Temporary Materials Research Technician

Luna Labs - Temporary Materials Research Technician Department: Materials Group

Schedule: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM, 40 hours/week

Duration: Initial 90-day assignment (Potential for extension or full-time permanent conversion based on performance and funding)

Location: On-site, Charlottesville, VA

About Luna Labs Luna Labs is a product development company working with leading organizations and key government agencies to create unique solutions for complex challenges in defense, industrial, and healthcare markets. We operate like a self-contained incubator for defense and biotech startups, taking solutions from concept through development to new products in the market. We leverage small business agility and large business capabilities to accelerate breakthrough solutions from concept to early-stage growth. Working with a robust global network of manufacturers, suppliers, licensees, and distributors, Luna Labs develops everything from small-scale prototypes to market-ready products.

The Opportunity The Materials Group is seeking a motivated, detail-oriented Temporary Research Technician to support ongoing research and development tasks across advanced materials, coatings, and sealants technologies.

Our Team Works On Cutting-edge Developments, Including

• Corrosion-resistant and multifunctional protective coatings
• Polymeric sealants and advanced composites
• Inorganic ceramic materials
• Electromagnetic signature control materials

In this role, you will provide critical hands-on technical support across active, funded programs while contributing to exploratory R&D efforts. You will have the opportunity to expand your skill set by participating in technology development, experimental design, and lab execution in a collaborative environment.

Key Responsibilities Laboratory Operations & Testing

• Experimental Execution: Conduct lab procedures, including thermal, physical, and analytical characterization/testing of materials.
• Equipment Maintenance: Maintain, calibrate, and operate lab instrumentation to ensure peak performance and reliable data quality.
• Prototyping & Development: Support early-stage product development by sourcing materials/equipment, conducting literature reviews, and assembling prototype systems.

Data Management & Documentation

• Data Handling: Accurately record, manage, summarize, and interpret experimental results.
• Lab Notebooks: Maintain detailed, real-time lab documentation using physical notebooks and electronic tools (e.g., Microsoft OneNote).
• Technical Reporting: Prepare clear, concise technical summaries including analysis and interpretation of experimental results

Project & Administrative Support

• Balance priorities effectively across multiple concurrent R&D projects.
• Accurately track and log project hours in the company time-tracking system.
• Strictly adhere to and promote lab safety protocols, chemical hygiene, and industry best practices.

Qualifications Required:

• Lab Experience: Proven experience working in a hands-on laboratory research environment.
• Work Authorization: U.S. Citizenship is required due to federal government contracting regulations.
• Adaptability: Demonstrated ability to manage time and support multiple disparate projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
• Core Competencies: Strong attention to detail, proactive problem-solving, excellent interpersonal communication, and solid technical writing skills.
• Availability: Available to work full business hours on-site for a minimum initial duration of 90 days.

Preferred

• B.S. in Materials Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science, or a related scientific discipline.
• Familiarity with characterization techniques for polymers, ceramics, or functional coatings.

Work Environment

• Duties may occasionally be completed remotely using secure company equipment and software, at the supervisor's discretion.
• Safety & PPE: Strictly follows environmental health and safety (EHS) guidelines; requires wearing standard PPE (safety glasses, gloves, lab coats, and respirators when needed).
• Lab Operations: Involves hands-on research and technical interaction with lab staff, operating thermal/mechanical equipment, and handling chemicals (polymers, solvents, resins, adhesives, and powders) under fume hoods.
• Physical Requirements: Ability to stand for multi-hour periods during experimental runs, perform fine-motor lab procedures, and occasionally lift or move equipment/materials up to 30 lbs.

This role is considered non-exempt (hourly). Pay range is $19.00/hour to $26.00/hour commensurate with experience.