Niron Magnetics is a venture-backed start-up developing the only known magnetic material with the potential to displace widely used rare earth permanent magnets. These rare earth permanent magnets are found in electric motors, generators, sensors, actuators, and a variety of everyday machines. Unfortunately, the mining and refining of these materials incur harsh social and environmental costs.

Niron Magnetics has developed a magnetic material that is free of critical materials (including rare earth elements), which eliminates the environmental damage caused by their use. Niron is comprised of a team of engineers and scientists with a desire to make a positive impact in our community.

About the Position

Niron is seeking a Magnet R&D Engineer for its R&D and Pilot Production facility, located in Minneapolis, MN. This individual will be involved in many aspects of magnetic powder processing and fabricating magnets.

The R&D Engineer will be responsible for advancing the performance of FeN permanent magnets through improving the magnet fabrication processes, coatings and magnet-formulations. You will work closely with the R&D and analytical and engineering teams to design experiments, process materials in our R&D and pilot facilities, and characterize the resulting materials and magnets.

Interpretation of the results will result in a proposal to further improve the magnetic and quality performance. Part of the role will be hands-on processing of materials and experimentation in the laboratory and/or pilot facility. You will be involved in evaluating new processing tools and methods for magnet fabrication, and support the transfer of technology to pilot and production. At Niron we work in a fast-paced a very collaborative approach to work, so team-based mentality and agility is important. We are looking for someone who is passionate about creating new, world changing technology that enables Niron to build permanent magnets while also protecting the environment.

Primary Roles & Responsibilities:

• Responsible for advancing the performance of iron nitride magnets through process and formulation innovations.
• Hands-on characterization and interpretation of process data, magnetic performance and other critical to quality metrics.
• Devise, perform, analyze, and report results of experiments and propose next steps.
• Develop experimental and analytical methods for powder and magnet characterization.
• Evaluate and develop new processing tools and methods for magnet manufacturing, and facilitation of scale up to Pilot Manufacturing.
• Perform all duties according to Niron’s Safety Program.

Basic Qualifications:

• Science or engineering background in a relevant field, i.e. BS, MS in materials science or engineering, mechanical engineering, powder metallurgy, nanotechnology, applied physics, chemical engineering, or related field.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in materials-related industry with an MS/PhD or minimum of 4 years of experience with a BS.
• Strong experimental and laboratory skills, such as design of experiments, analytical and tool method development, data analysis.
• Proficient with statistical and data visualization software e.g. JMP, Minitab, SQL
• Flexibility to adapt to changing roles and responsibilities in accordance with the needs of a growing, fast paced, high-tech startup.
• Collaborative mind-set, with strong work ethic and drive to succeed.
• Strong communication skills with ability to concisely convey the meaning of data and a diligent commitment to record keeping.
• Ability to self-direct and meet deadlines.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Proven project management skills.
• Experience leading new materials manufacturing processes and products from R&D to production through stage gate approach.
• Experience with (nano-) powder characterization and processing.
• Experience working with and characterization of magnetic materials.
• Experience with CAD design in SolidWorks with FEA/Fluid Simulations / FEMM modeling.
• Experience with basic machining techniques, 3D printing and prototype development.