Chief Scientist, Magnets

SandboxAQ

Lead scientific direction for high-performance permanent magnets within SandboxAQ's AI materials research team. Shape research strategy and manage multidisciplinary teams in advancing magnet technologies.

Posted 6/26/2026full-timeRemote • 🇺🇸 United StatesLead💰 $224,000 - $420,000 per yearWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Own the scientific charter and technical roadmap for the Magnets vertical, including phase stability, magnetocrystalline anisotropy, finite-temperature coercivity, and microstructure engineering across Fe- and Co-based intermetallic systems with U.S.-accessible alloying elements.
IP Engine Management: Oversee the translation of generative design outputs into a robust IP portfolio, ensuring the team owns the most valuable "white space" in substrate chemistry and structural design.
Build, lead, and mentor a multidisciplinary team of research scientists, computational/ML scientists, and postdocs; set the scientific bar, run technical reviews, and develop talent toward NewCo readiness.
Specify and prioritize the magnetism-aware LQM, datageneration, and multi-scale modeling capabilities required from the AISim platform; serve as the senior scientific counterpart to Platform Engineering and DataGen Research for this vertical.
Lead scientific engagement with national lab and industrial partners (e.g., NHMFL, domestic magnet producers, ASML, defense primes), translating partner constraints into well-posed scientific problems and delivering partner-grade results.
Architect the feedback loops between computational modeling and experimental lab validation to accelerate the Design-Build-Test-Learn (DBTL) cycle.
Work closely with the commercial team to identify buyers for our novel IP, structuring high-value licensing agreements and co-development partnerships.
Author the external scientific narrative of the vertical for quarterly updates, peer-reviewed publications, conferences, and prospective NewCo investors; protect scientific rigor and IP integrity throughout.

Requirements

What you’ll need

PhD in Materials Science, Physics, Chemistry, or a related discipline, with deep specialization in magnetism, intermetallics, or hard magnetic materials.
7+ years of post-PhD experience leading scientific programs in magnetic materials, including significant industrial or national-lab leadership at the principal scientist, fellow, or director level.
Demonstrated ability to translate first-principles, multi-scale, and ML-driven modeling into manufacturable magnet formulations, including coupling to powder metallurgy, sintering, and heat-treatment processes.
Track record of building and leading multidisciplinary scientific teams and shaping research roadmaps that deliver against external commitments (industrial, government, or both).
Outstanding external scientific presence: publication and patent record, ability to represent the work to senior government, defense, and industrial audiences.

Benefits

Comp & perks

Competitive base salary commensurate with experience, plus equity and performance-based incentives.
Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance;
401(k) with company match;
Generous parental leave.
Flexible hybrid work arrangements;
Generous PTO;
A culture that respects focus time and recovery.
Direct exposure to CHIPS Act-funded programs;
Senior scientific and executive leadership;
Mentorship;
Dedicated learning budgets to support continued growth.

ATS Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

magnetismintermetallicsmagnetic materialsmulti-scale modelingmachine learningpowder metallurgysinteringheat treatmentscientific researchtechnical roadmap development

Soft Skills

leadershipmentoringteam buildingscientific communicationcollaborationproblem-solvingstrategic planningexternal engagementtalent developmentscientific rigor

Certifications

PhD in Materials SciencePhD in PhysicsPhD in Chemistry