Graphene Extraction Technical Lead

About Terrion Terrion, a PTX subsidiary, is establishing a pilot manufacturing facility in Walkersville, Maryland to commercialize a proprietary carbon conversion platform for next-generation carbon materials. The facility will produce purified carbon materials supporting downstream graphite and graphene development. PTX was founded by Dr. Kam Ghaffarian as part of the IBX platform, which builds and supports advanced technology companies aligned with national security, civil space, and strategic infrastructure missions. Drawing on a four-decade legacy of supporting aerospace and federal programs, PTX delivers high-end engineering services and strategic materials technologies to U.S. Government customers across civil and national space and defense missions. Terrion represents PTX's strategic materials manufacturing platform and is focused on strengthening domestic industrial base resilience through advanced carbon materials production. The organization is entering equipment installation, pilot commissioning and process scale-up. This role offers the opportunity to architect graphene production at pilot scale and help define the pathway to industrial-scale manufacturing within a new domestic carbon platform. Position Overview Reporting to the CTO, in this hands-on process development role, you will lead the technical work required to evaluate graphene extraction approaches and translate the most promising methods into stable pilot-scale operations, helping define the pathway for scalable graphene production.

Key Responsibilities:

Evaluate graphene production approaches and translate viable concepts into pilot-scale operating conditions, defining extraction parameters, flake morphology targets, and yield optimization strategies. Develop and execute structured test plans to optimize material purity, consistency, and performance Interpret materials characterization data (Raman, SEM/TEM, BET, particle size) Support equipment selection, process design, testing, and commissioning of graphene production systems Help define the long-term process architecture for scalable graphene production What Success Looks Like Within the First 18 Months Graphene extraction processes translated from laboratory concept into stable pilot-scale operations Equipment installed, commissioned, and operating with defined process parameters Initial yield, flake morphology, and purity targets established through structured testing Process architecture defined to support future scale-up Beyond 18 Months Graphene production systems established and ready for multi-hundred-ton annual capacity Qualifications We are targeting technical leaders capable of bridging carbon nanomaterials science with pilot-scale execution, particularly individuals who have helped scale emerging materials technologies from laboratory proof-of-concept into pilot systems.

Relevant backgrounds may include:

Mechanical shear exfoliation

• Electrochemical exfoliation
• Thermal shock or expansion
• Plasma or energy-driven carbon synthesis
• Nanocarbon production environments Strong candidates will demonstrate: Experience translating laboratory research into pilot-scale production Strong experimental design and process optimization capability Hands-on technical execution and ownership mindset Comfort operating in fast-moving technical environments Startup or early commercialization experience Education Bachelor's or Master's degree in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Nanotechnology, or a related discipline required; PhD preferred.

Candidates may come from multiple educational pathways, with the expected level of industry experience varying accordingly. Operating Environment This is an early-stage pilot-scale operation.

Success requires:

Comfort operating in a fast-moving build environment while helping establish technical rigor Strong operational judgment in a small, high-accountability team The ability to define systems rather than simply operate within them Startup or pilot plant experience is highly valued. Travel Minimal expected travel; primarily facility-based in Walkersville, Maryland.

Compensation & Benefits Base Salary:

$140,000 to $160,000, commensurate with experience

Bonus:

10% annual performance bonus Eligible for Long-Term Incentive plan Comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, 401(k), Paid Time Off, and company-paid short-term disability, long-term disability, and life insurance. Work Authorization Candidates must qualify as a U.S. Person as defined under applicable U.S. export control regulations (such as U.S. citizens, U.S. permanent residents/green card holders, or other protected individuals). Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Equal Opportunity Employer Terrion is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.