Principal Materials Scientist / Potential VP of engineering

Role details

Company Description

Allkemie is an advanced materials company developing graphene-enabled technologies for defense and industrial applications. Our mission is to translate breakthrough nanomaterials into deployable products that improve performance.

We are developing next-generation graphene-enabled CBRN (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear) protective systems.

We are seeking a senior technical leader to build and lead this effort from advanced materials research through prototype development, testing, and transition toward military and dual use aplications.

Position Summary

The Principal Materials Scientist will serve as Allkemie’s technical authority for advanced protective materials and wearable defense systems.

Working closely with our graphene chemistry team, you will lead the development of graphene-enabled polymers, coatings, laminates, membranes, and textile systems for next-generation CBRN protective equipment. You will establish the technical roadmap, lead multidisciplinary engineering efforts, and help build the company’s long-term defense materials portfolio.

This is a leadership role with the opportunity to shape both the technology and the future technical organization of the company.

Responsibilities

• Lead and carry out the scientific and technical direction of Allkemie’s advanced protective materials programs.

• Develop graphene-enabled polymer, coating, laminate, and textile technologies.

• Design material systems for CBRN protection while balancing protection, durability, breathability, flexibility, and manufacturability.

• Work with the company’s chemistry team to optimize graphene formulations for protective applications.

• Lead multidisciplinary teams including textile engineers, polymer scientists, manufacturing engineers, and testing specialists.

• Define prototype development strategies and technical milestones.

• Develop laboratory and field validation plans.

• Guide material selection, process development, and manufacturing scale-up.

• Interface directly with Industrial and Government customers, research laboratories, and manufacturing partners.

• Prepare technical reports, proposals, and presentations for partners.

• Build and mentor the company’s future team members.

Required Qualifications

• MUST BE A US CITIZEN.

• Ph.D. or M.S. in Materials Science, Polymer Science, Chemical Engineering, Textile Engineering, or a closely related discipline.

• 10–20 years of experience developing advanced materials for defense, aerospace, industrial, or protective equipment applications.

• Demonstrated experience leading multidisciplinary R&D programs.

• Expertise in polymers, nanocomposites, functional coatings, membranes, or advanced textile materials.

• Experience transitioning technologies from laboratory research into prototype development and manufacturing.

• Strong technical writing and communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience developing military or CBRN protective systems.

• Experience with graphene, carbon nanomaterials, or other advanced nanomaterials.

• Knowledge of military qualification standards and protective equipment testing.

• Experience with Department of Defense/DoW.

• Experience managing technical teams and mentoring engineers.

• Existing U.S. security clearance or the ability to obtain one.

Desired Technical Skills

• Advanced polymers

• Functional coatings

• Nanocomposites

• Graphene-enabled materials

• Textile composites

• Barrier materials

• Membrane technologies

• Material characterization

• Failure analysis

• Prototype development

• Manufacturing scale-up

• Technology transition (TRL 3–7)

What Success Looks Like

Why Join Allkemie?

This is an opportunity to lead the development of breakthrough graphene-enabled protective technologies with specific applications. As one of the earliest technical leaders at Allkemie, you will have significant influence over the company’s technology roadmap, future engineering team, intellectual property strategy, and long-term strategy.