Materials R&D Associate: Coatings & Polymers

Luna Labs USA; Charlottesville (VA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) with company match

Professional development opportunities

Collaborative, innovation-focused work

Job summary

Luna Labs is seeking a creative Research Associate in Charlottesville to contribute to fast-paced materials R&D, focusing on corrosion-resistant coatings, sealants, composites, and ceramic materials. You will perform hands-on lab work across funded programs and help establish new initiatives.

The role emphasizes experimental design, data interpretation, and documentation, with opportunities to contribute to product concepts and potential commercialization pathways.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• Prior experience conducting laboratory-based research.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative R&D environment.
• Strong capability to work independently as well as effectively within multidisciplinary teams.
• High level of attention to detail and strong commitment to quality experimental work and documentation.
• Excellent communication skills, including technical writing, data analysis, and interpersonal collaboration.
• Demonstrated ability and interest in understanding technical approaches within the context of end-use applications.
• Capacity to manage and contribute to multiple concurrent research programs.
• U.S. Citizenship is required due to government contracting regulations.

Responsibilities

• Conduct laboratory experiments and procedures, including thermal, physical, and analytical testing and characterization of materials.
• Under training, learn how to apply a variety of organic and inorganic coatings using HVLP spraying and flow coating methods.
• Maintain, calibrate, and operate laboratory instrumentation and equipment to ensure reliable performance and data quality.
• Record, manage, summarize, and interpret experimental data; support timely technical reporting and, when appropriate, assist in the development of new methodologies under supervision.
• Support early-stage product development activities, including literature reviews, sourcing equipment and materials, and assembling prototype systems for ongoing research efforts.
• Prepare clear, concise technical documentation and summaries, including analysis and interpretation of experimental results.
• Maintain complete and accurate laboratory notebooks in accordance with established documentation practices.
• Promote and adhere to laboratory and office safety protocols and best practices.
• Apply appropriate tools and technologies to execute project tasks and solve routine technical challenges.
• Support the transition of technologies into product concepts, prototype designs, and potential commercialization pathways.

Skills

Laboratory research

Independent & collaborative work

Attention to detail

Technical writing & data analysis

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Chemistry

Materials Science or Chemical Engineering background

Job description

Luna Labs is seeking a creative Research Associate in Charlottesville to contribute to fast-paced materials R&D, focusing on corrosion-resistant coatings, sealants, composites, and ceramic materials. You will perform hands-on lab work across funded programs and help establish new initiatives.

The role emphasizes experimental design, data interpretation, and documentation, with opportunities to contribute to product concepts and potential commercialization pathways.