Sr. Applications Chemist

About the role

The Senior Application Scientist leads the development and commercialization of glass fiber–reinforced composites, leveraging expertise in fiber technology, coupling chemistry, and thermoset resin formulation. Acting as both technical authority and customer partner, this role bridges customer needs, supplier innovation, and internal R&D and operations to deliver scalable, high-performance solutions.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and commercialization of glass fiber–reinforced composites, leveraging expertise in fiber technology, coupling chemistry, and thermoset resin formulation.
• Design and optimize fiberglass composite systems across multiple resin platforms, enhancing performance and durability.
• Support and optimize composite manufacturing processes, including scaling laboratory formulations into reliable, production-ready solutions.
• Troubleshoot processing and performance issues such as porosity, puff balls (fiber curling), adhesion, cure, dispersion, and durability.
• Partner with operations to improve yield, throughput, consistency, and cost efficiency.
• Design and execute testing for mechanical, thermal, rheological, chemical, and durability aspects of fiberglass composites.
• Interpret test data to optimize formulations and processes, supporting internal and customer qualification programs, including ASTM, ISO, and customer-specific standards.
• Act as technical interface with customers, providing guidance on composite processing, formulation, and performance enhancements.
• Collaborate with raw material and glass fiber suppliers to support joint development initiatives and translate customer needs into technical objectives.
• Serve as a technical leader, identifying innovation opportunities and authoring technical reports, white papers, and patent disclosures as appropriate.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Materials Science, Chemistry, Polymer Science, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field (Master’s preferred).
• 5+ years of experience in fiberglass-reinforced composites R&D, applications, or manufacturing environments.
• Deep expertise in glass fiber reinforcements, fiber sizing chemistry, coupling agents, and fiber–matrix interface science.
• Strong knowledge of thermoset composite systems and high-volume manufacturing processes.
• Proven ability to translate materials science into commercially viable, scalable products.
• Experience in customer-facing technical roles and supporting qualification programs.
• Willing and able to travel regularly to customer and manufacturing facilities.