Lead Synthesis Chemist

PPG's Adhesives and Polymers Development team is looking for an experienced and motivated technician to support the scale-up of novel photochromic dyes in a kilo-lab environment.

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. 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
• 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

• PhD 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 $118,000 to $130,000, 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 confirmed at the time of hire.

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PPG offers equal opportunity to all candidates and employees. Mandatory non‑discrimination is observed regarding sex, pregnancy, race, color, creed, religion, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment based on their qualifications.

If you need an adjustment due to a disability, please e‑mail