Polymer Chemist

1d1 day ago

VAST

Long Beach, US · Full-time · $84,200 – $142,100

About this role

Vast's mission is to contribute to a future where billions thrive in space via artificial gravity stations. Haven-1 will launch as the world’s first commercial space station in May 2026. Join our all-in team as a highly skilled Polymer Chemist supporting human-rated space station development.

Conduct research on advanced polymer materials like composites, coatings, and elastomers, focusing on chemical stability, thermal decomposition, and outgassing under aerospace conditions. Operate and maintain instruments including SIFT-MS, TGA, FTIR, and TGA-FTIR. Calibrate, validate, and troubleshoot these tools for reliable data.

Develop and refine methods for evolved gas analysis and real-time volatile detection using SIFT-MS off-gas protocols. Collaborate with cross-functional teams of materials, thermal, and systems engineers. Ensure compliance with quality standards and regulatory requirements.

This full-time, on-site role in Long Beach reports to the Senior Materials & Processes Engineer. Work in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary environment with talented people advancing space exploration. Contribute to safe, on-time mission execution.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Polymer Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, or a related field
3+ years of industrial or research experience in polymer characterization and analytical method development
Hands-on experience operating and maintaining TGA, FTIR, GC-MS, HPLC-MS, and SIFT-MS or CIMS instrumentation
Strong foundation in thermal analysis and gas-phase chemical detection
Expertise in SIFT-MS, TGA-FTIR, or TGA-MS data acquisition, method development, and result interpretation
Advanced knowledge of polymer degradation mechanisms and desorption processes
Experience validating analytical protocols and conducting method development for off-gassing and thermal stability testing

Responsibilities

Conduct research on advanced polymer materials-including composites, coatings, and elastomers- with a focus on chemical stability, thermal decomposition, and outgassing/off-gassing behavior under aerospace-relevant conditions.
Operate and maintain analytical instrumentation, including SIFT-MS, TGA, FTIR, and TGA-FTIR.
Calibrate, validate, and optimize performance of analytical instruments; ensure high reliability and data integrity.
Troubleshoot and resolve equipment issues; liaise with vendors, technical support, stakeholders as needed.
Develop, refine, and validate methods for evolved gas analysis (EGA) and real-time volatile detection, including off-gas testing protocols using SIFT-MS.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including materials, thermal, and systems engineers, to integrate findings into broader design and testing efforts.
Ensure compliance with internal quality standards, industry best practices, and regulatory requirements related to materials and chemical analysis.