Scientist – Research and Development (Wood Science)

Role details

Scientist – Research and Developments: The Impact You’ll Have On The Organization and World You will support the Application Services Team by preparing, testing, and evaluating engineered wood composites, resin technologies, and related materials. Your responsibilities will include preparing prototypes; conducting hands-on laboratory, pilot-scale, production, and customer trial work; performing physical, mechanical, and chemical testing; interpreting technical data; and communicating results to internal R&D teams and customers.

This position requires strong attention to detail, practical problem-solving skills, and the ability to manage multiple priorities while working collaboratively and safely in a technical environment. It's Better with Bakelite: Our Commitment Back to You You’ll Help Shape Our Future. As a Bakelite associate, you’re part of a diverse, global population creating the next generation of the company and we expect you to put your fingerprint on it. We Champion Our Associates. At Bakelite, you don’t just climb the career ladder – you pave your personal path through continued learning and development. Together, We Will Protect the Planet.

From our processes to our products, we are focusing on the opportunities that both grow our profitability as a company, and improve and protect the planet. Safety is a Core Value. At Bakelite, safety is a 24/7 mindset. We are all safe today to ensure we are able to show up tomorrow – for our families and friends, for each other and for our communities. We Care. Plain and simple, we care about our associates. From the top on down, we place a high value on our culture and the associate experience. We offer competitive compensation, robust benefits and support our associates every step of their career.

Life in Decatur: Located just east of downtown Atlanta, Decatur is a vibrant city with lots of attractions and entertainment. It’s also known as the “Soybean Capital of the World.” Decatur is home to more than 200 restaurants, boutiques, galleries and other businesses. The city holds year-round festivals, concerts and other community events and gatherings. Decatur served as the backdrop for HBO's “Watchmen” superhero series. Explore the DeKalb History Center Museum, or hop a ride to downtown Atlanta to explore Zoo Atlanta, Georgia Aquarium, Atlanta Botanical Garden and more. Check out some of the area's famed sports teams, including the Braves, Falcons and Hawks. Love to travel?

You’ll be close to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the busiest airport in the world. Learn more about Decatur What Does a Typical Day Look Like? Here are your primary responsibilities: Prepare prototypes of engineered wood composites and other composite materials with R&D resin technologies for the purpose of performance testing and characterization. Conduct physical, mechanical, and chemical evaluation of prototypes and commercial-grade samples, including evaluation of internal bond strength, modulus of rupture (MOR), modulus of elasticity (MOE), thickness swelling, water absorption, and emissions.

For other composite prototypes, testing may include glass mat handsheets, tear testing, tensile testing, crush testing, and fire testing. Record and interpret data. Prepare technical reports and communicate results to R&D teams and customers. Work collaboratively in a team setting to solve problems and drive innovation. Communicate effectively through verbal and written updates, reports, and presentations. Plan and manage multiple priorities to complete projects and meet deadlines. Travel to customer sites to support trials, troubleshoot issues, and provide technical assistance.

Physical or Mental requirements: Regularly use hand tools, power tools, saws, cutting tools, measuring devices, clamps, and related fabrication or testing equipment in a safe and controlled manner. Perform work in laboratory, pilot-scale, and production environments that may include exposure to noise, dust, heat, chemicals, moving equipment, and other industrial conditions. Stand, walk, bend, reach, grip, push, pull, and perform repetitive tasks for extended periods while preparing samples, operating equipment, and conducting testing. Lift, carry, move, and position materials, tools, samples, and equipment weighing up to 50 lbs.

Wear required personal protective equipment, which may include safety glasses, gloves, lab coat or protective clothing, hearing protection, respiratory protection, hard hat, and safety footwear, as required by task or work area. Follow all EHS procedures, equipment operating instructions, chemical handling requirements, and job-specific safety training while performing duties. Ability to work in laboratory, pilot-scale, and production environments that may include exposure to noise, dust, heat, chemicals, moving equipment, and other industrial conditions.

Travel Requirements: Approximately 30% What is Needed to be Successful in this Role (Required Skills/Abilities): Bachelor’s degree in wood science, materials science, chemistry, or a related technical field; or an equivalent combination of education and directly related technical experience. Minimum of 1-3 years of experience in safe use of hand tools, power tools, saws, cutting tools, and related mechanical or fabrication equipment. Proficiency with Microsoft Office products, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Preferred Qualifications

Hands-on experience preparing, testing, and evaluating wood composites, engineered wood products, resins, adhesives, or related composite materials. Experience following laboratory procedures, documenting test results, maintaining equipment, and supporting safe lab or pilot-scale operations. Experience analyzing test data, organizing large data sets, and applying basic statistical methods to support technical conclusions. Familiarity with mechanical, physical, or chemical testing methods used to evaluate material performance. Are you ready to help us build a better tomorrow and put your fingerprints on the world?

Apply for this exciting opportunity, and learn more about our hiring process, insights from our global associates, our robust benefits and more at Bakelite.com/careers.