Chemist II

About the role

MAST is seeking a Chemist II to support the development, optimization, scale-up, and production of advanced coatings, elastomers, adhesives, sealants, absorbers, conductive materials, and other polymer-based systems. This role serves as a key technical resource supporting formulation development, manufacturing process stability, customer qualification efforts, and new business growth across the EMI-Fire portfolio.

Key Responsibilities

• Formulation Development & Material Innovations
  - Develop, modify, and optimize formulations for coatings, elastomers, adhesives, sealants, absorbers, conductive materials, and specialty polymer systems.
  - Design and execute laboratory experiments and Design of Experiments (DOE) to support product development and process optimization.
  - Evaluate raw materials, fillers, additives, pigments, conductive agents, and specialty chemistries for performance, manufacturability, and cost improvement opportunities.
  - Conduct formulation studies to improve material performance, cure behavior, adhesion, durability, environmental resistance, and processability.
  - Coordinate external laboratory testing and qualification activities as required.

• Production Support & Process Stability
  - Provide technical support to manufacturing operations to improve process consistency, yield, and product quality.
  - Investigate formulation, material, and processing-related nonconformances.
  - Lead or support root cause investigations, NCR/MRB activities, CAPA efforts, and corrective actions.
  - Establish and document manufacturing and application process parameters to improve repeatability and product performance.
  - Evaluate material variability and its impact on manufacturing consistency and customer requirements.
  - Drive data-based improvements to reduce scrap, rework, and process variation.
  - Support validation and implementation of manufacturing process improvements.

• Customer Qualification & Application Support
  - Support customer qualification programs through application trials, coupon testing, prototype builds, sample preparation, and validation activities.
  - Develop technical data packages and supporting documentation for customer evaluations and approvals.
  - Collaborate directly with customers to understand performance requirements and resolve application challenges.
  - Provide technical recommendations regarding material selection, processing requirements, and product performance.
  - Generate repeatable test data and application guidance to accelerate customer qualification timelines.

• Cross-Functional Business Support
  - Partner with Sales, Engineering, Program Management, Operations, and Supply Chain during quotation, proposal, development, and commercialization activities.
  - Assist with material selection and identify development requirements for new business opportunities.
  - Support Supply Chain in evaluating suppliers, raw materials, and alternative sources based on performance, availability, cost, and risk.
  - Provide technical input regarding development scope, project risk, and commercialization strategies.
  - Participate in customer meetings, technical reviews, supplier discussions, and program gate reviews.
  - Serve as the primary chemistry subject matter expert supporting MAST and other EMI-Fire businesses.

• Continuous Improvement
  - Identify opportunities to reduce material costs, improve yields, and optimize manufacturing processes.
  - Maintain awareness of emerging technologies, materials, and industry trends.
  - Recommend laboratory equipment, testing capabilities, and capital investments that support business growth.
  - Support a culture of safety, accountability, continuous improvement, and customer focus.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Polymer Science, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related technical discipline required. Master's degree preferred.

• Experience: 3–5 years of experience supporting coatings, polymers, elastomers, adhesives, sealants, composites, absorbers, or specialty materials. Preferred Experience: Formulation development of coatings, elastomers, adhesives, sealants, absorbers, or specialty polymer systems, Aerospace, defense, industrial manufacturing, or advanced materials environments, Manufacturing scale-up, process optimization, and troubleshooting, Customer qualification programs, application trials, and validation activities, Design of Experiments (DOE) and statistical analysis methods.

Skills

• Strong understanding of polymer chemistry and formulation science.

• Knowledge of coating technologies, rheology, curing mechanisms, and material processing.

• Hands-on laboratory and manufacturing experience.

• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving abilities.

• Able to interpret technical data and develop practical solutions.

• Effective written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.

• Experience with laboratory testing equipment and analytical techniques.

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

• Able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

• Able to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance preferred.

Benefits

We offer a full suite of benefits, including medical, dental, vision, short and long-term disability coverage, accident insurance, critical illness insurance, basic and supplemental life insurance, employee assistance plan, retirement savings and matching, and other developmental opportunities. We are committed to supporting the way you live and work.