We are seeking a collaborative, detail‑oriented, and safety‑focused Materials/Polymer Engineer to design, develop, and optimize polymer formulations, materials characterization methods, and processing workflows that support research and product development. The successful candidate will work closely with multidisciplinary teams across product development, process engineering, analytics, and quality to deliver robust materials solutions, troubleshoot formulation and processing challenges, and ensure reproducible, compliant laboratory and pilot operations. This role requires strong hands‑on materials science skills, careful experimental design, clear communication across teams, and a commitment to safety, sustainability, and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, formulate, and optimize polymer systems (thermoplastics, elastomers, thermosets, composites, coatings, adhesives) to meet mechanical, thermal, chemical, and application‑specific performance targets.

• Plan and execute materials characterization experiments including tensile, compression, dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), thermal analysis (DSC/TGA), rheology, hardness, and relevant environmental aging tests.

• Develop and refine processing methods (mixing, extrusion, injection molding, casting, curing, coating, additive manufacturing) to ensure reproducible part quality and scalable manufacturing transfer.

• Implement and validate analytical assays and test methods (optical microscopy, SEM, FTIR, NMR, chromatography, surface analysis) to characterize structure‑property relationships and failure modes.

• Perform data analysis, interpret results, and iterate on formulation and process parameters; maintain clear electronic lab records, batch records, and materials inventories.

• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams (design, reliability, manufacturing, regulatory) to support materials selection, qualification, and transfer to pilot and production environments.

• Assess material sustainability, recyclability, and regulatory compliance (RoHS, REACH, TSCA, conflict minerals where applicable); recommend material substitutions or design changes to reduce environmental impact.

• Support supplier selection, incoming material qualification, and vendor characterization testing; coordinate sample procurement and manage material certificates of analysis.

• Participate in root cause analysis, failure investigations, and corrective action implementation for material or process‑related issues; document lessons learned and update protocols.

• Contribute to development of standard operating procedures (SOPs), work instructions, and training materials; mentor junior staff and promote a collaborative, inclusive lab and pilot plant culture.

Required Qualifications - Skills & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Materials Science, Polymer Science, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related discipline, or equivalent hands‑on laboratory and pilot plant experience.

• 3+ years of practical experience in polymer formulation, materials testing, and processing in a research, development, or industrial setting.

• Hands‑on experience with mechanical and thermal characterization techniques (tensile, DMA, DSC/TGA, rheometry) and familiarity with statistical analysis of test data.

• Practical knowledge of common polymer processing methods (extrusion, molding, casting, curing, coating) and ability to translate lab‑scale formulations to pilot processes.

• Experience with analytical instrumentation (FTIR, NMR, chromatography, microscopy) and ability to interpret results to inform materials decisions.

• Proficiency with laboratory documentation practices, electronic lab notebooks (ELNs), and data analysis tools (Excel; Python/Matlab experience advantageous).

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills: able to prepare clear technical reports, present results to cross‑functional teams, and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders.

• Commitment to safety, regulatory compliance, and ethical practices in materials handling and testing; familiarity with chemical safety data sheets and hazardous materials management.

• Strong problem‑solving skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple project priorities in a fast‑paced environment.

Preferred Qualifications - Domain & Tools

• Advanced degree (MS/PhD) in Materials Science, Polymer Science, or Chemical Engineering preferred for roles with greater technical ownership of formulation and materials development.

• Experience with composite materials, fiber reinforcement, or surface treatments relevant to product applications.

• Familiarity with accelerated aging, reliability testing, and environmental conditioning chambers for product qualification.

• Experience with LIMS, material tracking systems, and version control for material specifications and formulations.

• Training or certifications in laboratory safety, chemical handling, GLP/GMP principles, or quality systems (ISO) advantageous for regulated product development.

Work Environment & Compensation

• Full‑time position within an interdisciplinary R&D and pilot operations organization; primarily laboratory and pilot‑plant based with periodic cross‑site collaboration and meetings.

• Competitive salary and benefits package commensurate with experience, including health coverage, retirement plan options, paid time off, and professional development support.

• Opportunities for training, certifications, conference participation, and career growth within a diverse, inclusive, and safety‑focused workplace.

• We are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion and foster a respectful work environment that supports work‑life balance and employee well‑being.