Researcher, ML/AML for Polymer and Ceramic Materials Development

Researcher, ML/AML for Polymer and Ceramic Materials Development
Associate Researcher
NASA Glenn Research Center
Cleveland, Ohio

HX5 is an award-winning provider of engineering, research and development, and technical services to clients such as NASA and the Department of Defense. Founded in 2004, HX5 is a fast-growing veteran- and woman-owned company with locations nationwide.

HX5 is currently seeking an Associate Researcherto join our team in Cleveland, Ohio in support of the GEARS contract at NASA Glenn Research Center (GRC).

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

The selected candidate will utilize machine learning (ML) tools and automated materials laboratory (AML) equipment to advance materials development of components used in aerospace propulsion systems. Better electrically insulating materials for high voltage cables are critical to electrify commercial aircraft. However, the development of next generation electrical insulation for electrified aircraft propulsion presents challenges that require a deep understanding of the material's structure-to-property relationships to optimize system performance. The processes associated with performance and property optimization are both time consuming and labor-intensive. To accelerate the development and deployment of these needed materials, machine-learning enabled rapid materials discovery is aiming to fast-track discovery and optimization of polymer and ceramic composites, bringing endless benefits for many aerospace applications.

The candidate is expected to perform the following research objectives:

• Perform the required polymer synthesis and composite fabrication processes to develop the desired materials.
• Incorporate benchtop synthesis processes into the AML platform and workflow development to guide the robotic platform to perform the appropriate experiments.
• Collaborate with relevant subject matter experts on the integration of ML into AML platform/software.
• Perform materials characterization to feed into the AML database and ML algorithms.
• Optimize material properties using ML. Initially, the materials to be studied are polymer/ceramic composites, but other materials may be developed later.
• The candidate will also be expected to disseminate results through publications, technical reports, and presentations.

Required Skills:

• Knowledge and prior work experience in polymer/ceramic composites processing, X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, rheology/viscometry, scanning electron microscopy, dielectric breakdown voltage, dielectric spectroscopy and thermal conductivity measurements are strongly preferred.
• Some knowledge in programming languages for machine learning is required.
• The candidate will be using Python (including the Pandas, Scikit-learn and Numpy libraries), Bayesian optimization and SQL.

Education/Experience:

• Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering, Chemistry, Polymer Science and Engineering, Ceramics Engineering, or Electrical Engineering with up to 5 years of experience.

Other Position Requirements:

• Proof of U.S. Citizenship or US Permanent Residency is a requirement for this position.
• Must be able to complete a U.S. government background investigation.

HX5 offers a competitive salary and benefits package to include:

• Relocation Assistance
• Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance
• 401(k) plan with Company Match
• Paid Holidays
• Paid Time Off
• Parental Leave
• Life Insurance
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Identity Protection
• Medical and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
• Commuter/Transit Spending Accounts
• Group Legal Coverage Options
• Pet Insurance

HX5, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer that recruits and hires qualified candidates without regard to race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, disability, or veteran status.

HX5, LLC is a Drug Free Workplace Employer.

ACCESSIBILITY NOTICE: If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process due to a physical or mental disability, please call (850) 362-6551.