Description

Job Summary:

Unearthly Materials Inc. is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Scientist with expertise in thin film deposition of reactive and high-performance metals, particularly using Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) methods such as Electron Beam Evaporation and Magnetron Sputtering. As a cutting-edge technology company, we are looking for forward thinkers with unconventional ideas and the drive to make them real. Our culture is built on collaboration and trust, creating the environment for challenging conventions and exploring new possibilities. The ideal candidate will be experienced in designing, developing, and optimizing thin film processes for high-purity rare earth materials, with a strong understanding of minimizing oxidation, ensuring film uniformity, and tailoring deposition parameters.

This role will be critical in supporting the development of superconducting materials by enabling consistent, ultra-pure, and scalable thin film synthesis. The successful candidate will work closely with our synthesis and characterization teams to support both R&D and prototyping needs.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop, optimize, and scale thin film deposition processes for metals using techniques like Electron Beam Evaporation and Magnetron Sputtering.
• Design deposition protocols that minimize oxidation and contamination, using ultra-high vacuum (UHV) systems and in-situ capping methods.
• Select and prepare substrates suitable for metallic films, including sapphire, silicon, and quartz.
• Work with analytical tools (XRD, SEM, Profilometry, etc.) to characterize film quality, thickness, crystallinity, and interface adhesion.
• Collaborate with synthesis and device teams to integrate thin films into superconducting materials and related applications.
• Support equipment calibration, maintenance, and troubleshooting of deposition systems.
• Maintain meticulous lab records and generate technical reports and presentations for internal and external communication.
• Ensure compliance with safety protocols and UHV equipment best practices.

About Unearthly Materials:

Unearthly Materials, Inc. is an innovative, deep-tech materials company at the frontier of superconducting technology. We have created novel compounds and processes that allow for superconductivity in ambient conditions–a scientific breakthrough poised to revolutionize numerous industries including energy, transportation, medicine, and microelectronics.

The Ideal Candidate Will Have Most or All of the Following:

• Ph.D. in Materials Science, Physics, Applied Physics, or a related field.
• Proven experience in thin film deposition of reactive metals.
• Hands-on experience operating and maintaining PVD equipment (E-beam, Sputtering).
• Knowledge of UHV systems, contamination control, and inert environment processing.
• Familiarity with capping layer strategies (e.g., Au or Al) to prevent film degradation.
• Understanding of film-substrate interactions and post-deposition treatments.
• Strong data analysis skills and attention to experimental reproducibility.
• Ability to work collaboratively across multidisciplinary teams.

Additional Experience and/or Qualifications:

• Experience in reactive and high-performance materials is a plus.
• Prior work with advanced characterization tools (e.g., TEM, XPS) is desirable.
• Knowledge of cleanroom practices and fabrication workflows is beneficial.
• Flexibility to work evenings or weekends as needed to meet critical deadlines.

Benefits:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Competitive salary (Commensurate with experience)
• Flexible working hours
• Collaborative, high-impact research environment

Equal Opportunities Statement:

Unearthly Materials is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, or any other factor protected by law.

Please include with application:

• Full CV
• A maximum one-page summary describing your relevant research experience aligned with  the job description.
   

Requirements

The Ideal Candidate Will Have Most or All of the Following:

• Ph.D. in Materials Science, Physics, Applied Physics, or a related field.
• Proven experience in thin film deposition of reactive metals.
• Hands-on experience operating and maintaining PVD equipment (E-beam, Sputtering).
• Knowledge of UHV systems, contamination control, and inert environment processing.
• Familiarity with capping layer strategies (e.g., Au or Al) to prevent film degradation.
• Understanding of film-substrate interactions and post-deposition treatments.
• Strong data analysis skills and attention to experimental reproducibility.
• Ability to work collaboratively across multidisciplinary teams.

Additional Experience and/or Qualifications:

• Experience in reactive and high-performance materials is a plus.
• Prior work with advanced characterization tools (e.g., TEM, XPS) is desirable.
• Knowledge of cleanroom practices and fabrication workflows is beneficial.
• Flexibility to work evenings or weekends as needed to meet critical deadlines.