Sr. Research & Development Scientist

About Chase Corporation

Founded in 1946, we have grown into a global specialty chemicals company, a leading manufacturer of protective materials for high-reliability applications across diverse market sectors.

Today, we employ nearly 800 people and continue to grow and strengthen our business by employing a related diversification strategy that combines organic growth initiatives with strategic acquisitions.

Based in Westwood, Massachusetts, USA, we operate manufacturing facilities in the United States, Europe, and Asia, and continue to invest in our capabilities to deliver value to our global customer base demands

Role Overview

Chase Corporation is seeking a hands-on R&D Scientist to lead the development and commercialization of polyurethane-based foams, gels, and adhesive systems across our Electronic Coatings and Infrastructure segments.

This is a formulation-to-commercialization role with clear ownership of product development programs-from concept through scale-up and launch. You will operate as a technical lead (IC) supported by technicians, working cross-functionally with commercial, operations, and quality teams to translate customer needs into scalable products.

Key Responsibilities

Product Development & Commercialization

• Own development of polyurethane-based formulations (foams, gels, adhesives) from concept through commercialization
• Translate customer and market requirements into differentiated product platforms
• Lead formulation design, optimization, and validation using structured methodologies (DoE, statistical tools)
• Partner with commercial teams and customers to support product adoption, trials, and technical positioning

Manufacturing & Scale-Up

• Lead scale-up activities and provide hands-on troubleshooting across manufacturing sites
• Ensure robust transfer from lab to production, including process parameters and quality controls
• Support product lifecycle management, including continuous improvement and cost optimization

Technical Problem Solving & Analysis

• Conduct failure analysis and root cause investigations using analytical techniques (FTIR, GC/MS, thermal, rheology, mechanical testing)
• Develop structure-property-performance relationships to guide formulation strategy
• Generate clear, data-driven recommendations to inform technical and business decisions

Cross-Functional Leadership

• Interface with R&D, Operations, Quality, and Commercial teams globally
• Track and communicate project progress, risks, and KPIs to leadership
• Contribute to broader technology strategy and product roadmap development

Qualifications

• 5-10 years of experience in polyurethane formulation and product development, with strong hands-on lab capability
• Demonstrated experience taking products from development through commercialization and scale-up
• Strong foundation in structure-property relationships, materials characterization, and failure analysis
• Experience with analytical techniques (FTIR, GC/MS, thermal analysis, rheology, mechanical testing)
• Proficiency with statistical tools and DoE (e.g., Minitab)
• Experience working in stage-gate or structured NPD environments
• Ability to operate cross-functionally and influence without authority
• Willingness to travel (~25%) to manufacturing sites and customers

Education

• B.S. or higher in Chemistry, Materials Science, or related field
• Advanced degree preferred