Ceramics Polymer Scientist

Job Summary General Atomics (GA), and its affiliated companies, is one of the world’s leading resources for high-technology systems development ranging from the nuclear fuel cycle to remotely piloted aircraft, airborne sensors, and advanced electric, electronic, wireless and laser technologies.

General Atomics Electromagnetics Systems (GA-EMS) designs and manufactures first-of-a-kind electromagnetic and electric power generation systems. GA-EMS’ expanding portfolio of specialized products and integrated system solutions support critical fleet, space systems and satellites, missile defense, power and energy, and process and monitoring applications for defense, industrial, and commercial customers worldwide.

We currently have an exciting opportunity for a highly motivated individual to join our team located in Rancho Bernardo, CA in the Nuclear Technology and Materials (NTM) Division. This position involves the design, synthesis, and optimization of preceramic polymers for incorporation into ceramic matrix composite systems.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Advance the organization’s ceramic forming polymer technology and materials portfolio
• Design, synthesis, and characterization of ceramic forming polymers and composites
• Maintain up to date knowledge in the field of ceramic forming polymers and composite materials
• Documents and communicates findings and results through reports, summaries, and technical presentations. Supports proposal efforts for new and existing business opportunities
• Provides direction for a team of moderately experienced professional staff
• Devises new approaches to resolve unusual or complex problems
• Maintains strict confidentiality of sensitive information
• Works safely in accordance with established operating procedures and practices

We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply.



Job Qualifications:

• Typically requires a Bachelors degree, Masters degree or PhD in scientific or related technical field and progressively complex scientific experience as follows; four or more years experience with a Bachelors degree and two or more years experience with a Masters degree. Equivalent scientific experience may be substituted in lieu of education.
• Requires strong laboratory skills – flawless reactants computational calculation, air-free synthesis; experience working in gloveboxes or Schlenk lines, reaction heating/cooling systems, refluxing, distillation, solvent removal by rotary evaporation, vacuum and pressurized filtration methodologies, organic synthesis, inorganic synthesis, purification (extractions, crystallization etc.), product characterization by elemental analysis, melting point, GPC/HPLC, FTIR, NMR, thermal analysis
• Requires strong communication skills – ability to convey complex technical concepts to a broad audience
• Requires the ability to work independently as well as a part of a team to deliver solutions to complex materials challenges
• Requires the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance
• Experience with synthesizing ceramic forming polymers and compounds is highly desirable
• Experience with chemical process scale up is desirable
• Experience with carbon, silicon carbide, carbon/carbon, SiC/SiC and other high temperature materials and composites is beneficial

Salary:$98,100 - $171,398