Principal Engineer – Polymer Materials

• Lead development of new polymer resin systems, adhesives, toughened matrix systems, and composite formulations for advanced structures
• Direct synthesis, chemical modification, and formulation of polymer systems to achieve desired structural, processing, and durability characteristics
• Develop new or improved composite lay-up, cure, bonding, and consolidation processes linked to material chemistry
• Act as the technical focal point for all polymer material selection, performance definition, and risk assessment
• Establish and lead test programs for polymer materials including chemical, thermal, rheological, physical, and mechanical characterization
• Analyze material behavior under various environmental, structural, and processing conditions
• Develop and maintain material specifications, process specifications, and qualification plans
• Ensure compliance with customer requirements, regulatory standards, and industry specifications for composite materials
• Work with manufacturing and process engineering teams to translate polymer material behavior into robust production processes
• Support development of prototype parts, early process trials, and validation builds used to test new material systems
• Investigate material-processing interactions (viscosity, cure kinetics, consolidation behavior, tack, drape, etc.) to support manufacturability and scalability
• Provide expert technical guidance to multidisciplinary teams working on composite demonstrators, new product development, and advanced technology programs
• Collaborate with suppliers, academia, and research institutes on polymer science innovation and material development partnerships
• Deliver clear technical direction, documentation, and reporting to customers, leadership, and internal stakeholders.
• Lead root‑cause analysis of polymer and composite material deviations, defects, or process issues
• Recommend material or process adjustments based on performance deviations and end‑use requirements
• Develop and sustain continuous improvement initiatives related to material robustness, durability, quality, and long-term performance.

• Ph.D. in Chemistry with a specialization in polymer materials, ceramic–polymer nanocomposites, thermosets, and advanced materials systems
• More than 8 years of experience in polymer synthesis, advanced composites, thermoset chemistry, nanocomposites, and multifunctional material development for high-performance applications
• Expertise in polymer synthesis, functionalization, and structure–property relationships, including benzoxazine, epoxy, polyurethane, polyamide, PVC, elastomeric systems, and ceramic‑reinforced composites
• Strong hands‑on experience with polymer and composite characterization, including FTIR, NMR, DSC, TGA, DMA, SEM, rheometry (ARES G2), mechanical testing, and cure kinetics analysis
• Proven record of designing, developing, and optimizing thermosets, polymer–ceramic nanocomposites, and multifunctional composite materials for aerospace and high-performance applications
• Experience leading end-to-end R&D, including material synthesis, purification, formulation, scaling, processing, and laboratory-to-pilot transition activities
• Demonstrated ability to conduct thermal, mechanical, dielectric, insulation, and aging studies for materials intended for demanding environments
• Strong cross‑functional collaboration skills—capable of partnering with engineering, manufacturing, and research teams to translate material innovations into deployable components and manufacturable composite systems
• Excellent scientific communication skills, with a substantial record of peer‑reviewed publications in polymer science, composites, dielectric materials, and advanced nanocomposites.

Demonstrates expertise in polymer synthesis, advanced composites, and multifunctional material development, with a strong focus on material characterization and compliance with industry standards. Proven ability to lead R&D initiatives and collaborate cross‑functionally to translate material innovations into high-performance applications.

• Ph.D. In Chemistry
• Polymer Synthesis
• Composite Characterization
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Advanced Materials Development

• Polymer Functionalization
• Structure–Property Relationships
• Thermoset Chemistry
• Nanocomposites Development
• Mechanical Testing
• Cure Kinetics Analysis
• Material Specifications Development
• Thermal Studies
• Rheological Characterization
• Root-Cause Analysis

• Scientific Communication
• Technical Guidance
• Collaboration

• Composite Materials
• Aerospace Applications
• Material Compliance
• High-Performance Applications
• Polymer Science

• FTIR
• NMR
• DSC
• TGA
• DMA
• SEM
• ARES G2 Rheometer