Lead Synthesis Chemist

As a Lead Synthesis Chemist, you will manage the development of new resins for aerospace materials and support current resin production in manufacturing sites. You will focus on hands‑on synthetic work in the lab, process improvement for current manufacturing practices, and cross‑team collaboration to develop new aerospace materials. Success requires organic and polymer synthesis skills and the ability to collaborate to accomplish projects.

You will report to the Senior Manager, Adhesives and Polymers at our Burbank, CA facility.

• Develop new resin materials for aerospace coatings, sealants and adhesives.
• Improve manufacturing process for strategic resin products and conduct root cause analysis with a data‑driven approach.
• Use analytical tools including NMR, FTIR, GC/LC, GPC for characterization and troubleshooting.
• Collaborate with Formulation Development, Process Engineering, Operations, Quality, and Analytical teams.
• Present technologies, test reports, and strategies to internal and external customers.
• Travel domestically and internationally (~10%).
• Follow all safety protocols and promote a safety culture.

• Ph.D. in chemistry or material science with at least 3 years of experience.
• 3–5 years of related industrial experience.
• Hands‑on experience and fundamental understanding in organic or polymer synthesis.
• Expertise in analytical techniques and data processing.
• Experience with reaction kinetics, scale‑up, and process optimization.
• Experience with design of experiments and Gage R&R.

The base salary range for this position is $110,000 to $140,000, with a possibility of an annual bonus up to 7% of base salary. PPG offers comprehensive benefits such as Health, Dental, Life, Retirement Plan, Paid Vacation and Holidays, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Disability/Leave, Family Leave, and other voluntary benefit offerings. Actual benefit offerings are confirmed at the time of hire.

PPG provides equal opportunity to all candidates and employees. We offer an opportunity to grow and develop your career in an environment that provides a fulfilling workplace for employees, creates an environment for continuous learning, and embraces the ideas and diversity of others. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, pregnancy, race, color, creed, religion, national origin, age, disability status, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.

If you need an adjustment due to a disability, please email