Full Time
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 The Materials Research Group at Luna Labs is seeking a technical Business Development Engineer committed to advancing the development and commercialization of innovative materials-based products for the civilian and military markets.  This is an opportunity to combine your love of technology and business while working at a research company focused on product development. As a Business Development Engineer, you work under the direction of Principal Investigators to develop emerging R&D prototypes and liaise between Business Development and Engineering teams to identify customer needs and implement strategies to meet those needs. The candidate must have strong tactical/task-based skills and exemplary verbal and written communication skills.
Duties and Major Responsibilities:
• Work with Principal Investigators to manage technical projects including experimental design, problem-solving, data interpretation, report writing, and proposal preparation
• Perform in-lab, hands-on experiments and procedures to develop new materials-based technologies
• Develop and present clear and concise technical reports, one-pagers highlighting key features or capabilities, and product performance reviews for business and technical internal/external stakeholders
• Gather customer requirements and feedback through networking, cold calls, customer interviews, demos, etc.
• Identify and analyze design, testing and/or process development requirements to meet customer needs
• Provide technical support to Business Development Manager to commercialize Materials R&D technologies into product concepts, prototypes, pilot scale production and manufacturing
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with internal/external stakeholders
• Promote a safe, productive, organized, and clean work environment
Minimum Qualifications
• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Materials Science, or other related field
• Minor in Business Administration or equivalent experience in early stage business development
• At least 3 years experience in the Material Science industry, including experience as a product expert, analyzing business needs and communicating with end users
• Experience with early stage prototyping, pilot scale production and/or product development is desired
• Ability to work in a team environment to collaborate on solutions and to manage development initiatives to completion
• Excellent verbal and written skills; ability to write clear and well structured business requirements/documents, and strong presentation skills
• Experience working in a dynamic and technically challenging environment
• Ability to effectively discuss issues and resolve conflicts in a positive manner
• Due to government contracting regulations, U.S. Citizenship is a firm requirement