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Nanomaterials Scientist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Arcturus

Lead Carbon Nanomaterials Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$110K - $145K/yr

As the founding nanomaterials engineer, you will work directly with the founder and CEO to shape the technical direction of the company, translate scientific insight into real product performance ...

Genentech

Director - Nanotechnology

San Diego, CA · On-site

$158K - $293K/yr

To continuously advance science and ensure everyone has access to the healthcare they need today ... The Opportunity * Lead all research efforts for nanoparticle formulation, analytical ...

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How much do nanomaterials scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for nanomaterials scientist in the United States is $130,117.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $107,500.00 and $173,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Nanomaterials Scientist vs Materials Scientist?

AspectNanomaterials ScientistMaterials Scientist
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Materials Science, Chemistry, or Nanotechnology; Ph.D. often preferredBachelor's or Master's in Materials Science, Chemistry, or related fields; Ph.D. common for advanced roles
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, manufacturing facilities, academiaResearch labs, manufacturing, industry R&D
Industry UsageNanotechnology firms, electronics, healthcare, advanced materialsManufacturing, aerospace, automotive, electronics

Nanomaterials Scientists focus on designing and studying materials at the nanoscale, often requiring specialized knowledge in nanotechnology. Materials Scientists have a broader scope, working on various materials for multiple industries. Both roles share similar educational backgrounds and work environments, but Nanomaterials Scientists specialize in nanoscale applications, making their expertise more specific within the materials field.

What are some common challenges nanomaterials scientists face when working in interdisciplinary teams?

Nanomaterials Scientists often collaborate with chemists, physicists, engineers, and biologists, which can present challenges due to differing technical languages and research priorities. Effective communication and a willingness to learn from other disciplines are crucial for successful project outcomes. Additionally, aligning goals and timelines across departments can require strong project management and adaptability. Embracing diverse perspectives ultimately leads to more innovative solutions in nanomaterials research.

What is a nanomaterials scientist?

Nanomaterials scientists are researchers who study, design, and develop materials at the nanoscale—typically between 1 and 100 nanometers. They investigate the unique properties that materials exhibit at this scale, such as increased strength, chemical reactivity, or electrical conductivity. These scientists work in fields like electronics, medicine, energy, and environmental science to create new applications for nanomaterials, such as advanced batteries, drug delivery systems, or improved catalysts. Their work often involves collaboration with chemists, physicists, and engineers, combining experimental and computational methods.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a nanomaterials scientist?

To thrive as a Nanomaterials Scientist, you need a solid background in chemistry, materials science, and nanotechnology, often supported by a PhD or advanced degree in a related field. Experience with analytical instruments like electron microscopes, spectroscopy tools, and lab management software, as well as knowledge of safety protocols, is critical. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help in designing experiments and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams. These skills and qualities ensure the safe development and innovative application of nanomaterials in research and industry.
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Nanomaterials Scientist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Nanomaterials Scientist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% Internship, 85% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $130,117 per year, or $62.6 per hour.

Lead Carbon Nanomaterials Engineer

Arcturus

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$110K - $145K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 7 days ago

Job description

Lead Nanomaterials Engineer

Los Angeles, CA (in-person)

About Arcturus

Arcturus is creating a new wire technology stack that uses carbon nanomaterials to overcome the materials limitations of metals where performance breaks down, at real operating temperatures. Our technology is designed to significantly improve the performance of electric motors for drones and robotics, heat sinks, and ultimately the entire energy grid. At its core, Arcturus is developing a new class of carbon nanomaterial-infused metal matrix composites for high-performance conductor applications.

Why you should join us

This is a ground-floor opportunity to help build something that has never been done before.

You would join as a founding engineer and become Arcturus’ first nanomaterials engineer, with the chance to define the company’s carbon nanomaterials strategy from the beginning. As the founding nanomaterials engineer, you will work directly with the founder and CEO to shape the technical direction of the company, translate scientific insight into real product performance, and help build a category-defining materials platform from scratch.

Purpose

We are seeking a lead nanomaterials engineer who can set the technical direction for our carbon nanomaterials strategy and translate fundamental science into measurable, scalable improvements in conductor performance. This person will help define how carbon nanomaterials are integrated into metal matrix composites, including approaches related to covetics and other carbon-metal interface architectures, to unlock meaningful improvements in electrical, thermal, and mechanical performance.

The role

This role reports directly to the CEO

Materials strategy and integration

  • Own the nanomaterials roadmap R&D, including carbon nanomaterial selection, orientation morphology, purity, infusion percentages, functionalizations, etc.

  • Define integration approaches into aluminum and copper that improve electrical performance through process technology

  • Lead dispersion and interface engineering strategy, including verification methods and technical decision gates

Characterization and scientific rigor

  • Build the characterization stack that links structure to performance, including Raman, SEM/EDS, and other methods as needed

  • Define metrics for dispersion quality, interface integrity, and degradation, then standardize how those measurements are made

  • Partner with engineering to translate scientific results into material specs, process windows, and acceptance criteria

Reliability and durability

  • Own hypotheses and experiments for long-term stability, including thermal cycling, corrosion, oxidation, environmental exposure, and processing effects

  • Define accelerated aging and failure mode discovery plans aligned with real-world use cases

  • Leadership and driving IP disclosures. Help shape patent strategy

  • Help build and lead a small but world-class scientific team over time

Basic qualifications

  • PhD or MS in materials science, chemistry, chemical engineering, physics, or a related field

  • 8+ years of applied research leadership with demonstrated impact on products, processes, or commercialization

  • Deep expertise in carbon nanomaterials and strong intuition for process-structure-property relationships

  • Strong scientific writing skills, including clear technical documentation, experimental plans, and invention disclosures

Preferred qualifications

  • Experience with carbon nanomaterial-metal composites, metal matrix composites, covetics, or carbon/metal interface chemistry

  • Familiarity with graphene, carbon nanotubes, graphene growth methods, including localized or laser-inducted graphene

  • Startup experience

What we offer

  • Competitive cash compensation and meaningful equity

  • Scientific ownership with direct product impact

  • The chance to define the playbook for nanomaterial-enhanced conductors

  • Relocation support for candidates moving from outside the Los Angeles area