Sr. Scientist I/Sr. Scientist II, Computational Materials & Data Science at Niron Magnetics – Minneapolis, Minnesota

About Niron

Niron Magnetics is commercializing the first new magnetic material in decades powered by its breakthrough material formulation and advanced manufacturing process. The company’s proprietary magnet technology based on Iron Nitride enables magnets that are inherently high magnetization, free of rare earths and other critical materials, and solve supply chain reliability challenges, will drive innovation in various industries. Headquartered in Minneapolis, MN, Niron Magnetics is comprised of a team of professionals with a desire to make a positive impact on the global community. We were named one of “America's Top GreenTech Companies” for 2024 and 2025 by TIME Magazine and the “Innovation of the Year” at the 2025 mHUB Fourth Revolution Awards.

Our team is made up of people who think big, dare to innovate, and strive to impact the planet through technological innovation for our customers. Ready to work alongside amazing people, solve complex problems, and leave a legacy? Join our team.

About the role

The Sr. Scientist, Computational Materials & Data Science will report to the Director of R&D and play a critical role in Niron’s NextGen R&D effort. This role is tightly aligned to Niron’s prioritized R&D projects, which span the magnet process end-to-end - from powder formation and surface engineering through compaction and final magnetic and mechanical performance.

The successful candidate will combine physics based simulation (e.g., multi physics, particle, and microstructure modeling) with data science methods (statistical modeling, machine learning, design of experiments, and robust data workflows) to accelerate learning, guide experimental priorities, and derisk scaleup in support of NextGen magnet performance (MGOe) and scaleup readiness milestones. This role is highly collaborative, working closely with experimental scientists, engineers, project leaders, and technical leadership.

What you'll do:

• Lead the development of physics-based and data-driven models that support Niron’s strategic R&D initiatives, with a focus on advancing magnet performance, powder processing, and process robustness.
• Own and execute multi-physics modeling efforts to understand magnetic particle and powder behavior under magnetic, thermal, and mechanical fields, enabling insights across projects such as phase creation and stabilization, powder processing, and powder compaction.
• Apply nanoscale and mesoscale modeling techniques to investigate powder handling, compaction dynamics, and microstructure evolution during processing, translating model outputs into actionable process and material insights.
• Establish and maintain analysis-ready datasets by structuring, cleaning, and integrating experimental, process, and characterization data; ensure assumptions, metadata, and analytical context are well documented to enable reproducibility and cross-team utilization.
• Leverage advanced statistical modeling and machine learning methods to identify key process drivers, quantify sensitivities, and generate predictive insights that guide decision-making across major R&D programs.
• Design and implement data-informed experimental strategies, including design of experiments (DOE) and iterative learning loops, to reduce experimental cycle time and accelerate progress toward key technical milestones.
• Integrate simulation outputs with experimental results to guide experimental prioritization, improve model accuracy, and accelerate progress toward magnet performance targets and scale-up readiness.
• Translate complex modeling outputs into clear technical insights through visualizations, decision frameworks, and technical presentations that communicate assumptions, uncertainties, and recommended actions to cross-functional stakeholders.
• Serve as a technical partner within cross-functional project teams, collaborating closely with the Director of R&D, CTO, project managers, and experimental teams to align modeling activities with program priorities and drive project outcomes.

Why This Role Matters:

This position is a key enabler of Niron’s NextGen R&D strategy, where the majority of R&D effort is focused on a portfolio of projects tied directly to company milestones. The Computational Materials Scientist will help build an integrated simulation + data science learning loop that drives technical decisions, accelerates magnet performance gains, and supports pilots cale readiness.

You might be a great fit if you have:

• Bachelor’s degree in materials science, physics, magnetic materials, computational science, or a related field.

• Minimum of 7 years of experience in industrial or applied R&D.

• Demonstrated expertise in multiphysics modeling tools (e.g., COMSOL or equivalent).

• Proficiency in Python for scientific computing and data analysis (e.g., pandas, NumPy, SciPy; reproducible notebooks).

• Experience applying statistical analysis to noisy experimental or process datasets and translating results into actionable R&D guidance.

• Experience with structured data workflows (e.g., SQL or equivalent querying, dataset versioning, metadata practices).

• Strong analytical, organizational, and prioritization skills; ability to selfdirect within a focused project portfolio.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex modeling and data analysis results into clear R&D recommendations.

Preferred Experience:

• MS or PhD in materials science, physics, magnetic materials, or a related field.

• Experience with Discrete Element Modeling (DEM) and/or coupling DEM with continuum or multiphysics simulations.

• Experience with DOE, Bayesian optimization, active learning, or uncertainty quantification in experimental R&D environments.

• Familiarity with materials informatics or multiscale workflows linking composition, processing, microstructure, and properties.

• Experience supporting scaleup or commercialization of advanced materials.

Our pay and benefits:

• Salary: $110,000 - $150,000 annually, depending on education, experience and skills
• Equity position in Niron via stock option grant
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Mental healthcare benefits
• 401k plan with 6% company match
• Paid time off to take time for what you need in life
• Experience in a fun, high-performing, manufacturing environment set to change the world