Planetary Regolith Scientist — Ceramics & Robotics

ICON Technology Group; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

ICON is seeking a Planetary Geoscientist to study extraterrestrial soils, focusing on lunar and Martian regolith simulants and their validation for research and robotic construction. You will work with engineers, researchers, and vendors to ensure simulant fidelity and applicability to ICON’s mission goals.

The role involves interfacing with robotics and materials teams, performing DOEs, and collaborating with ICME to align experimental data with models for process development, under a Senior

Qualifications

• Master's degree required in planetary geology, materials science, civil engineering, or related field.
• 5+ years hands-on lab or field experience in geology, materials characterization, or simulant development.
• Experience validating geologic or synthetic materials through mineralogical, chemical, and physical testing.
• Ability to manage multiple technical efforts and coordinate with cross-functional teams.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds.

Responsibilities

• Prescribe and document physical, chemical, and mineralogical properties of lunar and Martian regolith simulants for ICON's research and mission goals.
• Support process development, characterization, and optimization for converting regolith simulants into structural ceramics using sintering, melt processing, and related thermal methods.
• Validate regolith simulants against planetary analog data across physical, mineralogical, and chemical parameters.
• Collaborate with mechanical and robotic engineers on geotechnical implications for robotic excavation, conveyance, and processing systems.
• Co-design and qualify regolith and regolith simulant conveyance and handling systems.
• Interface with internal customers and external stakeholders to ensure simulant fidelity and research alignment.
• Conduct Design of Experiments (DOEs) and characterization studies on derived regolith products.
• Collaborate with ICME teams to validate models against experimental data and guide process development.
• Support testing and analysis of simulants under simulated lunar or Martian environmental conditions.

Skills

Project management

Cross-functional collaboration

Technical communication

Laboratory techniques

Physical strength (lift 50 lb)

Education

Master's degree in Planetary Geology, Materials Science, civil engineering, or related field

Job description

ICON is seeking a Planetary Geoscientist to study extraterrestrial soils, focusing on lunar and Martian regolith simulants and their validation for research and robotic construction. You will work with engineers, researchers, and vendors to ensure simulant fidelity and applicability to ICON’s mission goals.

The role involves interfacing with robotics and materials teams, performing DOEs, and collaborating with ICME to align experimental data with models for process development, under a Senior