Polymer Pad Development Scientist

Job Title

Polymer Pad Development Scientist

Entegris is currently seeking a Polymer Development Scientist to join our Materials Solutions Division R&D team. This position will be based at our Aurora (Greater Chicago Area) facility.

In this role, you will be responsible for developing innovative polymer materials and designs for Chemical Mechanical Polishing (CMP) Pad to aggressively capture customer market share in future advanced nodes in the semiconductor industry. You will work in a cross‑functional team to develop cutting‑edge technologies and solve polymer material and engineering problems.

• Lead new product development projects to deliver CMP pad solutions to customers' satisfaction and identify new technology areas for CMP pad innovative pipeline.
• Develop new polymer materials to create novel CMP pads with differentiated properties; improve the understanding of structure‑property‑CMP performance relationships with advanced knowledge of scientific principles, experimental design, and advanced characterization.
• Organize and share data accurately, timely and efficiently with written technical reports and presentations externally to customers as well as internally across the organization.
• Identify issues with experimental methodology and troubleshoot when necessary to achieve more meaningful results.
• Ensure good collaboration with associates and colleagues within R&D as well as other functions such as business team, customer interfacing team, CMP application team to deliver new products and solve customer issues. Translate customer asks into design needs and execute; clearly communicate with customers on project progress and challenges. Occasionally collaborate with suppliers on new raw material design and scaling up.

• PhD in Polymer Science or Engineering, or polymer material focus in Materials Science or Engineering, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related field required.
• 3+ years of research and development experience with successful product development and customer engagement.
• Deep understanding of polymer structure‑mechanical property relationship; success in selecting/formulating/synthesizing polymer materials to desired mechanical properties and tribological behaviors; experience in thermoset polymers and their foams is highly preferred.
• Hands‑on experience in polymer analysis techniques such as rheology instruments, thermal characterization and chemical analysis, GPC, FTIR, SEM/TEM, AFM, etc.
• Proven track record of safe laboratory practices and methodology.
• Experience in Design of Experiment principles and statistical data analysis.
• Knowledge in CMP or other semiconductor process technologies is preferred.
• Experience in stage‑gate type of new product development process.
• Self‑motivated and driven to success; creative problem‑solving ability, along with flexibility and adaptability in a fast‑paced, customer focused organization; capable of contributing as an individual contributor or as a part of highly interdisciplinary teams; strong communication skills demonstrated from both internal and external, i.e., conferences, reviews with customers or management/executives.

Lead. Inspire. Innovate. Define Your Future.

Not everyone who works for a global company shares the same background, experiences and perspectives. We leverage the differences of our employees to bring new ideas to the table. Every employee throughout the company is encouraged to share input on projects and initiatives. Our decision‑making process is truly a collaborative effort as we realize there are leaders at every level of the organization.

We put our values at the core of how we operate as an organization - not just when it's convenient, but in a lasting and meaningful way. We want the time and energy you spend here to have a positive impact on your life inside and outside of the office.

Our total rewards package goes above and beyond just a paycheck. Whether you're looking to build your career, improve your health, or protect your wealth, we offer generous benefits to help you achieve your goals.

• Compensation: $125,000 - $145,000 per year range with…