Materials Scientists

Bnnt, LLC; Newport News (VA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

BNNT Materials, LLC seeks a Materials Scientist to advance BNNT-based technologies from concept to prototype and commercialization in Newport News, VA. You will contribute to research across composites, thermal management, and energy storage while leading or supporting funded R&D programs.

The ideal candidate holds a Master’s in materials science or related field with at least four years in industrial or academic labs, plus strong nanomaterials expertise and hands-on SEM/TEM characterization.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in materials science, engineering, chemistry, or related field.
• Four years of related research or industrial laboratory experience.
• Strong knowledge of nanomaterials and related current technologies.
• Expertise in composites (ceramics, polymers, or metals), thin films, fibers, device fabrication, nanomaterial processing techniques, and functionalization.
• Experience with nanomaterial characterization, especially electron microscopy (SEM, TEM) and mechanical property testing.

Responsibilities

• Perform innovative R&D within a laboratory setting.
• Support early product development through sourcing of equipment and assembly of prototypes for ongoing research.
• Maintaining and operating laboratory equipment; solving routine technical problems.
• Developing new methodologies to support prototype and product development and characterization of nanomaterials.
• Recording, summarizing, and interpreting raw data.
• Providing timely and effective communication and recommendations to progress projects.
• Collaborating with external commercial, government, and university partners to advance business and R&D opportunities.
• Developing and implementing standard operating procedures that facilitate safe operation of equipment and lab processes.
• Executing literature searches and reviews; staying current with boron nitride nanomaterial technologies and developments.

Skills

Nanomaterials expertise

Laboratory research

Analytical skills

Technical writing

Communication

SEM

TEM

Education

Master’s degree in materials science/engineering/chemistry

Ph.D. in related field (preferred)

Tools

SEM

TEM

Mechanical testing

Job description

BNNT Materials is seeking a Materials Scientist that is eager to apply their diverse background to the development of game-changing products featuring boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs).

BNNT Materials, LLC is seeking Materials Scientists eager to apply their diverse backgrounds to the development of game-changing products featuring boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs). BNNT Materials, LLC is the world leader in high quality boron nitride nanomaterials and a revenue-generating spin‑out from US National Labs and NASA. We are seeking a candidate who possess the scientific, visionary, and leadership skills to advance our extraordinary BNNTs to a premier role in areas including composites, thermal management, radiation shielding, and energy storage.

The candidate will contribute to development of BNNT‑based technologies, cultivating ideas from inception to testing to prototype and finally product commercialization. The candidate may lead or support a variety of currently funded R&D programs and will be expected to conduct exploratory research and development efforts to establish new R&D directions and methodologies.

The successful candidate will have the skills to collaborate with a variety of multidisciplinary partners across industries partnering with the Company. Their role will be key to the advancement of a small business where talents, creativity, drive, and expertise are embraced and rewarded. We are seeking a self‑motivated person who is efficient with their time and capable of independent productivity within the department. The individual must work well with a team and have a passion for nanomaterials development. BNNT Materials, LLC is excited to offer this once‑in‑a‑lifetime opportunity to someone who can achieve these goals.

Duties and Responsibilities

Include but are not limited to the following:

• Performing innovative R&D within a laboratory setting
• Supporting early product development through sourcing of equipment and assembly of prototypes for ongoing research
• Maintaining and operating laboratory equipment; solving routine technical problems
• Developing new methodologies to support prototype and product development and characterization of nanomaterials
• Recording, summarizing, and interpreting raw data
• Providing timely and effective communication and recommendations in informal settings to the Company to progress rapidly
• Communicating with external commercial, government, and university collaborators and partners to advance business and R&D opportunities and support product development
• Developing and implementing standard operating procedures that facilitate safe operation of equipment and lab processes, including training of new users
• Executing literature searches and reviews; staying current with boron nitride nanomaterial technologies and developments

Minimum Qualifications and Skills

• Master’s degree in materials science, engineering, chemistry, or a related field of study
• Four years of related research or industrial laboratory experience
• A strong knowledge of nanomaterials and related current technologies
• Expertise in one or more of the following areas: composites (ceramics, polymers, or metals), thin films, fibers, device fabrication, nanomaterial processing techniques (dispersion, purification, separation, etc.), and nanomaterial functionalization
• Expertise in characterization of nanomaterials, especially by the following methods: electron microscopies (SEM, TEM) and mechanical property testing
• Ability to thrive in ambiguity and a fast‑paced R&D environment
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Strong commitment to quality, safety, and attention to detail
• Excellent communication, technical writing, analytical, and interpersonal skills

Preferred Qualifications and Skills

• Ph.D. in materials science, engineering, chemistry, or a related field of study
• Four years of related research or industrial laboratory experience in development and evaluation of nanomaterial-based products

Physical Requirements

• Pick, pinch, or otherwise work with fingers; seize, grasp, hold, turn, or otherwise with hands
• Lift 30-pound objects
• Walk within facility areas, with occasional kneeling, stooping, crouching, crawling, and reaching
• Work in both hot and cold conditions
• Sit and work at a computer workstation for extended periods of time
• Identify and distinguish colors, perceive temperatures, and smells
• Distinguish equipment noises, tones, and alarms from background noises

The incumbent may be assigned to work areas where certain potentially harmful physical and chemical agents are present which may include fumes, dust, noise, heat, ionizing and non‑ionizing radiation and chemicals.

Primary Location

BNNT Materials' headquarters located in Newport News, VA

Travel Required: May include 10-15% domestic/international travel

Who May Apply

U.S. Persons (includes U.S. citizens and Green Card holders).

Equal Opportunity Employer

BNNT Materials does not discriminate against applicants due to race, ethnicity, gender, veteran status, other federal, state, or local protected class or on the basis of disability.

BNNT Materials
300 Ed Wright Lane, Suite A
Newport News, VA 23606
United States