Polymer Engineer

Location: On-Site (Chattanooga, TN)

Type: Full-Time

Who We Are

Kunin Technologies is revolutionizing the critical mineral supply chain by implementing advanced separation technologies to capture value from overlooked resources.

Metals are everywhere - in solar panels, smartphones, electric vehicles - but as ore grades plummet globally, traditional extraction methods are failing. China dominates critical minerals markets by developing superior separation technologies that extract value from materials American mines discard as waste.

Utilizing Kunin Technologies' breakthrough mass manufacturable nano-separation systems, significantly more value can be produced from each resources, reducing waste, and unlocking domestic critical mineral production.

MISSION FOR YEAR 1

Kunin's breakthrough depends on manufacturing precision polymers at scale - transitioning proprietary resin formulations from bench-top synthesis to continuous roll-to-roll production.

You will own the polymer manufacturing pipeline - from scaling synthesis through toll partners to commissioning our R2R production line, ensuring every kilogram of polymer meets the specifications our ion-exchange media demands.

By the end of 2026, we expect:

• Polymer synthesis scaled from lab to pilot production (10-100 kg batches) with validated quality specifications.
• Toll manufacturing partnerships established for high-molecular weight polymers and related polymer production.
• Roll-to-roll pilot production line commissioned with optimized web handling, thermal processing, and wet chemistry processing.
• Polymer dope formulations optimized for R2R manufacturing at specifications.
• Process documentation package completed for manufacturing transfer and quality control.
  
  

What You'll Lead

• Scale-up of free radical, solution, and bulk polymerization processes from laboratory to pilot reactor scale with controlled molecular weight and polydispersity.
• Coordination with toll manufacturing partners for polymer synthesis, including specification development, quality agreements, and production oversight.
• Vending, commissioning, and optimization of R2R production equipment including web handling, tension control, in-line thermal processing, and in-line wet chemistry processing.
• Development of polymer dope formulations balancing viscosity, conductivity, and processability for R2R operation.
• Process parameter optimization across synthesis and media manufacturing to achieve throughput, yield, and quality targets.
• Creation of manufacturing process documentation, batch records, and technology transfer packages aligned with GMP principles.
  
  

Who You Are

• Polymer engineer with a BS in Chemical Engineering, Polymer Engineering, Materials Science, or related field, and 3-5 years of experience in polymer synthesis and process scale-up.
• Practioner of free radical polymerization with hands-on batch reactor operation and experience scaling solution or bulk polymerization from lab to pilot scale.
• Experience in toll manufacturing coordination - developing specifications, managing vendor relationships, and ensuring quality compliance.
• Skilled in R2R processing fundamentals.
• Familiar with GMP / quality systems and process documentation standards for manufacturing transfer.
• Communicator who bridge R&D and manufacturing, translating lab protocols into production-ready processes and working effectively with external partners.
  
  

Compensation

This role will pay $90,000 - $160,000, benefit and equity.

Company facilities include gym, sauna, and ice batch.

Additional Requirements

• Must be willing to relocate to Chattanooga, TN
  
  

Chattanooga is more beautiful than expected, and Tennessee has no income tax.

• Occasional travel to toll manufacturing partners and equipment vendors.
• Flexibility for extended hours during critical project phases.