Chemist - Composites

A growing manufacturer is seeking a technical expert in composite formulation. If you have hands‑on experience formulating composites in a manufacturing environment and are ready for the next step to develop a lab and grow a product line, this could be a great opportunity for you. This role is very hands‑on and offers benefits and opportunities for growth!

• Serve as the lead technical resource for materials development, formulation, and process optimization
• Establish and expand laboratory capabilities, testing methods, and technical best practices
• Lead development and optimization of advanced material systems across multiple product platforms
• Improve material performance through formulation enhancements and process innovation
• Support scale‑up activities from laboratory development through commercial manufacturing
• Troubleshoot material, processing, quality, and performance‑related challenges
• Drive improvements in manufacturing efficiency, consistency, throughput, and cost effectiveness
• Design, execute, and interpret testing programs to support product development and quality initiatives
• Develop technical documentation, specifications, application guidelines, and validation reports
• Serve as a key technical liaison for customers, suppliers, and internal stakeholders
• Collaborate with raw materials suppliers and strategic partners on product and process improvements
• Support commercial teams through technical presentations, training, and customer engagement
• Identify opportunities for innovation, new product development, and market expansion
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives related to formulations, processes, and manufacturing operations
• Address critical manufacturing and product performance challenges
• Support commercialization and implementation of new formulations and technologies
  
  Evaluate and strengthen quality systems, testing programs, and process controls
• Identify opportunities to improve raw material utilization, supply reliability, and cost efficiency
• Assess manufacturing processes and recommend operational improvements
• Develop and execute formulation and process optimization plans
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives across technical and manufacturing functions
• Support growth through product enhancements, innovation, and new application development
• Travel to customer and manufacturing facilities as needed

$90,000 - $140,000

M/D/V?401K

• BS required, MS preferred
• 8-10+ years of fiberglass reinforced composites R&D, applications, manufacturing, or formulation experience
• Deep expertise in glass fiber reinforcements, fiber sizing chemistry, coupling agents, and fiber‑matrix interface science
• Strong knowledge of thermoset resin systems and composite manufacturing processes
• Experience scaling laboratory formulations into commercial production
• Expertise troubleshooting adhesion, cure, dispersion, durability, porosity, and fiber performance issues
• Mechanical, thermal, rheological, chemical, and durability testing experience
• ASTM, ISO, and qualification testing experience
• Experience supporting open and closed molding technologies
• Strong supplier and raw material technical knowledge
• Ability to build and establish laboratory capabilities from the ground up
• Proven ability to translate materials science into commercially viable products

• First dedicated chemist role with significant influence and visibility
• Opportunity to build laboratory capabilities and technical infrastructure
• Be part of the company’s strategic growth plan
• High‑impact role spanning R&D, manufacturing, quality, and commercialization
• Small organization with approximately 200 employees and minimal red tape
• Flexibility and ability to make decisions quickly
• Opportunity to shape future products and technical direction of the company
• Strong autonomy and ownership over technical initiatives