Materials Research Intern - Blacksburg
Company Overview
Luna Labs USA is a leading defense contractor in Central Virginia, and a high throughput innovation engine for the aerospace, defense, and healthcare industries. Our diverse capabilities in materials, biotech, and engineered systems allow us to collaborate to address unique and complex problems faced by our customers. We partner with universities, government labs, and the best companies in the world to explore technological feasibility of new ideas, align technologies with customer needs, and generate solutions. Working with a robust global network of manufacturers, suppliers, licensees, and distributors, Luna Labs develops everything from small-scale prototypes to market-ready products.
Job Summary
Luna Labs is seeking a Materials Research Intern that is eager to apply their background to a diverse set of materials science and engineering applications and to engage in a practical research experience to further their educational and career goals. During the span of the summer internship, the successful candidate will work closely with experts in organic; mechanical or material engineering; coatings, adhesives, sealants and elastomer (CASE) materials; advanced testing; and technology development and commercialization. Candidates will be a part of a team of researchers conducting cutting-edge research in one or more of the following areas: sealant formulation/application, polymer composite material fabrication, material testing and engineering, and organic/polymer synthesis. It is desired that the candidate will have a background in one of these areas and will develop new skills by contributing to technology development, new idea generation, and experimental design/execution.
The candidate should be a continuing college or university student in good standing and should be pursuing an undergraduate degree in chemistry, materials science, chemical engineering, or a related field. The candidate should also have a strong understanding of chemistry and materials with the desire to work in a hands-on role, under general supervision, using new or established methodology and analytical equipment. The candidate will perform general technical assistance on a variety of currently funded materials programs and will be expected to conduct exploratory research and development efforts to help establish additional materials research and development (R&D) efforts.
Duties and Major Responsibilities:
- Follow strict guidelines to prepare experimental formulations
- Perform experiments within a lab setting including physical and analytical testing
- Operate laboratory equipment
- Record raw data for timely technical report writing
- Keep a complete laboratory notebook of work performed
- Demonstrate and promote both laboratory and office safety
- Utilize current technology to accomplish tasks on projects and to solve routine technical problems
Minimum Qualifications
- Enrolled in a Bachelor's program in Chemistry, Materials Science/Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or related field.
- Function well in a fast-paced and team oriented R&D environment
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Strong commitment to quality and attention to detail
- Excellent communication, technical writing, analytical, and interpersonal skills
- Desire and ability to understand the technical approach within the context of the application
- Must be able to work on-site in Blacksburg, VA at least 40 hours a week, starting May 2024 through the end of summer 2024.
- Due to government contracting regulations, U.S. Citizenship is a firm requirement