Ignite is an ISO 9001:2015 and CMMI Services Level 3 certified, Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB), headquartered in Huntsville, AL. By design, Ignite is a provider of professional services to customers in educational, federal, and commercial industries and in every action seeks to be the preeminent provider within this business space. Ignite upholds our values of competency, collaboration, innovation, reliability, and results through everything we do.

Ignite is seeking a driven, detail-oriented Senior Material Scientist / Advanced Materials Characterization Specialist to join our team. This position is expected to be onsite in a government facility office or laboratory environment. This position is contingent upon contract award.

Responsibilities include:

• 10 Years of experience in materials analysis.
• Focused Ion Beam (FIB) milling and electrolytic sample preparation.
• Execution of experiments involving analytical measurements on test specimens.
• Skilled communication of results through both oral presentations and written reports.
• Cross training / back-up support on other advanced characterization tools.
• Proficiency with digital visualization reconstruction using commercial software packages.
• Understanding of space set up and laboratory maintenance requirements for optimal Atomic Probe Tomography (APT) operation.
• Experience in coordinating maintenance and service with APT and other complex analytical instrument vendors.
• Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant material sources.
• Conducting research, analysis, synthesis, and experimentation on substances for the purpose of replicating or improving product and process development and material application.
• Performing quantitative and qualitative analysis in support of improving analytical methodologies of materials.
• Identifying information to be estimated, calculated, categorized, coded, tabulated, or audited, including recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events related to sample materials.
• Participating in technical assignments related to design, qualification, test, failure analysis, and advanced manufacture of novel materials.
• Assisting in the development and prototyping of complex materials using multi-step analytical and chromatographic systems with associated process automation based on knowledge and skills in the areas of chemistry, materials science, physics, chemical engineering, or another engineering discipline.
• Preparing technical and progress reports on assigned tasks, preparing specifications, evaluating suppliers, and analyzing test reports.
• Carrying out original investigations relating to technical problems outside the scope of available literature.
• Coordinating with other disciplines such as Design Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality Engineering, and Procurement/Supply Chain organization.
• Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

Desired Experience / Qualifications:

• Preference will be given to MS or PhD holders, but more than 10 years of experience with BS is acceptable.
• Some experience or familiarity with the CAMECA 6000XR device in addition to the qualifications/experience stated above.
• Participation in multi-disciplinary investigations with engineers and other material scientists specializing in other complementary analytical techniques (e.g. SEM, EPMA, XRD, XRF, Auger, ESCA, AEM).
• Demonstrated understanding of performance and properties of materials.
• Previous experience with APT isotopic analyses, fractographic analyses, corrosion, and/or mechanical metallurgy.
• Ability to travel short term for advanced training.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent problem-solving ability.
• Proficiency in Excel, PowerPoint, statistical software Experience in constructively interacting with academic advisors to create innovation.
• Knowledge of polymers, composites, perovskite dielectric, and electronic materials.
• Materials Engineering experience utilizing 3D multi-material printing technologies.
• Ability to design and carry out state-of-the-art synthesis and/or scaled-up production with minimum supervision in a research program focused on nanoscale materials.
• Project leadership with the ability to learn new material science disciplines and form new professional networks.
• Ability to assesses the potential for reservoir applications of cutting-edge nanomaterials systems or novel instrumentation and analytical or detection methods, to include advanced chromatography and advanced optical or other spectroscopic methods.
• Demonstrated success in working well within a team and being well organized with strong oral and written communication skills, and a proven ability to communicate or coordinate effectively with team members, internal/external customers, and senior leadership.
• Strong presentation skills and proficiency in using Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel.

Security Clearance Requirements:

• TOP SECRET with the eligibility to obtain access to Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI).

Educational Requirements:

• Master’s Degree in Material Science, Nanomaterials/Nanotechnologies, Engineering, or a related technical field.

Other Requirements:

• Must be a US citizen and be able to obtain and hold an active Security Clearance.