Material Scientist

Material Scientist

KEMET Electronics, a YAGEO Group company, with over 100 years of technological innovation, helps make a wide variety of products possible in the world's most rapidly expanding industries. Our components are found in spacecrafts and defibrillators - from outer space to inside our bodies, and in products we use every day. We have the broadest selection of capacitor technologies in the industry, including an expanding range of electromechanical devices and electromagnetic compatibility solutions.

Job Summary

KEMET is seeking a Material Scientist at our Simpsonville, South Carolina facility. This is an onsite role. This individual will conduct laboratory-based research to develop new polymer, inorganic and hybrid thin-film coatings, providing technical direction and bridging the gap between R&D and production.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct laboratory-based research to develop new polymer, inorganic, and hybrid thin-film coatings.
• Research and develop diverse coating processes including dip coatings, spray coatings, PVD, CVD, and plated techniques to meet specific performance targets.
• Lead the design of novel coating architecture to improve or optimize the performance of current product lines.
• Provide technical direction for selecting and qualifying new coating materials based on functional requirements (e.g., barrier, dielectric, or conductive properties).
• Apply engineering and scientific research methods to refine existing coating processes for better consistency and yield.
• Bridge the gap between R&D and production by providing technical support for the scale-up of new coating materials.
• Work with multi-disciplinary teams to perform laboratory work that improves product performance and resolves customer technical issues.
• Manage multiple research projects simultaneously, ensuring milestones are met from initial concept through to characterization

Qualifications, Education and Experience:

• Master's or PhD in Materials Science, Polymer Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related field with 1–5 years of experience in polymer and inorganic materials or B.S. degree with a strong track record of 5–10 years in the successful development of diverse coating systems.
• Authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.
• Minimum of 3–5 years of hands-on experience in advanced material research and characterization laboratories.
• Deep understanding of the chemistry and physics of polymeric coatings and inorganic (metals, ceramics, dielectrics) coatings.
• Technical proficiency across a wide range of thin film coating and deposition application methods including solution coatings, plated processes, and vacuum processes.
• Solid grasp of polymer structure-process-property relationships, specifically regarding adhesion, thermal stability, and morphology in thin-film coatings.
• Proven ability to design and implement complex experiments (DoE) and use statistical tools to solve technical challenges.
• Knowledge of intrinsically conductive polymers (ICPs) and specialized dielectric coatings.
• Familiarity with surface characterization techniques to evaluate coating integrity.
• Demonstrated experience using Microsoft Office 365
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Location & Work Type

• Simpsonville, SC – United States
• Onsite

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.

YAGEO does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, ethnicity or national origin, disability, pregnancy, religion, political affiliation, union membership, protected veteran status, protected genetic information, marital status or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local law, in making employment decisions including but not limited to hiring, wages, promotions, rewards, and access to training. Qualified applicants and workers shall be provided with reasonable accommodation for disability and religious practices.

What we offer

• Collaborative work environment that values innovation and teamwork
• Inclusive company culture built on respect, integrity, and continuous improvement
• Career growth opportunities with access to training, and mentorship
• Work–life balance support through flexible practices and employee wellness initiatives
• Comprehensive benefits package including health, retirement, and employee programs
• Global impact by contributing to sustainable solutions and industry-leading technologies

About YAGEO Group

We don't build the final product. We build what makes it possible.

From resistors to capacitors, inductors to sensors—our components power the breakthroughs that move the world forward. Electric vehicles. AI data centers. Satellites. Sonar systems. They move faster, last longer, reach farther—with a spark of us inside.

Headquartered in Taiwan, YAGEO Group unites multiple trusted brands—including YAGEO, KEMET, PULSE, and Telemecanique Sensors and more—into one cohesive force for innovation.

40,000+ employees. 100+ locations. 20 R&D centers. 2,000+ patents. 273,000+ customers.

#1 in resistors and tantalum capacitors.

#3 in MLCCs & inductors We don't just participate in the future—we enable it.

Why Work at YAGEO Group?

Meaningful work: Every part you help design, test, or improve contributes to real-world innovations. Global exposure: Collaborate across continents, brands, and breakthrough technologies. Accelerated growth: With our size, diversity, and momentum, there's no ceiling for where you can go. Built-in purpose: You're not just part of the process—you're part of the progress.

YAGEO Group. Built into Tomorrow.