R&D Laboratory Technician – High Temperature Composites
El Segundo, CA | Full-Time | On-Site
Must be a U.S. Persons due to the nature of our work.
Defense, aerospace, and other high-performance applications demand new material solutions stronger, lighter, more resilient, tested, and delivered faster than traditionally available. Cambium is disrupting advanced materials development, from AI-driven molecular design to agile domestic manufacturing. Whether enabling hypersonic flight or protecting critical systems, our solutions push the limits of what’s possible. Cambium solves mission-critical problems in defense and industry. Our team of world-class scientists and engineers was purpose built to take on those challenges. Come join us and revolutionize advanced materials for defense, aerospace, and beyond.
THE ROLE
Cambium is seeking an experienced R&D Laboratory Technician to join our high temperature composite resin team. You'll work alongside research scientists and engineers to formulate, mix, cure, and characterize new material formulations in support of Cambium’s multiple product lines. This is a hands-on role and material-specific training will be provided
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Follow written and verbal instructions with excellent attention to detail to precisely carry out a wide range of laboratory tasks.
- Record laboratory methods clearly and reproducibly; learn to make and communicate relevant observations as you work.
- Manage multiple test methods and sample sets in parallel without losing traceability.
- Carefully weigh and mix ingredients to prepare resin formulations.
- Prepare samples for analytical testing.
- Use a vacuum oven to cure resin samples for testing.
- Wash chemistry glassware and clean the laboratory space.
- Follow all safety protocols and contribute to our culture of safety.
- Participate in a wide range of R&D problem-solving activities with an open mind and desire to learn.
- 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.
- Track time-sensitive foam process steps (cream, rise, gel, and cure) and record relevant observations.
KEY REQUIREMENTS
- Education: High school diploma with 3+ years of relevant lab experience.
- 3+ years of experience in an R&D materials or chemistry laboratory.
- Hands-on experience with common laboratory procedures: weighing chemicals, using hot/stir plates, vacuum pumps, and ovens.
- Innate curiosity and a strong desire to learn.
- Detail-oriented and patient working style with strong written documentation skills.
- Ability to complete complex tasks independently and on time, and to keep track of multiple test methods in parallel.
- US citizenship required due to the nature of the work.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience mixing and handling thermosetting resins and polymer composites.
- Experience producing polymer foams (e.g., polyurethane, phenolic, polyimide, epoxy, or other thermoset foams).
- Experience with resin, composite, or foam testing.
- Experience in a polymer R&D laboratory.
- Experience with any or all of the following analytical equipment — DMA, DSC, TGA, SEM, NMR, FTIR, HPLC, rheometer, thermal conductivity testing.
- Comfort working with high-temperature cure schedules and reactive resin systems.
BENEFITS
Cambium offers a highly competitive compensation and benefits plan. This includes excellent medical/dental/vision benefits, and a matching 401(k) plan, professional development reimbursement, and an opportunity for equity for most full time positions.
As a condition of employment, the candidate may need to successfully complete a medical evaluation and obtain clearance to wear respiratory personal protective equipment (PPE) as required by OSHA 29 CFR 1910.134