About Rapid Radicals

Rapid Radicals Technology is an early-stage water technology company based in Milwaukee, WI. We build and operate the Torrent3 which is a containerized, automated advanced oxidation system that treats wastewater significantly faster and in significantly less space than conventional infrastructure. The Torrent3 is commercially deployed and actively operated across municipal and industrial applications.

We are a small, technically focused team working across federally funded R&D programs. Our work connects two markets: reducing surcharges for industrial wastewater producers by oxidizing soluble organics and protecting coastal communities from the public health consequences of sewer overflows.

Position Overview

We are looking for a Materials Scientist or Chemical Engineer to lead catalyst development for our ozone-based advanced oxidation systems. You will own the full arc of this work: from synthesis and laboratory characterization through bench-scale testing and pilot-scale integration. The technical team works in close collaboration with our research partners at Marquette University’s Water Quality Center.

The role centers on developing, optimizing, and evaluating heterogeneous catalysts for aqueous ozonation applications, with a focus on catalyst performance in real wastewater environments, longevity and deactivation behavior, regeneration methods, and integration into the Torrent3 treatment system. As the program expands, you will also evaluate advanced catalytic materials for new application domains. You will contribute to IP development, peer-reviewed publications, and technical reporting for federal program sponsors.

Required Qualifications

• PhD in Materials Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related field
• Demonstrated experience synthesizing and characterizing heterogeneous catalysts in an academic or industrial laboratory setting
• Proficiency with standard materials characterization techniques including XRD, SEM, and BET surface area measurement
• Ability to independently design, execute, and troubleshoot bench-scale aqueous-phase experiments
• Strong mechanistic understanding of surface chemistry and structure–property relationships in catalytic materials
• Comfort working in a fast-moving startup environment with shared ownership of results

Preferred Qualifications

• Post-doctoral or industry research experience in heterogeneous catalysis, environmental catalysis, or advanced oxidation processes
• Familiarity with ozone-based treatment systems or ozone–material compatibility
• Experience with porous or composite catalytic materials, including polymer–inorganic composites or MOF-based systems
• Background in water or wastewater treatment applications
• Experience developing or evaluating catalyst regeneration protocols
• Prior experience contributing to SBIR/STTR or federal grant technical deliverables

What We Offer

You will join a small team where your work enters the field quickly and your contributions are visible. We offer competitive salary commensurate with experience ($100,000 - $120,000), paid time off (unlimited; minimum 5 weeks encouraged), matching 401K, and stock options. You will have access to a state-of-the-art laboratory for characterization and bench-scale research, and will work alongside experienced technical advisors and federal research partners.

TO APPLY

Send a CV, a brief cover letter describing your most relevant catalyst or materials experience, and one representative publication or technical report to ppeters@rapidradicals.com with subject line: Materials Scientist Application. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis with a preferred start date of November 2, 2026.

Rapid Radicals Technology is an equal opportunity employer.