Product Development (Polymer) Chemist

Title: Product Development (Polymer) Chemist

Shift: First M-F | 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Salary: $60,000 – $80,000+ per year, depending on experience

Product Development (Polymer) Chemist Role:

Our client is seeking an entry-to-mid-level technical professional to support the innovation and refinement of advanced polymer formulations. This role exists to conduct laboratory experiments, validate chemical performance, and ensure that new thermoplastic designs meet customer specifications before they move to full-scale production.

Product Development (Polymer) Chemist Responsibilities:

• Support the development of new polymer products from laboratory scale to commercialization using stage-gate methodology
• Execute experimental formulations for PVC, TPO, and TPU under the guidance of senior technical staff
• Conduct analytical testing and physical property characterization of new and existing chemical compounds
• Translate customer performance requirements into specific laboratory testing protocols and chemical designs
• Maintain precise documentation of all laboratory trials, chemical ratios, and experimental outcomes
• Collaborate with the manufacturing team to monitor how new formulations perform on extrusion and calendering equipment
• Perform routine testing of raw materials to ensure consistency and quality standards are met
• Assist in the preparation and execution of plant trials for new product hand-offs
• Communicate technical findings and lab results to internal departments via written reports and presentations
• Participate in cross-functional teams focused on reducing scrap and improving material efficiency
• Troubleshoot formulation issues and suggest adjustments to improve product stability or cost-effectiveness
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe laboratory environment in compliance with all safety standards

Product Development (Polymer) Chemist Reporting Relationships:

The candidate will report directly to the Technical Director and will work closely with the senior engineering team.

About You:

• Hold a BS in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or Polymer Science
• Possess 0–5 years of experience in a laboratory or manufacturing environment, ideally with plastics
• Demonstrate a foundational understanding of thermoplastic resins, plasticizers, and additives
• Show proficiency in laboratory equipment operation and basic analytical techniques
• Exhibit high attention to detail and accuracy in recording and interpreting scientific data
• Communicate effectively with team members across the laboratory and the production floor
• Display a "hands-on" attitude and a strong willingness to learn complex manufacturing processes
• Possess strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple lab tasks simultaneously
• Utilize Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, for data analysis and technical reporting
• Adapt quickly to a "multi-hat" environment where priorities shift based on customer needs
• Maintain strong personal and professional ethics in all experimental and technical work
• Demonstrate a natural curiosity for material science and a desire for career growth in R&D

Next Steps:

If you are a detail-oriented problem solver with a passion for polymer chemistry, we would like to hear from you.

Additional Information:

• Equal Opportunity Employer: Our client is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.
• Physical Demands: This position requires the ability to work in a laboratory setting and spend time on the manufacturing floor. Candidates must be able to stand for extended periods and wear required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
• Working Conditions: This role involves regular exposure to chemicals, noise, and dust typical of a polymer manufacturing facility.

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