Product Development Chemist

Job Title:

Product Development Chemist

Summary:

As a Product Development Chemist on our Urethane Additives (UA) Technology Team, you will play a key role in developing the next generation of materials used in polyurethane slabstock foam. In this role, you will design, synthesize, and evaluate new additive technologies that enhance foam performance across a wide range of applications—from comfort products such as bedding and furniture, to highly technical applications in automotive, medical, and specialty markets.

You will work hands‑on in the lab to formulate, test, and optimize new chemistries while collaborating with a global R&D network to bring innovative products from concept through commercialization. Your work will directly contribute to expanding Momentive’s portfolio of urethane additives and strengthening our position in the polyurethane market. Beyond development work, you will also help introduce new technologies to the market by partnering with technical service, commercial teams, and customers across North America.

In this capacity, you will provide technical insight and application support for our existing slabstock foam additive portfolio, helping customers optimize formulations and solve real‑world challenges in foam manufacturing. This role offers the opportunity to combine hands‑on chemistry, product innovation, and customer collaboration, allowing you to see the direct impact of your work from the laboratory bench to real‑world applications used every day.

Please note that this role requires onsite presence five days per week, Monday through Friday. Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We cannot sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.

• Lead laboratory development projects from concept through pilot-scale evaluation. You will design and execute experiments focused on the synthesis, characterization, and performance testing of new urethane additive technologies, translating laboratory discoveries into scalable product solutions.
• Maintain the highest safety standards in all laboratory activities. You will follow and promote rigorous safety practices while ensuring compliance with local regulations and company EHS policies. As part of a collaborative R&D environment, you will actively contribute to maintaining a strong culture of safety within the team.
• Own and drive assigned New Product Development & Introduction (NPDI) projects. You will apply disciplined project management practices to move projects forward efficiently—managing timelines, coordinating cross‑functional input, and ensuring key milestones are achieved on schedule.
• Collaborate closely with the global Slabstock Technology team. You will maintain strong working relationships across the organization, aligning your work with global R&D priorities and adjusting project activities to support shared strategic objectives.
• Partner directly with selected slabstock foam customers across North America. You will help introduce newly developed urethane additive technologies into commercial applications, providing technical guidance and building strong customer relationships that support successful product adoption.
• Contribute to the development of intellectual property. You will identify innovative breakthroughs and support the preparation of invention disclosures and other documentation to protect and strengthen the company’s IP portfolio.
• Support supply chain resilience efforts by assisting in the qualification of alternative suppliers for key raw materials used in slabstock foam additives, ensuring product continuity and reliability.
• Represent the company within the broader technical community. You may participate in industry conferences,…