Location: Pittsburgh, PA (preferred) or remote with ability to access regional lab facilities
Compensation: $10,000/month (1099 contract basis) – contingent on SBIR award
Start Date: Flexible, pending contract award
Position Type: Part-time or full-time, temporary contract (Phase I – 6 to 18 months)

Axyde Analytics is seeking multiple SBIR-ready Principal Investigators (PIs) or senior technical collaborators to lead R&D efforts related to next-generation permanent magnet systems. These roles will be tied to one or more U.S. government-funded SBIR proposals focused on rare earth magnet innovation, and are contingent upon successful award.

We are developing patent-backed innovations across hybrid-phase alloys (e.g., Fe₁₆N₂), nanostructured grain orientation, bonded shaping, and REE compliance overlays. Successful candidates will lead the technical execution of these programs, working alongside Axyde’s internal team and selected lab partners in Pittsburgh or similar SBIR-qualified facilities.

Example Project Areas

• High-temperature magnets for aerospace and defense actuation

• Low-noise propulsion systems for submersible or UAV platforms

• EV and drone electric drive magnet systems

• Magnet fabrication, bonding, and high-RPM testing

• Traceability and compliance for domestic and export-controlled REE systems

Note: Applicants do not need to be experts in all these areas — we are hiring across multiple overlapping proposals.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the named Principal Investigator on one or more SBIR proposals

• Lead lab-scale design, fabrication, or performance validation of REE-based magnets

• Assist in technical planning, reporting, and milestone documentation

• Coordinate with lab resources (e.g., NREC, ANSYS Lab, university testbeds)

• Participate in proposal development if time allows (optional but valued)

Ideal Background

• PhD in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Applied Physics, or related

• Demonstrated experience with magnets, metallurgy, high-temp systems, or electric drives

• Strong experimental design and hands-on testing capability

• SBIR experience (as PI, co-PI, or contributor) is a plus but not required

• Based near Pittsburgh or willing to travel occasionally for lab access

 What We Offer

• $10K/month as a contracted PI under a work-for-hire model

• Full IP retained by Axyde — no licensing or co-ownership required

• Flexible structure: part-time or full-time depending on award scope

• Opportunity to lead work with direct impact on DoD, DOE, and industrial reshoring efforts

• Phase II/III pathways for candidates seeking longer-term engagement

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