Materials Scientist
AstroForge
Seal Beach, CA, USA
USD 110k-160k / year + Equity
Posted on Aug 16, 2025
Materials Scientist
Seal Beach
Science
In office
Full-time
About AstroForge
At AstroForge, our mission is to make space resources accessible on Earth. We mine asteroids to extract valuable minerals in space at a lower cost and with a smaller carbon footprint than current terrestrial mining methods. We offer a unique opportunity to join an exciting team looking to expand humanity’s capabilities in space.
Position Summary
We are seeking an experienced Materials Scientist or Metallurgist to lead the characterization, analysis, and processing research of ores targeted by our laser-ablation mining platforms. You will architect and execute mineralogical and metallurgical investigations that inform laser parameter selection, optimize extraction efficiency, and ensure high-purity recovery of precious and critical metals—including gold and platinum group elements—under both terrestrial and spaceflight conditions. You will drive the understanding of how ore composition, microstructure, and physical properties interact with high-energy beam systems, guiding the design of field-deployable mining technologies from lab prototypes to space-qualified hardware.
Responsibilities
- Ore & Mineral Characterization for Laser Mining: Characterize ore samples using XRD, SEM/EDS, ICP-MS, and related methods to map mineral phases, grain size distribution, and chemical composition. Identify features influencing laser absorption, melting, vaporization, and ejection efficiency.
- Metallurgical Behavior Analysis Under Beam Exposure: Design and run experiments to measure melting points, thermal conductivity, vapor pressure, and microstructural evolution of ores and alloys under pulsed and CW laser regimes. Assess the behavior of refractory and noble metals—especially gold and platinum—under vacuum, microgravity, and abrasive dust conditions.
- Extraction Pathway Optimization: Integrate mineralogical data with physics-based separation models to refine droplet formation, vapor-phase purification, and deposition processes. Drive improvements in recovery yield, throughput, and purity for targeted high-value metals.
- Environmental & Space-Analog Testing: Conduct ore–laser interaction studies in space-analog conditions, including vacuum chambers, thermal cycling, and vibration testing. Evaluate material handling, contamination risks, and survivability of metallurgical samples in operational environments.
- Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration: Work closely with laser engineers, optical designers, and mining systems teams to link ore properties with beam delivery choices. Translate findings into actionable design specifications for both terrestrial testbeds and in-space extraction missions.
- Documentation & Reporting: Produce detailed test protocols, metallurgical evaluation reports, and extraction optimization roadmaps. Present results to engineering, science, and mission stakeholders.
Basic Qualifications
- Ph.D. or M.S. in Materials Science, Metallurgical Engineering, Geochemistry, or a related discipline.
- Strong analytical and experimental background in mineralogy, metallurgy, and ore characterization.
- Hands-on experience with high-temperature materials testing, laser–material interaction studies, or thermal processing research.
- Proficiency in analytical techniques such as XRD, SEM/EDS, ICP-MS, or microprobe analysis.
- Excellent technical communication skills, with a track record of writing and presenting complex findings to varied audiences.
Preferred Skills & Experience
- Direct experience with gold, platinum group metals, or other high-value refractory metals.
- Familiarity with asteroid regolith, space resource utilization, or vacuum metallurgy.
- Knowledge of phase diagrams, alloy solidification behavior, and metallurgical thermodynamics.
- Understanding of contamination control protocols, environmental qualification, and spaceflight material safety standards.
Why Join Us?
At AstroForge, you will be part of a small, high-impact team pioneering mining systems that will operate where no human has mined before. You’ll take designs from whiteboard to working hardware, contributing to technology that could redefine the future of resource acquisition—both on Earth and in the asteroid belt.
Salary
$110k - $160k
Benefits
- Full healthcare benefits
- Life insurance coverage
- Retirement savings plan – 401(k), with company match
- Stock options in AstroForge
ITAR Requirements
To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), you must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Government.
We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
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Req ID: R62