Senior R&D Chemist

Job Description

Job Description

Title: Senior R&D Chemist

Department: Research & Development

Reports To: R&D Lab Supervisor

Location: Newark, NJ area

Position Summary

The Senior R&D Chemist is responsible for the research, formulation, development, testing, and commercialization of innovative adhesive, coating, sealant, encapsulating, and polymer systems. This role supports customer-driven development projects while improving existing products, providing technical expertise to Manufacturing and Sales, and ensuring compliance with company quality systems. The position requires strong technical knowledge, problem-solving skills, and the ability to manage multiple projects from concept through commercialization.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Polymer Science, Chemical Engineering, Organic Chemistry.
• Master's or Ph.D. in Polymer Chemistry, Organic Chemistry a plus.

  Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
  

• Strong understanding of polymer chemistry and formulation principles.
• Experience with laboratory testing methods and analytical equipment.
• Ability to independently design experiments, analyze data, and solve technical problems.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects while meeting deadlines.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and laboratory documentation systems.
• Knowledge of AS9100 and ISO 9001 quality systems preferred.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop new adhesive, coating, sealant, potting, and encapsulating formulations to meet customer and market requirements.
• Improve existing products by optimizing performance, manufacturability, cost, and regulatory compliance.
• Design experiments, evaluate results, and recommend formulation improvements.
• Research emerging raw materials and technologies to support product innovation.

Product Commercialization

• Lead laboratory development through pilot-scale trials and full manufacturing implementation.
• Support production scale-up activities and validate manufacturing processes.
• Prepare technical documentation, product specifications, and development reports.

Technical Support

• Evaluate and qualify new raw materials and alternative suppliers.
• Support Manufacturing by troubleshooting production issues, resolving formulation-related deviations, and improving process efficiency.
• Provide technical support to Sales and Customer Service regarding product selection, customer trials, and technical inquiries.
• Lead or participate in customer meetings and assist with technical presentations when required.

Quality & Compliance

• Maintain accurate laboratory notebooks, test records, and project documentation.
• Ensure compliance with AS9100, ISO 9001, safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain laboratory equipment and ensure calibration and preventive maintenance requirements are met.
• Follow all company safety policies and laboratory procedures.

Teamwork & Leadership

• Collaborate effectively with Manufacturing, Sales, Quality, Purchasing, and Operations.
• Mentor junior laboratory personnel as assigned.
• Contribute ideas for continuous improvement within the laboratory and throughout the organization.
• Demonstrate professionalism, accountability, and a customer-focused approach in all interactions.