Temporary Materials Research Technician

Luna Labs USA; Charlottesville (VA); On-site; USD 26,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Luna Labs USA is seeking a motivated Temporary Materials Research Technician to support ongoing R&D tasks across advanced materials, coatings, and sealants technologies. The role is on-site in Charlottesville, Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM, 40 hours/week, for an initial 90-day assignment.

You will perform lab procedures, maintain equipment, manage data, and assist with prototyping and documentation while ensuring safety and compliance; availability for full business hours is required.

Qualifications

• Hands-on laboratory research experience.
• US Citizenship required for federal contracting regulations.
• Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent interpersonal communication and technical writing skills.
• Available to work full business hours on-site for a minimum initial duration of 90 days.

Responsibilities

• Laboratory Operations & Testing: conduct lab procedures and characterize materials.
• Data Management & Documentation: record, manage, and summarize experimental results; maintain notebooks.
• Project & Administrative Support: track hours and adhere to lab safety protocols.

Skills

Lab experience

US citizenship

Time management

Attention to detail

Technical writing

On-site

Education

B.S. in Materials Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science

Job description

Luna Labs -Temporary Materials Research Technician

Schedule: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM, 40 hours/week

Duration: Initial 90-day assignment (Potential for extension or full-time permanent conversion based on performance and funding)

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

The Materials Group is seeking a motivated, detail-oriented Temporary Research Technician to support ongoing research and development tasks across advanced materials, coatings, and sealants technologies.

Our team works on cutting-edge developments, including:

• Corrosion-resistant and multifunctional protective coatings
• Polymeric sealants and advanced composites
• Inorganic ceramic materials
• Electromagnetic signature control materials

In this role, you will provide critical hands-on technical support across active, funded programs while contributing to exploratory R&D efforts. You will have the opportunity to expand your skill set by participating in technology development, experimental design, and lab execution in a collaborative environment.

Key Responsibilities

Laboratory Operations & Testing

• Experimental Execution: Conduct lab procedures, including thermal, physical, and analytical characterization/testing of materials.
• Equipment Maintenance: Maintain, calibrate, and operate lab instrumentation to ensure peak performance and reliable data quality.
• Prototyping & Development: Support early-stage product development by sourcing materials/equipment, conducting literature reviews, and assembling prototype systems.

Data Management & Documentation

• Data Handling: Accurately record, manage, summarize, and interpret experimental results.
• Lab Notebooks: Maintain detailed, real-time lab documentation using physical notebooks and electronic tools (e.g., Microsoft OneNote).
• Technical Reporting: Prepare clear, concise technical summaries including analysis and interpretation of experimental results

Project & Administrative Support

• Balance priorities effectively across multiple concurrent R&D projects.
• Accurately track and log project hours in the company time-tracking system.
• Strictly adhere to and promote lab safety protocols, chemical hygiene, and industry best practices.

Qualifications

Required:

• Lab Experience: Proven experience working in a hands-on laboratory research environment.
• Work Authorization: U.S. Citizenship is required due to federal government contracting regulations.
• Adaptability: Demonstrated ability to manage time and support multiple disparate projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
• Core Competencies: Strong attention to detail, proactive problem-solving, excellent interpersonal communication, and solid technical writing skills.
• Availability: Available to work full business hours on-site for a minimum initial duration of 90 days.

Preferred:

• B.S. in Materials Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science, or a related scientific discipline.
• Familiarity with characterization techniques for polymers, ceramics, or functional coatings.
• 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.

This role is considered non-exempt (hourly). Pay range is $19.00/hour to $26.00/hour commensurate with experience.