Research & Development Chemist

At Custom Laminating Corporation in Mt Bethel, PA, the R&D work you do has real‑world stakes—from life‑saving fire shelters to advanced building and automotive laminates. We’re hiring a Research & Development Chemist. This is a hands‑on, lab‑forward role where your ideas matter from day one. We’re a small, tight‑knit R&D team embedded alongside our manufacturing operation. That means you’ll see your formulations come to life, and collaborate directly with leadership—no red tape, no layers of bureaucracy, just good science, great colleagues, and work that matters. Is This You? You are not seeking a role defined by repetitive protocols or direction at every step. Instead, you bring strong technical expertise, a methodical approach, and the curiosity to ask “why” when a formulation does not perform as expected. You maintain a well‑organized lab and notebook with detailed documentation. You stay informed by reviewing patents, and recognize when emerging chemistries can address longstanding challenges. You are equally comfortable working hands‑on in a production environment as you are conducting precise measurements in the lab. What You’ll Do Formulating and testing water‑based adhesives and coatings for new multi‑layer industrial laminates Maintaining a thorough lab notebook Recommending materials (films, foils, fabrics, adhesives, reinforcements) to meet customer specs and cost targets Troubleshooting process or product challenges alongside the team and external subject‑matter experts Reading the latest developments in polymer chemistry and bringing fresh ideas back to the bench Contributing to a safe, clean, and organized lab environment What You Need to Succeed Here Non‑negotiables: Hands‑on formulation experience in adhesives, coatings, water‑based polymers, or a closely adjacent industry A BS/MS in Chemistry, Materials Science, or related field with 3–5 years of industry experience or a Ph.D. in a relevant discipline Excellent problem‑solving, critical thinking, and analytical skills Strong verbal and written communication skills Lab safety as a personal standard— not a policy you follow when someone’s watching Thorough, consistent documentation habits A team‑first attitude Strongly preferred: Familiarity with polymer types: acrylics, urethanes, water‑based systems Experience with laminates, coatings, paints, or converting processes Exposure to roll‑to‑roll manufacturing or converting environments Knowledge of flame retardants or silicone‑based chemistries Familiarity with analytical tools: FTIR, DSC, DMA, AFM Understanding of markets we serve: automotive, building & construction, fire protection, and electronics This role is not for you if: Your experience is purely synthesis‑based or academic You prefer a large team with well‑defined lanes You’re not genuinely curious about what’s new in your field—continuous learning is a real expectation here, not a slogan About Custom Laminating Corporation Custom Laminating Corporation (CLC) is a privately owned company based in Mt. Bethel, Pennsylvania. We make adhesive‑based multi‑layer laminates for some of the most demanding applications in the world. Our customers include automotive manufacturers, building and construction companies, and industrial clients who require precision, performance, and consistency. We’re not a big organization. We’re a company where the owner is across the street, the president walks the floor every day, and you are two reporting levels from the top. Decisions happen fast. Ideas get heard. Impact is immediate. What We Offer Company‑paid medical, dental, and vision benefits— you keep more of your paycheck Profit sharing for every employee, on top of a competitive salary and 401(k) Flexible PTO A brand‑new, beautifully maintained facility in the hills of Mt. Bethel, PA Real project ownership from day one on a team small enough that your work is always visible Relocation assistance considered for the right candidate #J-18808-Ljbffr