2027 Burbank PhD Program - Aerospace Product Developer

Burbank California

Burbank California

As an Aerospace Product Developer, you will be at the forefront of growth in the aerospace industry. In this on‑site role, you will collaborate with versatile teams to develop aerospace sealant, adhesives, and coatings, working closely with world leading commercial and general aviation aircraft companies and suppliers. You will develop new technology and formulations that help ensure airplanes are both beautiful and reliable throughout their lives, working from concept to commercialization and application of higher performing and more environmentally friendly PPG products.

• Use the scientific method and statistical design of experiments to develop new formulations that meet customer and market needs.
• Use fundamental principles and develop novel testing techniques to solve complex problems and invent new technology that solves unmet customer needs.
• Collaborate with the aerospace team to derisk raw material obsolescence and mitigate impact on product qualifications.
• Leverage the full breadth of PPG capabilities and labs to bring in and share out relevant technology and tools.
• Drive excellence in technical reporting, and where applicable, patent filing. Monitor scientific literature and competitors activities to be at the forefront of market technology.
• Collaborate with manufacturing, marketing, and sales teams to launch new products and new technologies to our customers. Lead problem solving efforts during launch.

• Act as the primary technical point of contact for customers regarding qualification status, addressing inquiries and providing updates on project progress.
• Collaborate with customers to ensure that qualifications meet their expectations and specifications.
• Support customer application trials on PPG and customer sites.

• Facilitate regular meetings with internal teams and external stakeholders to discuss project status, challenges, and next steps.
• Prepare and present project updates and reports to senior management and other stakeholders.

• Identify potential risks related to qualification and customer concerns.
• Develop and execute corrective actions/strategies to mitigate these risks and to ensure timely completion.

• Bachelors, Masters, or PhD in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a customer-focused mindset
• Available to travel 10-20% annually

PHD Candidate Starting Salary = 110-120k, with sign-on bonus

Through leadership in innovation, sustainability and color, PPG helps customers in industrial, transportation, consumer products, and construction markets and aftermarkets to enhance more surfaces in more ways than does any other company. To learn more, visit  and follow @PPG on X.

Proactive. Bold. Trustworthy. Everything we do starts with our customers. We listen, move fast and don’t stop until we solve their biggest challenges. When our customers win, we all grow.

Agile. Data-driven. Empowered. We take smart risks to stay ahead of the competition. We work proactively with agility, using quality data to develop solutions that create value.

Productive. Collaborative. Accountable. No matter our role, we identify problems, take ownership and always bring solutions. We are both proactive and responsive to drive continuous improvement and deliver results. We support our frontline, the faces of PPG to our customers.

Future-focused. Driven. Ambitious. We are passionate about growing our business and winning with our customers. We deliver results, embrace new technologies and leverage agility and speed as strengths.

Strong. United. Passionate. We work safely, act with integrity and value our diverse perspectives. We celebrate achievements and take pride in the positive impact we create together to protect and beautify the world.

At PPG we use AI in the hiring process to make the process more…