Materials Research Associate

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

Materials Research Associate – Charlottesville, VA

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

Luna Labs is seeking a creative and motivated Research Associate to contribute to fast-paced materials research and development focused on advancing both existing and emerging technologies. The position will center on expanding efforts in corrosion resistant and multifunctional protective coatings, polymeric sealants and composites, inorganic ceramic materials and electromagnetic signature control materials. The ideal candidate will have a background in one or more of these areas and will be expected to build additional expertise through active participation in technology development, innovative idea generation, and rigorous experimental design and execution. The role will involve hands-on laboratory work across a range of currently funded programs and will contribute to establishing and supporting new materials R&D initiatives.

What You'll Do

• 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 methods such as High-Volume Low Pressure (HVLP) spraying and flow coating
• 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

Minimum 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

Supervisory Role

• No
• Occasional travel between company locations, client sites, conferences, and related events is required.
• Duties may occasionally be completed remotely using secure company equipment and software, at the supervisor's discretion.
• Safety & PPE: Strictly follows environmental health and safety (EHS) guidelines; requires wearing standard PPE (safety glasses, gloves, lab coats, and respirators when needed).
• Lab Operations: Involves hands-on research and technical interaction with lab staff, operating thermal/mechanical equipment, and handling chemicals (polymers, solvents, resins, adhesives, and powders) under fume hoods.
• Physical Requirements: Ability to stand for multi-hour periods during experimental runs, perform fine-motor lab procedures, and occasionally lift or move equipment/materials up to 30 lbs.

What We Offer

• Salary Range: $70,000 -- $80,000 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