Director of Materials Science

About Fornax Advanced Materials

Fornax Advanced Materials, Inc. (Fornax-AM) is a small business startup that enables missions of high consequence by delivering lightweight, high-density products composed of advanced carbon, metallics, and ceramic materials. We contribute to American dynamism in research and development, using cutting-edge science to develop solutions for extreme environments and alternatives to minerals controlled by adversaries. We also combat decades of offshoring critical national manufacturing capability, responsibly producing products in the homeland with physical and material characteristics previously thought impossible to achieve. Potential applications range from hypersonic flight surfaces – to light weight-high density armor plating – to nuclear reactor cladding – to shelters on the moon using lunar strata – to everything in between. If you can imagine it, it’s likely we can make it with demonstrated improvement in weight, density, purity, and durability. At Fornax-AM, we believe that together with our customers, we are forging the future.

Position Summary:

The Director of Materials Science of Fornax-AM will be at the forefront of developing game changing products for missions of high consequence, applying deep expertise in materials science to produce advanced materials and manufacturing processes previously thought impossible to achieve. Reporting to the company’s Chief Scientist, the Director of Materials Science, among other things, will: contribute to the company's technical direction; foster innovation; lead cross-functional teams in solving complex challenges; and engage counterparts throughout government, industry, and academia.

Responsibilities:

1. Technology Strategy and Innovation:

Help define and execute the company's technology roadmap, aligning it with business goals and market trends

Contribute to the development of novel materials and manufacturing processes, pushing the boundaries of innovation

Help identify emerging technologies, research opportunities, and potential partnerships to maintain the company's competitive edge

Champion a culture of innovation, encouraging continuous learning and exploration within the technical teams

2. Research and Development:

Hands-on participation in developing and executing R&D initiatives, guiding teams in the design, prototyping, and testing of advanced materials

Drive collaborative research projects, both internally and with external partners, to accelerate technology development

Ensure effective project management, resource allocation, and timely delivery of R&D milestones

3. Technical Leadership:

Provide expert guidance on materials science, engineering principles, and manufacturing processes

Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including operations, engineering, product development, and others, to integrate materials innovation into product design and manufacturing

Inspire technical teams, fostering a culture of excellence, creativity, and problem-solving

4. Intellectual Property and Commercialization:

Contribute to the company's intellectual property strategy, including patents, trademarks, and trade secrets

Help drive the translation of R&D breakthroughs into viable commercial products, ensuring alignment with market needs and business objectives

5. Partnerships and Collaborations:

Cultivate strategic relationships with research institutions, universities, and industry partners

Collaborate with external experts and organizations to leverage their insights and resources for technical advancement

Requirements:

1. Education and Experience:

Advanced degree (Ph.D. preferred) in Physics or Materials Science,

Proven track record (typically 15+ years) of materials innovation, research, and development

Ability to obtain and maintain a DOD personnel security clearance up to the Top Secret level

2. Technical Expertise:

Deep understanding of metallurgy, ceramics and/or composites, materials property characterization techniques, and manufacturing of such materials

Proficiency in computational modeling and simulation for materials design and optimization

Familiarity with the use and effects of electric Field Assisted Sintering Technology and additive manufacturing technologies

3. Innovation and Entrepreneurship:

Demonstrated ability to drive innovation and successfully translate research into commercial products

Experience in building and leading technical teams, fostering a culture of innovation and cross-disciplinary collaboration

4. Strategic Thinking:

The ability to align technical strategies with commercial objectives

Demonstrated proficiency in developing and executing technology roadmaps

Demonstrated proficiency in shaping solutions to solve customer needs, helping to identify alternative sources of funding, and collaborating with others to prepare white papers and proposals.

5. Communication and Leadership:

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to convey complex technical concepts to diverse audiences

Workplace style that promotes teamwork, creativity, and accountability

6. Startup Mindset:

Comfortable working in a fast-paced startup environment, with a hands-on, adaptable, and proactive approach

Preferences:

Experience in a startup or high-technology environment

This position involves access to classified information and may require successful completion of a counterintelligence polygraph

Active Top Secret personnel security clearance

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Compensation:

• Competitive salary

• Equity Incentive Plan

• Participation in company benefit plans, including 100% of employee medical/dental/vision premiums, and 401(k) with 5% match

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Location:

Washington DC metro area

20% travel anticipated

Hybrid work environment

If you are a visionary leader with a passion for pushing the boundaries of materials science and engineering, we invite you to join us in our mission to revolutionize the future. Apply today to be a key driver of innovation at Fornax Advanced Materials, Inc. We’re #hiring. Know anyone who might be interested?

Contact: Email curriculum vitae to: info@Fornax-am.com