Lead R&D Scientist

The Lead/Senior Scientist is responsible for leading product development and polymer formulation efforts aimed at introducing new products, improving existing products, reducing costs for the wire and cable market. This role sits at the intersection of formulation science, manufacturing, and customer application support, translating laboratory insight into practical, scalable solutions.

The Lead/Senior Scientist applies sound polymer science, structured experimentation, and scientific curiosity to guide projects from initial concept through validation, while collaborating closely with cross-functional partners across R&D, Quality, Operations, Procurement, and Commercial teams.

This is a hands-on technical leadership role. The Lead/Senior Scientist serves as a project and technical leader, providing guidance and mentorship to Associate Scientists, Development Scientists, and R&D or QA Technicians as needed during project assignments.

The role requires strong judgment, the ability to prioritize multiple initiatives, and comfort working in laboratory, production, and customer environments.

What You'll Be Doing:

Product & Technology Development Lead a portfolio of product development and technology improvement projects aligned with business priorities

Formulate and optimize polymer compounds for wire and cable applications, including systems such as XLPE, chlorinated polyethylene, low-smoke zero-halogen, and automotive materials

Support the full project lifecycle, from idea generation through verification and validation

Travel (internal and external) up to 20% may be required, including occasional international travel, to support customer trials, troubleshooting, and technical reviews.

Experimental Design & Data Interpretation Design and execute laboratory testing and structured experiments to evaluate material performance

Apply statistical thinking and design of experiments to assess data and guide decisions

Utilize analytical tools such as DSC, TGA, rheology, and FTIR to support development work Cross-Functional Collaboration Partner with R&D, QA, Operations and technicians to plan and execute work safely and efficiently, ensuring high-quality data and deliverables.

Collaborate with Commercial teams and customers to understand application requirements, translate voice-of-customer inputs into technical targets, and support successful product adoption.

Host and participate in cross-functional project reviews and technical discussions

Occasionally travel to internal and customer locations to support trials, troubleshooting, or technical reviews

Knowledge Development & Communication Prepare clear technical reports and summaries to communicate findings to technical and non-technical audiences

Leverage literature research, patents, and internal learnings to generate new project ideas

Help convert experimental insight into durable product and process knowledge for the organization

What You Need to Succeed:

Required Skills/Abilities Strong foundation in polymer science and compound formulation

Ability to manage multiple projects while maintaining focus on priorities and timelines

Curiosity-driven problem solving with a practical, solutions-oriented mindset

Comfortable working across laboratory, manufacturing, and customer-facing environments

Strong written and verbal communication skills

Required Qualifications Minimum of 6 years of experience in polymer formulation or the compounding/plastics industry

Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Polymer Engineering, Polymer Technology, or a related discipline

Experience with polymer extrusion and compounding processes (e.g., twin-screw extrusion , continuous mixing, kneaders, single-screw extrusion)
Experience in industrial product development tools: six sigma, design of experiment, voice of customer

Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without employer sponsorship now or in the future

Preferred Qualifications Background in wire and cable compound development strongly preferred

PhD or MS in a scientific discipline

Familiarity polyolefins, crosslinked polyolefins, PVC, reactive extrusion, wire and cable, flame retardant thermoplastics

Project…