Material Development Chemist

Overview

Trelleborg is a world leader in engineered polymer solutions for almost every industry on the planet. And we are where we are because our talents brought us here. By specializing in the polymer engineering that makes innovation and application possible, Trelleborg works closely with leading industry brands to accelerate their performance, drive their business forward—and along the way, shape the industry and progress that will benefit humankind in the exciting years ahead.

Our people are Shaping Industry from the Inside. Why don´t you join us?

We are seeking a collaborative technical leader and subject matter expert in elastomer materials to help drive innovation and development in material selection, formulation, characterization, scale-up, and manufacturing. In this role, you will serve as the primary materials contact for cross-functional regional teams—including marketing, engineering, and manufacturing—and will be responsible for delivering innovative, technically differentiated solutions that meet regulatory standards and advance our material capabilities.

• Lead material-related initiatives that support strategic business segments and address diverse customer needs.
• Guide research and development (R&D) efforts in alignment with business strategies and technology roadmaps.
• Collaborate with customers and internal teams to translate requirements into material specifications; develop rubber formulations and conduct experiments to validate performance.
• Apply scientific principles to deliver innovative, high-value solutions.
• Formulate new materials, coatings, and polymers to address industry challenges and create new market opportunities.
• Analyze test data and provide recommendations on material selection, compounding, molding, testing, regulatory compliance, and vendor sourcing.
• Partner with manufacturing teams to support compounding, prototyping, and molding processes.
• Stay informed about global regulatory standards and work closely with compliance teams.
• Work collaboratively with vendors and customers to resolve technical material issues.
• Provide technical support across departments and manage projects effectively, fostering an inclusive and respectful team environment.
• Collaborate with global R&D teams across APAC, EMEA, and the Americas.

• Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, polymer science, materials engineering, biochemical engineering, or related field.
• Strong background in rubber compounding and elastomeric materials.
• Familiarity with fillers and reinforced composites.
• Skilled in statistical design and experimental data analysis.
• Excellent problem-solving, communication, and documentation skills.

• 10+ years of relevant experience in elastomer or advanced material development.
• MS or PhD in a related discipline.
• Deep expertise in rubber chemistry, thermoplastics, physics, DOE, and performance testing.
• Experience with elastomeric formulations for dynamic applications.
• Strong understanding of structure-property relationships in materials.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities using effective prioritization to meet deadlines in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
• Exceptional communication skills.
• Technology savvy and awareness
• Critical thinking
• Consensus building
• Effective consulting
• Agile, quick learner