Engineer II - Special Projects
BS-level R&D / Research roles on Crosslinked list a median of $126k (443 that show pay).
Run nanocrystal metal catalyst sample prep, characterization, and test cycling for a DARPA-funded program.
Worth knowing
Why it is interesting. Hands-on work with a DARPA-funded nanocrystalline catalyst program using XRD, SEM/TEM, BET and vacuum/gas handling systems
Might not be for you. Extended hours and weekends frequently required; U.S. citizenship and relocation to Chattanooga mandatory
Heads-up: Very wide pay range
Adjacent materials rolePrepare and characterize palladium and nickel nanocrystal samples (XRD, SEM/TEM, BET); materials synthesis and characterization experience required
- Seniority
- Entry level
- Work
- On-site
- Type
- Full-time
- Degree
- BS
- Experience
- 1–2 yrs
- Industry
- Defense
- Role
- R&D / Research
- Visa
- US citizenship required
Role details
WHO WE ARE Kunin Technologies is revolutionizing the critical mineral supply chain by implementing advanced separation technologies to capture value from overlooked resources. Metals are everywhere, in solar panels, smartphones, electric vehicles, but as ore grades plummet globally, traditional extraction methods are failing. China dominates critical minerals markets by developing superior separation technologies that extract value from materials American mines discard as waste.
Utilizing Kunin Technologies' breakthrough mass manufacturable nano-separation systems, significantly more value can be produced from each resource, reducing waste, and unlocking domestic critical mineral production. MISSION FOR YEAR 1 Kunin's Special Projects group runs externally funded research programs that sit alongside our metal recovery pipeline. The current program is a DARPA-funded effort on nanocrystalline metal catalysts for energy production: preparing and characterizing palladium and nickel nanocrystal samples, cycling them through an extensive loading and triggering test matrix, and measuring the result with calibrated detection and metrology instruments.
The work is milestone-driven and reported to the government sponsor at scheduled program reviews. You will be the dedicated hands in the laboratory for this program, working under the Principal Investigator and a senior engineer. You will run the sample preparation, the test cycling, and the instruments, and you will turn the raw output into clean, documented data that the milestone reports are built on. By the end of 2027, we expect: The nanocrystal sample preparation and characterization workflow running to a written procedure, with every sample logged and traceable. The Phase 1 test matrix executed on schedule, with detection and metrology instruments calibrated to a documented routine.
A reduced, quality-checked dataset for every test campaign, delivered to the Principal Investigator within one week of campaign close. Written contributions to each Phase 1 milestone deliverable and program review package.
WHAT YOU'LL DO
Prepare and characterize palladium and nickel nanocrystal samples (XRD, SEM/TEM, BET and related methods). Operate the loading and triggering reactors and run samples through the test matrix, including gas handling and vacuum systems. Calibrate and operate the detection and metrology equipment, and keep calibration records current. Collect, reduce, and document experimental data; maintain the laboratory notebook and data files to program standards. Keep the laboratory safe and orderly: current on all safety training, standard operating procedures followed and maintained, housekeeping to audit standard.
Identify improvements to laboratory workflows, test techniques, and equipment capability, and raise them with the senior engineer. Support Kunin's metal recovery projects with bench work when the program schedule allows. WHO YOU ARE Bachelor's in Chemical Engineering or Physics with 1 to 2 years of related laboratory experience, or a Master's with 0 to 2 years, or a PhD. Experimentalist comfortable with gas handling and vacuum systems and with careful, repetitive bench work across a large test matrix. Experienced in at least one of materials synthesis, materials characterization (XRD, SEM/TEM, BET), or radiation and particle detection.
Skilled in data analysis with Python, MATLAB, or Excel, and disciplined about data provenance. Comfortable working independently on routine tasks and asking for direction on non-routine ones. Team player who keeps the laboratory notebook, the data, and the sponsor deliverables complete and on time. COMPENSATION This role will pay $115,000 - $190,000, benefits, and equity. ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS Must be willing to relocate to Chattanooga, TN. Must be a U.S. citizen. Extended hours and weekends frequently required to support critical project milestones. Chattanooga is more beautiful than expected, and Tennessee has no income tax.
"The Whole World Is Ion-Exchange And The Rest Are Merely Details!" Dr. Robert Kunin of Rohm and Haas, The Pioneer of the Ion-Exchange Industry, 1951
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