Senior Polymer Scientist

Senior Polymer Scientist

Location: Boulder, CO, USA |

Type: In-person, full-time

About Artimus Robotics

Artimus Robotics is a pioneering company in actuation technology, developing flexible electrostatic actuators that address fundamental limitations of electric motors and other electromagnetic solutions. We’re leveraging this technology to enable the next generation of dexterous robotics and bio-inspired robotic platforms. We are a mission-driven team pushing the boundaries of what's possible in electrical actuation—combining rigorous materials science with a bias for speed and impact.

Headquartered in Boulder, Colorado, Artimus Robotics offers the opportunity to work in one of the nation's leading innovation hubs while enjoying an exceptional quality of life. Boulder combines a vibrant technology and startup community with immediate access to world-class hiking, climbing, biking, skiing, and other year-round outdoor recreation.

About the Role

Artimus Robotics is seeking a Senior Polymer Scientist to join our advanced actuator development team. This is a high-impact, specialized role focused on formulating, processing, and characterizing high-performance dielectrics for use in next-generation HASEL (Hydraulically Amplified Self-healing ELectrostatic) actuators.

HASEL actuators represent a fundamentally different approach to electrical actuation—one with a vast, largely unexplored materials parameter space. This hire will directly address a critical bottleneck in our development cycle, enabling rapid iteration and co-optimization of the full material stack used in HASEL fabrication. This role is integral to improving the energy density of HASEL actuators to exceed the performance of electric motors and become a best-in-class actuator technology across applications from robotic hands to prostheses and wearables.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, formulate, and process novel polymer dielectric films tailored specifically for HASEL actuator performance
• Lead the co-optimization of the full materials stack for HASELs: dielectric films, liquid dielectrics, electrodes, and mechanical support layers
• Drive rapid design-fabricate-test iteration cycles to accelerate development timelines
• Characterize dielectric properties (permittivity, dielectric loss, breakdown strength, adhesion) and correlate with actuator performance
• Investigate base polymer compositions and functional additives in high permittivity dielectrics to tailor dielectric and mechanical properties.
• Collaborate with external material suppliers on translational and scale-up efforts
• Document experimental results and contribute to technical reports and program milestones
• Work closely with mechanical, electrical, and systems engineers to ensure material advances translate to real-world actuator improvements

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Polymer Science, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related field with demonstrated experience in polymer dielectric materials
• 5+ years of hands-on experience in polymer film formulation, processing, and characterization
• Deep knowledge of dielectric polymers and their structure-property relationships
• Proficiency with polymer processing techniques (e.g., solvent casting, extrusion, coating)
• Experience with dielectric characterization methods (impedance spectroscopy, dielectric breakdown, DC resistivity, etc.)
• Strong experimental design skills with a track record of rapid, systematic iteration
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to present complex findings clearly

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with high permittivity polymer dielectrics.
• Background in electrostatic actuators, electroactive polymers, or related electromechanical systems
• Familiarity with capacitive sensors, energy storage films, or related dielectric film applications
• Experience working with external suppliers and translating lab-scale formulations to production
• Industry or startup experience in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment

Compensation Package

Expected salary range for this position is between $90,000-$140,000 per year depending on experience. In addition, Artimus offers a competitive benefits package intended to support employee health and well-being. Benefits include:

• Comprehensive Health, Dental, Vision, and Life insurance
• SIMPLE IRA retirement plan
• Flexible PTO with no cap – employees are trusted to take the time they need while fulfilling the responsibilities of the role
• Paid Parental Leave
• 11 Paid Holidays
• Equity Opportunities

Applying

If this role is a good fit for your interests and qualifications, please submit a cover letter and CV to ***email_hidden***.

We’re building a team of exceptional problem-solvers, and we recognize that exceptional candidates may not meet every listed qualification. If you're excited about our mission and believe you can make a meaningful contribution, we encourage you to apply.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Artimus Robotics is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We don't make hiring or employment decisions based on race, color, religion or religious belief, ethnic or national origin, nationality, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, age or any other basis protected by applicable laws or prohibited by company policy. Our commitment extends beyond recruitment to creating a safe and respectful workplace where harassment of any form is strictly prohibited.