Research & Process Development Scientist

PARKER CHOMERICS is a global supplier of EMI shielding, thermal interface materials, plastics, and optical products. We offer a worldwide network of applications engineering support, manufacturing facilities, and sales offices. With stocking and fabrication on five continents, our products are available anytime, anywhere. Headquartered in Woburn, MA, Parker Chomerics is part of a global Fortune 500 company but maintains a small-company feel. We thrive on high-performance teams empowered to make decisions and foster an inclusive, caring, and friendly work environment. We encourage continued education, skill development, and offer global advancement opportunities.

About the Role

The Research and Process Development Scientist is responsible for contributing to Chomerics’s technical initiatives focused on new product and process development of electrically conductive polymers and elastomers. The scientist will manage the technical development of new elastomers, provide prototypes for qualifications testing, and support manufacturing processes necessary for new product introduction. The role involves close collaboration with R&D team members, procurement, process engineering, and manufacturing engineering to achieve project goals.

Responsibilities

• Develop new, innovative materials, products, or process technology platforms to drive profitable growth.
• Develop working hypotheses, design experiments, and create experimental plans to gain new understandings of material, product, or process performance.
• Perform literature and patent searches to guide focused experimentation.
• Utilize technical resources to develop materials, test methods, and quality control measures for innovative new materials and processes.
• Provide technical problem-solving consultation for root cause analysis and troubleshooting of polymer science-related manufacturing and quality issues.
• Hands-on ability to set up, adjust, and operate polymer analytical and processing equipment, primarily focused on extrusion of hose and tubing.
• Work and interact effectively and professionally with others throughout various levels of the organization.
• Actively build a network of peers with similar interests and complementary experience.
• Promote a safe working environment in compliance with Environmental, Health & Safety initiatives.

Qualifications

• Preferred: M.S. or Ph.D. in Polymer Engineering, Polymer Science, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or demonstrated experience in a related technical discipline with 4+ years of experience, preferably in polymer-based material research & development.
• Required: B.S. in a related Science or Engineering field with 4+ years of experience in polymer-based material development.
• Familiarity with polymer and elastomer process techniques, such as high shear mixing, milling, molding, and extrusion.
• Demonstrated ability to research, investigate, propose, and implement new technologies.
• Excellent communication skills (verbal and written) with a proven track record of publishing technical reports, patents, trade secrets, and scientific journals.
• Working knowledge of managed stage-gate processes for new product and process development.
• Proficiency with DOE, statistical analysis tools, and polymer analysis applications.
• Demonstrates specialized scientific competence supporting larger projects and consistently meets established project deadlines and time constraints.
• Strong interpersonal skills, effective listener, open to learning, and responds positively to frequent change.
• Ability to work effectively in small or large cross-functional teams with people of diverse backgrounds.
• Demonstrated skills in planning, resource and time management, record keeping, and goal completion.
• Must be a U.S. Citizen or have U.S. Permanent Resident status.

This position is subject to meeting U.S. export compliance and/or U.S. Government contracting citizenship eligibility requirements.

Pay

Pay Range: $100,300 to $166,900 annually. Participation in Annual Incentive Program.

Benefits

• Comprehensive coverage for medical, prescription drugs, dental, and vision.
• Voluntary optional life, accident insurance, hospital indemnity insurance, and critical illness insurance with competitive premium costs.
• 401(k) Plan with company matching contributions at 100% of the first 5% of pay.
• Company-provided defined-contribution retirement plan with an annual contribution equal to 3% of pay.
• Career development and tuition reimbursement.
• Paid parental leave, short- and long-term disability programs, and adoption assistance.
• Care.com membership and financial planning assistance at no cost.
• Supplemental benefit programs including identity protection, legal protection, and pet wellness at competitive rates.
• Paid Time Off and Company-Paid Holidays.