Cambium is seeking a collaboration-oriented, results-driven Senior R&D Engineer to join the lens materials innovation and scale-up team, bridging the gap between new polymer materials discoveries and high-performance defense and commercial applications. Key responsibilities of this role will include leading team members in technical and manufacturing specifications for and production of new materials at an advanced level of commercial readiness. This will require the ability to solve technical problems, both independently and as part of a team, in developing new products and new manufacturing processes for operation in an aeronautical and/or defense environment.

These activities will involve extensive collaboration with test engineering, product prototyping, business development, as well as supplier and subcontractor interactions. Significant aspects of the position include developing synthesis and formulation; testing protocols; analyzing data; design and control of equipment; troubleshooting both R&D and commercialization equipment. As Cambium experiences rapid growth, the responsibilities for this role are expected to evolve.

Technical Expertise:

• Lead the design, synthesis and/or formulation of high-performance polymers for eyewear in defense and aerospace applications 
• Design and develop dye compounds for casted or extruded polymers for use in laser protection and high contrast environments 
• Design, test, and analyze new material and processing formulations and approaches for optics applications 
• Oversee the development, planning, and execution of test procedures in conjunction with end-users, partners, and stakeholders 
• Contribute to the build-out of product prototyping and testing facilities and capabilities 
• Learn from system development and iterate for continuous improvement, while ensuring the scalability to commercialization 
• Demonstrated problem solving ability in a laboratory environment

Operational Expertise:

• Communicate clearly and concisely key concepts, development status, performance outcomes, and lessons learned to senior leadership, investors, and collaborators 
• Collaborate across multiple teams including world-class experts in biomaterials, polymer science, composites, optics, aerospace components, and commercial products 
• Understand current technology and pitch future strategies 
• Create and contribute to product demonstration and engineering teams in a manner consistent with Cambium’s mission and values and the growth of Cambium’s business 
• Communicate (telephone/email/in-person) engagement with government and industry 
• Work with operators and technicians to troubleshoot process issues and develop solutions.

• B.S.+ 5 years industry experience OR M.S + 3 years of industry experience in a relevant technology field (i.e., Chemistry, Polymer Chemistry, Material Science, Optics, Aerospace Engineering, etc.).
• Technical writing, proposal preparation, and technical presentation.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills
• NOTE – Must be a U.S. Citizen due to clients under U.S. government contracts.

• Good understanding of military or government specifications for qualification and product readiness
• Knowledgeable in optical formulation, multiband and transition lenses 
• Experience with methods like transfusion and coatings 
• Has worked with polycarbonate, polyurethane, and acrylic matrix materials 
• Experience in characterizing the physical properties of high-performance materials for aerospace 
• Participation in the complete technology development cycle: design to field testing. 
• Maintain discretion when working with confidential and proprietary information

Cambium offers a highly competitive compensation and benefits plan.
This includes excellent medical/dental/vision benefits, and a matching 401(k) plan.

Pay: $104,000-$150,000 salary