Chemist – Organic Synthesis
El Segundo, CA | FULL-TIME
Cambium works at the interface of biotech and materials science to build sustainable next-generation defense products. We integrate computational chemistry, product design, and advanced manufacturing methods to solve difficult challenges like hardening UAVs against directed energy, protecting payloads during hypersonic flight, and streamlining the defense product manufacturing supply chain. Our people come from places like SpaceX, Anduril, Scaled Composites, Lockheed Martin Skunkworks, and US DoD Research Labs. We are seeking motivated and exceptional people to join our team.
Cambium is seeking a Chemist to join our growing team in El Segundo, CA. The successful candidate will be curious with a desire to turn concepts into products, have a strong desire to help grow a company, and will help us build a work culture of open-mindedness that embraces creativity and contrarian thinking. At Cambium we’re willing to do things differently.
THE ROLE
Cambium is seeking an Organic Synthetic Chemist to join our materials R&D team. You’ll work closely with our team to synthesize monomers and other components of formulated thermosetting resins. This will be a hands-on role and you will be involved in every step of the process – working with computational scientists to discover and synthesize new materials, providing expert guidance for operation of our on-site reactors, and providing input to materials and processes for manufacturability, cost, and performance in extreme aerothermal environments. As Cambium experiences rapid growth, the responsibilities of this role are expected to evolve.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
● Synthesize thermoset monomers and related compounds that open new opportunities in the high-temperature materials and composites space, for both defense and commercial applications.
● Work with colleagues to design monomers and formulations to meet specific property requirements. Understand feedback provided by thermal characterization (Rheometer, DSC, TGA, DMA) and composite fabrication and testing.
● Provide guidance based on your chemistry expertise to support the operation of larger chemical reactors.
● Provide regular progress reports to senior engineers and leadership.
● Work with technicians to get synthesis-related tasks done efficiently.
● Communicate clearly and concisely key concepts, development status, performance outcomes, and lessons learned to your coworkers, investors, and collaborators.
● Prioritize safety and OSHA, EPA, and local health and safety requirements.
● Collaborate across multiple teams including world-class experts in biomaterials, polymer physics, composites, advanced manufacturing methods, aerospace design, and defense products.
● Create and contribute to the product demonstration and engineering teams in a manner consistent with Cambium’s mission and values and the growth of Cambium’s business.
KEY REQUIREMENTS
● M.S. / Ph.D. in Chemistry or a related subject
● 5+ / 3+ years industry experience with organic synthesis at a R&D scale
● Good understanding of thermosets, preferably with hands-on experience
● Familiar with characterization tools such as DSC, TGA, rheometer
● You must have a strong desire to learn and be willing to work in a hands-on role
● Due to the nature of the work, you must have US citizenship
● Ability to complete tasks on time with little supervision
● Strong communication and collaboration skills
BENEFITS
Cambium offers a highly competitive compensation and benefits plan. This includes excellent medical/dental/vision benefits, and a matching 401(k) plan.
Salary: 115,000 – 165,000
TO APPLY