Computational Polymer Scientist – Materials Discovery

Cambium works at the interface of biotech and materials science to build next-generation defense products. We integrate computational chemistry, product design, and advanced manufacturing methods to solve difficult challenges like hardening UAVs against laser attack, protecting payloads during hypersonic flight, and streamlining the defense product manufacturing supply chain. Our people come from places like SpaceX, Anduril, Scaled Composites, Lockheed Martin Skunkworks, and US DoD Research Labs. We are seeking motivated and exceptional people to join our world-class team of aerospace innovators and biotech leaders. Cambium is seeking a Computational Polymer Scientist to join our growing team in El Segundo, CA. The successful candidate will have a strategic mindset, a strong desire to help grow a company, and will help us build a work culture of open-mindedness that embraces creativity and contrarian thinking. At Cambium we’re willing to do things differently. THE ROLE Cambium is seeking a collaboration-oriented, results-driven Computational Polymer Scientist to drive our materials discovery activities. Key responsibilities of this role will include training and using machine learning models to discover innovative materials, leading molecular simulation efforts, and working in close concert with our chemists, materials scientists, manufacturing team, and business development experts. As Cambium experiences rapid growth, the responsibilities for this role are expected to evolve. This is an on-site position with some flexibility. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Lead the computation-based discovery of new materials, including thermosetting resins, additives, and polymers. Use physics-based simulations and predictive machine learning models to identify and evaluate innovative materials for aerospace and defense applications. Work closely with synthetic chemists, polymer scientists, and resin formulators to answer key scientific questions via computational methods. Develop and expand our codebase for performing machine learning related activities. Maintain awareness of and engage with cutting edge open source machine learning tools, especially those related to chemistry and materials science. Communicate and collaborate with teams to craft and execute research plans. Communicate clearly and concisely key concepts, research status, performance outcomes, and lessons learned to senior leadership, investors, and collaborators. Contribute to the broader engineering team in a manner consistent with Cambium’s mission and values and the growth of Cambium’s business. KEY REQUIREMENTS US citizenship is required M.S. or Ph.D. in materials science, chemistry, cheminformatics, or related discipline with 2+ years relevant experience Expertise in molecular dynamics simulations of polymers Strong background in polymer science, especially polymer networks Knowledge of cheminformatics tools and machine learning tools and methods related to chemistry and materials science Strong coding skills, preferably Python; ability to write readable code with proper documentation Ability to handle simultaneous projects and rapidly changing priorities Ability to communicate effectively with scientists, engineers, and business development experts PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS Ph.D. in materials science, chemistry, or related discipline Strong understanding of thermosetting resins COMPENSATION & BENEFITS Pay range: $125,000 - $160,000 per year Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience. Cambium offers a highly competitive compensation and benefits plan. This includes excellent medical/dental/vision benefits, and a matching 401(k) plan.