Material Characterization Scientist

About the role

The Polymer Characterization Scientist, CMP Pad position at Entegris is based at our Aurora (Greater Chicago Area) facility. This role involves developing and advancing fundamental understanding of the mechanical and rheological behavior of polymer systems used in CMP pad materials.

Responsibilities

• Metrology & Method Development: Develop, optimize, and standardize mechanical testing methods (e.g., DMA, stress–strain, creep, oscillatory rheology) for CMP pad materials across development and manufacturing environments
• Establish rheological characterization protocols (e.g., cure kinetics, viscoelastic behavior, frequency/temperature sweeps) to understand polymer network formation and processing sensitivity
• Define and implement measurement best practices, calibration methods, and inter-lab correlation to ensure data consistency and reproducibility
• Structure–Property–Performance Relationship: Correlate mechanical and rheological properties to CMP performance metrics
• Build property-performance models to enable material design targets and process control windows
• Support root-cause investigations for yield, consistency, and customer performance issues using quantitative metrology data
• Data & Modeling: Working with scientists and engineers in product design and production to design and execute DOE-based studies to isolate key variables affecting mechanical properties
• Develop data analysis workflows and predictive models
• Establish databases and visualization tools to enable data-driven decision making across teams
• Cross-functional and External Collaboration: Partner with formulation scientists, process engineers, and application teams to translate metrology insights into actionable products and process improvements guidance
• Work with manufacturing teams to transfer lab-scale metrology into production-relevant measurements
• Collaborate with instrument vendors and external partners to evaluate and deploy new characterization capabilities
• Document and communicate findings through technical reports, standards, and presentations to internal and external stakeholders
• Contribute to metrology strategy and roadmap, identifying gaps and future capability needs
• Mentor team members on best practices in mechanical testing, rheology, and data interpretation

Requirements

• PhD in Polymer Science, Materials Science or related field required
• 3+ years of post-graduate industry experience in polymer structural characterization, mechanical testing and rheology
• Successful developed test methods, measurement systems, or analytical approaches
• Hands-on experience with characterization techniques such as thermal-mechanical testing, rheometer, tensile and fatigue testing, and compression and flexural testing with demonstrated ability to design and troubleshoot experiments
• Strong understanding of polymer mechanical and viscoelastic behavior, including structure–property relationships and the impact of network formation, crosslinking, and formulation on material performance
• Practical experience in Design of Experiments (DOE), data analysis, and problem solving
• Knowledge of CMP or semiconductor processes is a plus, but not required

Qualifications

• Self-motivated, collaborative, and able to operate effectively in a cross-functional, fast-paced environment
• Strong communication skills with the ability to translate technical findings into practical recommendations

Skills

• Thermoset, thermoplastic, elastomeric, or filled polymer systems knowledge
• Experience with CMP or semiconductor processes

Benefits

• Generous 401(K) plan with an impressive employer match
• Excellent health, dental and vision insurance packages to fit your needs
• Flexible work schedule and 11 paid holidays a year
• Paid time off (PTO) policy that empowers you to take the time you need to recharge

Pay

$114,000-$144,000, dependent on candidate skillset and experience.

Schedule

N/A