Career Profile:
We are seeking an exceptional material scientist to drive new process capability and develop simulation tools for the fabrication of Gradient Refractive Index Nanolayered (GRIN) polymer optics. Reporting to the Sr. Engineering Leader in the Peak Nano Technology Development and Engineering organization, this highly technical individual contributor will develop a world-class understanding of GRIN material rheology, enabling fabrication of polymer lenses with complex material structures.
Performance Profile:
Lead the characterization of GRIN materials to inform fabrication strategies and tooling designs for the consolidation of thin films (lamination) and the subsequent formation of complex rotationally symmetric structures (compression molding)
Utilize physics-based simulation tools supported by real-world data to develop and validate rheological models of GRIN materials with functionally graded mechanical properties. Leverage these models to improve process capability, closing the gap between as-designed and as-manufactured performance.
Develop a detailed understanding of the design, manufacturing methods and metrology equipment used to fabricate and evaluate GRIN lenses. Identify continuous improvement opportunities and contribute to solving technical challenges as a member of a cross-functional technical team.
Collaborate with the Peak Nano optical design team to correlate optical performance with manufacturing process variables and tolerances.
Develop sufficient expertise to operate, maintain and troubleshoot all equipment and tooling related to the compression molding process.
Collaborate with process engineers to design and execute experiments to test new fabrication strategies and optimize existing ones.
Develop custom instrumentation and/or software tools as needed to evaluate process capability or execute experiments. =
Use data analysis tools and presentation tools to efficiently communicate experimental design, results, and conclusions to internal cross-functional technical teams. Contribute to Peak Nano’s fundamental understanding of GRIN lens fabrication processes with detailed, organized documentation of experiments.
Understand and implement appropriate EH&S standards, policies, and procedures applicable to operation of forming equipment. Promote safe work habits and lead by example in compliance with EH&S standards.
Qualifications and Credentials:
This position requires a well-rounded skillset including technical ability, fabrication process development skills, plastics processing expertise, physics-based simulation experience, excellent communication and a strong sense of project and process ownership.
The ideal candidate should view themselves as both a scientist and an engineer, driven to develop a complete understanding of a process or system then apply that knowledge to support prototyping efforts and manufacturing scale-up. A self-motivated, disciplined, detail-oriented approach to experiment design, observation and data analysis is critical to success in this role.
The ideal candidate has an advanced degree in materials science, chemical engineering, plastics engineering, physics, mechanical engineering, equivalent training.
The ideal candidate has relevant work or research experience in the following areas:
Process development in plastics processes: 3+ years (preferred)
Characterization of polymers and/or metamaterials: 1+ years (preferred)
Physics-based simulation of plastics processes as a core job function: 1+ year (preferred)
Special consideration: Modelling rheology of functionally graded materials (FGM)
Experimental design, statistical analysis and/or programming as a core job function: 1+ year (preferred)
High Precision or Ultra-Precision academic or manufacturing environment: 1+ year (preferred)
Relevant Software Competencies:
Physics-based Simulation (COMSOL, ANSYS, ABAQUS, COMPUPLAST or equivalent)
Data Analysis (MATLAB, Python, JMP, Minitab or equivalent)
Instrumentation & Data Acquisition (LabVIEW, Flexlogger, DAQExpress or equivalent)
Data Reporting & Presentations (MS PowerPoint preferred)
Education:
MS or Ph.D in materials science, chemical engineering, plastics engineering, physics, mechanical engineering
Schedule:
Monday – Friday
Remote work is not possible for this position.
About Peak Nano
You don’t want to match your competition. You want to set a new industry standard. For that, you need a new kind of partner. Peak Nano is all about disruption.
We help industry-leading companies rewrite the rules and chart a new path forward—on a journey powered by nanotechnology. For big names ready to think bigger, nanotechnology is the new frontier. And Peak Nano will guide the way—with sound strategy, and real results.
We’re the people who take nanotechnology out of the lab and make sense of it for your business. You can’t shatter realities with theory alone. For us, it’s making it real that matters.
Peak Nano Offers:
Competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits
On-going learning opportunities within a diverse, inclusive and rewarding work environment
Opportunities that spark your imagination and ignite your passion to help others
Peak Nano is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer
To be considered for this opportunity, please send your resumé to Suzanne Vinzant.