Materials Research Specialist

Role details

Materials Research Specialist - Blacksburg, VA

About Luna Labs

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 creative, goal-oriented Materials Research Specialist to contribute to fast-paced research and development of new materials. This position will involve managing and executing R&D projects related to materials product development for our government and commercial customers. Current application areas include structural polymer composites, high/low temperature seals and gaskets, and chemical/biological protection.

This role will support research and development with hands-on polymer formulation, composite production, and material testing using new or established methodologies. Ideal candidates will have a background in materials science with specific experience in project management, including idea generation, experimental design/execution, scheduling, budgeting, data analysis, report writing, customer presentations, coordination of internal/external collaborators, and staff mentorship.

What You’ll Do

• Manage research and development projects, including experimental design, problem solving, structure-property relationships, data summary and interpretation, report writing, and customer presentations
• Perform physical testing for materials characterization using in-house equipment
• Drive technology transition from product concept and prototypes to pilot-scale production, manufacturing, and commercialization
• Identify new technologies and match them with applications to satisfy critical customer needs
• Engage with internal and external scientific communities to maintain state-of-the-art knowledge to conduct experiments and projects
• Travel to conduct testing at external facilities and/or present results to potential or existing customers
• Maintain a culture of safety, cleanliness, and operational excellence across laboratory workspaces
• Mentor junior staff in project management and technology development

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Materials Science, Polymer Engineering, or related discipline
• 3--6 years of experience in hands-on materials research and development, including direct experience managing laboratory-based projects
• Demonstrated experience with project management (budgeting, scheduling, customer presentations) and technical documentation but also comfortable in a chemical laboratory space
• Strong desire to transition technologies into products
• Excellent analytical, technical writing, and interpersonal communications skills; strong attention to detail and commitment to quality experimental work and documentation
• Ability to thrive independently and within cross-functional teams in a fast-paced, collaborative R&D environment, with an eagerness to expand expertise beyond core disciplines
• Due to government contracting regulations, U.S. Citizenship is a firm requirement.

Preferred Skills

• Experience with prototyping, material scale-up, and transitioning from laboratory to low-rate initial production
• Hands-on experience with thermoset polymer composite fabrication, including hand layup, tooling development, material characterization, and material structure-property relationships

Supervisory Role

• No

Work Environment

• 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: $80,000 -- $90,000 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