Senior Synthetic Chemist — High-Temp Materials & Composites

Cambium; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/dental/vision benefits

401(k) with matching

Job summary

Cambium in El Segundo, CA is seeking a Synthetic Chemist to join our composite materials engineering team. You’ll work hands-on to synthesize new compounds for high-temperature materials and to optimize processes for manufacturability and performance in extreme environments.

You will collaborate with discovery teams to evaluate routes, scale up building blocks, and guide reactor operations, while advancing defense and aerospace applications.

Qualifications

• Master’s in Polymer Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related field and a minimum of 7 years of relevant experience; or,
• PhD in Polymer Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related field with 4 or more years of relevant experience; or,
• Equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience with and a deep understanding of thermoset polymer resins
• You must have a strong desire to learn and be willing to work in a hands-on engineering role
• Due to the nature of the work, you must have US citizenship
• Some general experience with manufacturing processes for fiber-reinforced organic polymer composites is preferred, but not required

Responsibilities

• Design and synthesize compounds for high-temperature materials and DoD applications.
• Evaluate synthetic routes and scale-up building blocks with development candidates.
• Lead in-house process development and scale-up studies.
• Guide operation of large chemical reactors.
• Characterize feedstock and targets (HPLC, NMR, FTIR, IPC).
• Design monomers and formulations to meet properties; relate to thermal data.
• Support manufacturing of high-temperature composite aerospace vehicles.
• Suggest processing specs for hand layup, RTM, filament winding and ATP.
• Provide progress reports to senior engineers and leadership.
• Communicate clearly and concisely key concepts and status to teams and collaborators.
• Prioritize safety and compliance with OSHA/EPA/local rules.
• Collaborate across biomaterials, polymers, composites, and aerospace teams.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to improve proprietary tools and systems.
• Contribute to product demonstrations and Cambium growth.

Education

Master’s in Polymer Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related field

PhD in Polymer Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related field

Job description

Cambium in El Segundo, CA is seeking a Synthetic Chemist to join our composite materials engineering team. You’ll work hands-on to synthesize new compounds for high-temperature materials and to optimize processes for manufacturability and performance in extreme environments.

You will collaborate with discovery teams to evaluate routes, scale up building blocks, and guide reactor operations, while advancing defense and aerospace applications.