Catalyst Research Scientist

Job Summary

Lead the scientific research and experimental development of high-temperature-stable catalysts that initiate decomposition and sustain combustion of our hydrogen peroxide-based green monopropellant inside the thrusters - reliably, through repeated starts and long cumulative firing, for the full life of the mission.

The role owns catalyst science end to end: elucidating the catalyst degradation mechanisms at work in the high-temperature, oxidising environment of the thruster, designing catalyst formulations that withstand it, and maturing the laboratory-scale preparation into a standardized, quality-controlled process supported by a qualification data pack accepted by customers and space agencies.

The role addresses two central technical challenges: catalyst deactivation under the thermal and oxidizing conditions of thruster operation, and batch-to-batch variation in catalyst properties between preparations of identical chemical composition. Solving them demands a rigorous understanding of structure-activity relationships, combined with disciplined process control and scale-up.

You will work at the intersection of materials chemistry, heterogeneous catalysis, and propulsion hardware, contributing to the development of stable, reliable, and flight-ready catalyst beds for green propulsion systems.

Responsibilities

• Design, synthesize, and shape high-temperature-stable catalysts for the decomposition and combustion of our hydrogen peroxide-based green monopropellant inside the thrusters.
• Lead the investigation of catalyst degradation mechanisms and catalyst bed failures - chemical, thermal, and mechanical - establishing each mechanism with characterization evidence and driving it to root cause and verified resolution.
• Plan and execute structured catalyst screening campaigns - supported by lab-scale tests, to predict catalyst functionality inside the thruster - and down-select candidate materials on measured evidence.
• Establish structure-activity correlations, identifying the intrinsic catalyst properties that govern activity and operational life, and develop validated models to predict catalyst bed performance.
• Perform and interpret catalyst characterization using techniques such as XRD, XPS, BET, SEM/TEM, ICP, TGA, chemisorption, and mechanical testing.
• Standardize the catalyst preparation process into SOPs with QA/QC acceptance limits, and scale it up to the batch sizes required for qualification.
• Compile the qualification data pack - catalyst specifications, quality standards and traceability from raw material to fired bed - required for certification by customers and space agencies.
• Publish technical findings internally and externally, mentor team members, and build laboratory capability, with safety integrated into every experimental plan from the outset.

Experience Background

• PhD in Catalysis, or a related field, with a minimum of 5 years of post-PhD industry or equivalent experience in heterogeneous catalyst development - ideally for high-temperature, oxidizing, or similarly demanding environments.
• Hands-on experience in catalyst synthesis (impregnation, hydrothermal, co-precipitation, or similar routes) and shaping (granulation, pelletizing, or extrusion), with a sound understanding of how preparation variables govern catalyst properties.
• Strong grounding in catalyst deactivation mechanisms and failure analysis, supported by hands-on command of characterization techniques such as XRD, XPS, BET, SEM/TEM, ICP, TGA, chemisorption, and mechanical testing.
• Experience in process standardization and scale-up - SOPs, QA/QC acceptance limits, and quality control across repeated batches.
• A strong publication record (patents, research papers, and conferences), ideally with a catalyst taken from the laboratory to a released product or specification.
• Ability to work in a timeline-driven, result-oriented, and fast-paced environment with a safety-first approach.

Ideal Candidate Profile

• A hands-on catalyst scientist experienced in synthesis, shaping, characterized, and scaled catalysts - and supports every claim with measured data.
• Combines a scientist s understanding of mechanisms and structure-activity relationships with an engineer s discipline in process control - having taken at least one material from concept to reliable, repeatable batches.
• Works independently, communicates effectively across engineering teams and leadership, and treats safety as an integral part of the science.

What We Offer

• Competitive compensation
• Comprehensive health insurance
• High ownership and visibility, with direct access to leadership
• Support for learning, conferences and research exposure
• Subsidized lunch plan

Disclaimer: This job posting has been aggregated from external source. Role details, content, and availability are subject to change. Applicants are advised to confirm the latest information directly on the company website before applying.