Principal Scientist, Permanent Magnets

The Magnets team is one of several key research verticals within SandboxAQ's broader Chemical Simulation group, which uses advanced computational methods, physics-based simulation, and AI to discover and develop novel materials. SandboxAQ is looking for a Principal Scientist to lead the scientific direction of the Magnets vertical. This person will define the research strategy and technical roadmap, build and lead a top-tier scientific team, and help shape how computational materials discovery, simulation, and AI are applied to accelerate magnet development. The goal is to create novel magnet formulations that reduce or eliminate reliance on neodymium and other rare earth elements, can be produced in the United States, and match or exceed the performance of today's leading NdFeB magnets.

Responsibilities

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; 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, data generation, 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); 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 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

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

Nice to have

Hands-on experience with Fe-N, Mn-based, Sm-Co, or other rare-earth-lean permanent magnet systems and their bulk processing challenges; Familiarity with applications in lithography stages, vacuum pumps, precision actuators, or defense platforms (fighter jets, drones, submarines); Experience operating within CHIPS Act, DOD, DOE, or other federally funded R&D programs, including export-control and IP considerations; Prior involvement in NewCo formation, IP licensing, or scaling research IP into commercial manufacturing operations; Demonstrated track record of taking permanent magnet materials from concept through scale-up, qualification, and transfer into pilot or commercial manufacturing environments; Proven ability to translate system-level application requirements such as force density, thermal operating envelope, demagnetization margin, vacuum compatibility, and reliability into composition, processing, and microstructure targets for simulation platform

Benefits

Compensation: 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, and a culture that respects focus time and recovery; Direct exposure to CHIPS Act-funded programs, senior scientific and executive leadership, mentorship, and dedicated learning budgets