Jobs · Management · Florida

Materials Engineer - Scientist

Latham, The Pool Company · Zephyrhills, FL · 1 mo ago
Management$90k–$110k/yrFull-time

About the role

A little about the position: The Material Scientist will lead the development, characterization, and optimization of materials used across the company’s product portfolio. This role blends hands‑on laboratory work with deep scientific analysis to advance composite performance, improve manufacturability, and support customer‑driven innovation.

Responsibilities

  • Research and select alternative composite material and processes for fiberglass pool structural applications.
  • Investigate structure–property relationships to improve mechanical, thermal, and chemical performance.
  • Develop new resin chemistries aligned with market needs, sustainability goals, and regulatory requirements.
  • Stay up to date with advancements in composite material engineering technology and manufacturing techniques, seek opportunities to innovate and improve existing designs and processes.
  • Lead material characterization, testing and material specification development.
  • Interpretate ASTM Testing Specifications and define in-house tests that are aligned with the ASTM specification.
  • Define and maintain detailed material specifications and evaluation processes and generate detailed reports on test results.
  • Develop predictive protocol, define correlation of material and process with product failure mode and life span.
  • Drive experimental design and alternative process to improve manufacturing quality and productivity.
  • Scale up the laboratory prototyping to production at all manufacturing facilities.
  • Interface with manufacturing engineering and production technician to improve process, troubleshoot issues and facilitate operations across all manufacturing plants.
  • Cookordinate with supplier, external and in house test labs.
  • Lead material selection, evaluation, and development in other business units.

Requirements

  • Master’s degree in Material Science, Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science or Composites and 4+ years of experience or a Ph.D. and 2+ years of experience
  • Good research background with focus on materials such as fiber reinforced composites, polymers (Epoxy, Polyester & Polyurethane), nanomaterials, thermoset resins, recycled materials and hybrid composites
  • Understanding of fiber–matrix interactions, interface chemistry, and failure mechanisms
  • Experience evaluating adhesion, chemical resistance, and environmental sustainability
  • Knowledge of epoxy curing mechanisms, toughening agents, diluents, and adhesion promoters, Understanding of polyester synthesis, styrene reactivity, cure kinetics and polymerization mechanisms
  • Ability to tailor mechanical and chemical resistance properties through formulation
  • Knowledge of fiberglass/epoxy composite material, damage mechanics, and manufacturing processes (Open molding, Resin transfer molding, and compression molding etc.)
  • Experience with fiber reinforced composite material, resin system, additive technology (3D printing) and process.
  • Familiarity with statistical design of experiments (DOE) and data analysis tools

Benefits

  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • HSA and FSA plans available
  • 401(K) with 50% company match up to 6%
  • Paid Time Off – 3 to 5 weeks per year with weekly accruals starting day one
  • Holidays - 11 Paid, eligible on day one
  • Life/ADD Insurance and Short/Long Term Disability insurance with buy up options
  • Professional Development: Training programs, Tuition Reimbursement, and growth opportunities
  • Supportive Environment: A culture rooted in collaboration, integrity, and respect

Pay

Salary Range: $90,000 - $110,000

Schedule

Full-time

Similar jobs

Materials Scientist

SOSV HAXSomerville, MA· 3 wk ago
Analyst$75k–$115k/yrapply on careers.formlabs.com