry or related field

Tools

ICP‑MS

Isotope-ratio MS

TIMS

MC‑ICP‑MS

Job description

About the Company

General Matter is enriching uranium in America.

Our goal is to design, build, and operate the world’s lowest-cost enrichment services in the United States.

Our mission is to restore America’s ability to produce nuclear fuel—fuel that will power AI, advanced manufacturing, critical industries, and the next generation of nuclear reactors.

Ultimately, our work will help power national ambitions and enable a high-energy society.

We were incubated by Founders Fund, like Anduril and Palantir before us, and are backed by top-tier investors. Our lean, world-class team of engineers and operators is applying a first-principles approach to solving the problem of nuclear fuel production.

We are a mission-driven company with a culture of urgency, accountability, and transparency.

Help us build a high-energy society by making the cleanest, safest form of baseload energy the most affordable.

About This Role

As a Mass Spectrometry Chemist at General Matter, you will play a critical role in establishing and advancing our analytical measurement capabilities for uranium isotopic analysis. You’ll work hands‑on with cutting‑edge mass spectrometry instrumentation — including isotope‑ratio mass spectrometry and ICP‑MS systems — to develop, validate, and execute methods that directly support our enrichment operations and product certification. This is a rare opportunity to build measurement systems from the ground up at a next‑generation nuclear facility during rapid commercial scale‑up, where your technical work immediately impacts our ability to produce low‑cost nuclear fuel at scale. If you seek high impact and are excited by fast‑paced, intense, Skunkworks‑style projects in service of a mission of national importance, we encourage you to apply to join our Chemistry team.

Responsibilities

• Develop, optimize, and validate analytical methods for uranium isotopic analysis using mass spectrometry (isotope‑ratio MS, ICP‑MS)


• Perform isotopic sampling, sample preparation, and measurement workflows to support enrichment process monitoring and product certification


• Operate, maintain, calibrate, and troubleshoot mass spectrometry instrumentation to ensure measurement accuracy, precision, and reliability


• Integrate measurement systems with sample‑handling workflows and support automation and process improvements


• Collaborate closely with the Chemistry team and cross‑functional partners (Operations, Product Certification, Engineering) to define analytical requirements and deliver results that drive decision‑making


• Document methods, maintain rigorous QA/QC protocols, and support regulatory and compliance reporting as needed


• Contribute to continuous improvement of analytical capabilities as General Matter scales production

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Radiochemistry or a related field, or equivalent experience


• Hands‑on laboratory experience with mass spectrometry techniques (ICP‑MS, isotope‑ratio MS, or similar)


• Demonstrated ability to develop, troubleshoot, and optimize analytical methods and instrumentation


• Strong problem‑solving skills and attention to detail in data collection, analysis, and documentation


• Evidence of exceptional ability — prior research projects, published work, or demonstrated technical contributions in analytical chemistry or instrumentation


• Ability to obtain and maintain required security clearance and access authorization for work with nuclear materials


• Ability to work on‑site in Los Angeles, CA or Paducah, KY

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Experience with uranium isotopic analysis, nuclear materials characterization, or safeguards measurement techniques


• Familiarity with TIMS, MC‑ICP‑MS, or other isotope‑ratio mass spectrometry platforms


• Prior work in a DOE national laboratory, NRC‑licensed facility, nuclear fuel‑cycle company, or instrumentation vendor environment


• Experience in method validation, regulatory compliance (e.g., DOE, NRC, ISO standards), or quality assurance in analytical chemistry


• Background in fast‑paced, resource‑constrained, or startup environments where autonomy and bias toward action are required


• Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate across technical and operational teams

Additional Requirements

• Ability to work extended hours and weekends as necessary.

Equal Opportunity Employer

General Matter is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with General Matter is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

Compensation and Benefits

The base salary range for this role is $100,000–$150,000 annually.

Compensation bands are determined by role, level, location, and alignment with market data. Individual level and base pay is determined on a case‑by‑case basis and may vary based on job‑related skills, education, experience, technical capabilities and internal equity. Please note that the stated salary range is an estimate and may be adjusted based on market conditions, business needs, or other factors. In addition to base salary, for full‑time hires, you may also be eligible for long‑term incentives, in the form of stock options, and access to medical, vision & dental coverage as well as access to a 401(k) retirement plan.