Open Position

Technical Lead, Carbon Process Development

Company: Terrion, a PTX subsidiary
Location: Walkersville, Maryland (On Site)

About Terrion

Terrion, a PTX subsidiary, is establishing a pilot manufacturing facility in Walkersville, Maryland to commercialize proprietary carbon conversion technologies focused on advanced synthetic graphite and related carbon materials.

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.

This role sits at the center of technical process translation, moving validated bench chemistry into stable pilot-scale production and establishing the technical foundation for commercial expansion.

Position Overview
Reporting to the CTO, you will lead technical development across graphitization and carbon processing workstreams within the pilot facility.

Key Responsibilities:

  1. Translate bench-validated carbon chemistry into pilot-scale operating conditions

  2. Define and refine process parameters and material targets

  3. Support equipment selection, process design decisions, acceptance testing, and commissioning

  4. Develop and execute structured test plans to improve yield and consistency

  5. Interpret material characterization data (XRD, Raman, SEM, GDMS)

  6. Troubleshoot high-temperature thermal and chemical purification systems

  7. Establish documentation, safety rigor, and repeatable operating procedures

  8. Collaborate closely with operations and senior technical leadership

What Success Looks Like 

Within 6 months: 

  1. Core pilot equipment installed and commissioning underway

  2. Initial operating parameters defined and tested

  3. Structured troubleshooting framework in place

Within 12 months: 

  1. Stable pilot production achieved

  2. Process variability reduced

  3. Data-driven optimization implemented

  4. Technical foundation established for commercial replication

Qualifications

7 to 12 years of experience in manufacturing, materials processing, or industrial plant environments

Relevant backgrounds may include: 

  1. Rare earth chemical separation and slurry systems

  2. Acid leaching and mineral extraction circuits

  3. High-temperature ceramics

  4. Boron or refractory materials processing

  5. Powder handling and purification systems

Experience in graphite is welcome but not required.

Strong candidates will demonstrate:

  1. Experience bringing new processes or pilot plants online in early-stage environments

  2. Technical depth paired with practical, hands-on execution

  3. Ownership mindset with long-term growth orientation

Education 

Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, or related discipline required. Master’s or PhD welcomed but not required.

Operating Environment 

Terrion is an early stage operating company. This is a pilot scale operation where processes, infrastructure, and teams are still being built.


Success requires: 

  1. Comfort operating in a fast moving build environment while helping establish and refine core systems. 

  2. Strong operational judgment in a small, high-accountability team 

  3. Startup or pilot plant experience highly valued 

Travel

Minimal expected travel; primarily facility-based in Walkersville, Maryland. 

Compensation & Benefits 

  1. Base Salary: $ $140,000 to $160,000, commensurate with experience 

  2. Bonus: 10% annual performance bonus 

  3. 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 

This position is expected to support U.S. Government programs that may involve Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) and/or export-controlled technologies. Candidates must be able to comply with all applicable U.S. export control laws and regulations. Eligibility to obtain any required authorization or clearance may be required in the future. 

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. 

 
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