Principal Scientist, Permanent Magnets

About this role

Lead the scientific direction and technical roadmap for developing high-performance permanent magnets that reduce reliance on rare earth elements and can be manufactured in the United States. The role combines computational materials discovery, AI and multiscale modeling, experimental validation, and industry-scale translation.

About the company

SandboxAQ leverages artificial intelligence and quantum technology to improve decision-making processes across various sectors, including life sciences and medical devices. The company focuses on developing innovative solutions that address complex challenges in data analysis, research, and product management.

The team

Magnets vertical within the Chemical Simulation group, partnering with the AI Simulation platform teams.

What you'll do

• Set the scientific strategy and roadmap for magnet materials research.
• Build, mentor, and lead a multidisciplinary scientific team.
• Prioritize magnetism-aware modeling, data generation, and AI platform capabilities.
• Develop modeling-to-experiment feedback loops to accelerate the design-build-test-learn cycle.
• Lead scientific collaborations with national laboratories, manufacturers, defense organizations, and equipment companies.
• Guide research IP development, licensing, and commercial partnerships.
• Represent the program through publications, conferences, partner engagements, and investor updates.

What we're looking for

• PhD in materials science, physics, chemistry, or a related field, with specialization in magnetism, intermetallics, or hard magnetic materials.
• 7+ years of post-PhD experience leading magnetic-materials programs, including significant industrial or national-lab leadership.
• Experience translating first-principles, multiscale, or ML-driven modeling into manufacturable magnet formulations and processes.
• Track record of leading multidisciplinary teams and delivering against external commitments.
• Strong publication and patent record and ability to represent research to senior government, defense, and industry audiences.

Nice to have

• Hands-on experience with Fe-N, Mn-based, Sm-Co, or other rare-earth-lean permanent magnets and bulk processing.
• Experience with federally funded R&D programs and related export-control and IP considerations.
• Experience forming NewCos, licensing IP, or scaling research into manufacturing.
• Experience taking permanent magnet materials through scale-up, qualification, and pilot or commercial manufacturing.
• Familiarity with lithography, vacuum systems, precision actuators, or defense applications.

Benefits

• Equity and performance-based incentives.
• Health, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Generous parental leave and PTO.
• Flexible hybrid work arrangements and learning budgets.