Senior R&D Laboratory Technician - Formulation

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.

About 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.

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.

Requirements

• 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

• Excellent medical, dental, and vision benefits.
• Matching 401(k) plan.
• Professional development reimbursement.
• 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.

Pay

$24.00 - $45.00 per hour