Senior Polymer Chemist

Role details

Barrday, a manufacturer of composite materials, is in search of a Senior Polymer Chemist.

ABOUT US:

Barrday is a leading advanced materials solutions company with an international manufacturing and sales presence. Our product lines encompass applications for the composite and protective markets. We are headquartered outside of Toronto, Canada in Cambridge, ON, with manufacturing facilities in Charlotte, NC and Millbury, MA. Our success is based on developing technologically advanced fiber reinforcement, prepreg and other material solutions for our customers in the aerospace, defense, industrial, energy and protective markets.

SUMMARY

The Senior Polymer Chemist is responsible for developing and optimizing polymer and resin systems for advanced composite, aerospace, defense, protective, and high-temperature applications. This hands-on role leads laboratory formulation and characterization work and translates material requirements into scalable, manufacturable solutions. The position works closely with R&D, Operations, Quality, Sales, suppliers, and customers to advance technologies from laboratory concept through qualification and commercialization.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Design, formulate, and optimize thermoset and thermoplastic polymer systems for advanced materials and composite applications.

• Develop resin formulations using polymers, curatives, catalysts, toughening agents, flame retardants, fillers, and other functional additives.

• Establish relationships among chemical structure, formulation, cure or process conditions, and end-use material performance.

• Plan and conduct laboratory experiments involving polymer synthesis, formulation, mixing, curing, and material preparation.

• Apply chemical, thermal, and rheological characterization techniques to understand reaction kinetics, cure behavior, thermal stability, viscosity, and material properties.

• Evaluate new raw materials and suppliers and establish material specifications and qualification requirements.

• Troubleshoot polymer, resin, prepreg, and manufacturing issues through structured experimentation and root-cause analysis.

• Translate laboratory formulations into scalable manufacturing processes and lead pilot and production trials.

• Lead or participate in multidisciplinary development projects from concept through qualification and commercialization.

• Collaborate with customers and Sales to translate application needs into material and formulation requirements.

• Maintain thorough experimental records and prepare technical reports, specifications, development documentation, and presentations.

• Support intellectual property development by documenting inventions and contributing technical information for patent applications, as appropriate.

• Other duties may be assigned.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES & ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Represent Barrday in technical discussions with customers, suppliers, and external technical organizations.

• Maintain awareness of emerging polymer technologies, raw materials, and competitive material systems.

• Provide technical mentoring to junior scientists, engineers, or laboratory personnel, where appropriate.

• Travel as needed; up to approximately 10-20% travel may be required.

KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENT

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry from an accredited university is required; a master's degree or Ph.D. in Chemistry or Polymer Chemistry is preferred.

• Minimum of 5 years of industrial chemistry-related work experience, preferably involving polymers, resins, adhesives, composites, or formulated material systems.

• Strong working knowledge of organic chemistry and polymer chemistry.

• Hands-on laboratory experience with polymer or resin formulation and experimental design.

• Understanding of structure-property and structure-process-property relationships in polymeric materials.

• Experience with chemical, thermal, rheological, or physical characterization methods.

• Ability to independently design experiments, analyze data, troubleshoot technical problems, and draw scientifically sound conclusions.

• Ability to work effectively in a hands-on R&D and manufacturing environment.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to work effectively within cross-functional teams.

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE

• Industrial experience formulating epoxy, phenolic, cyanate ester, thermoplastic, or other high-performance polymer systems.

• Experience with DSC, TGA, DMA, rheometry, FTIR, GPC/SEC, and mechanical testing.

• Experience developing resin systems for prepregs, fiber-reinforced composites, or high-temperature materials.

• Familiarity with carbon fiber, fiberglass, aramid, silica, ceramic, or other reinforcing fibers and textiles.

• Experience with polymer systems for aerospace, defense, ablative, thermal protection, or other demanding applications.

WORKING CONDITIONS

The Senior Polymer Chemist position involves office, laboratory, pilot-scale, and manufacturing activities. The role may require extended periods of sitting during office work and standing or walking while conducting laboratory work or supporting manufacturing operations. Appropriate personal protective equipment and safe chemical-handling practices are required in designated work areas.

BENEFITS

• Access to medical, dental, vision insurance with wellness incentives.

• 401(k) matching options.

• Free life insurance, disability insurance and more.

• Tuition assistance.

• Paid holidays + PTO.

Equal Opportunity Employer, including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities.

If you require accommodation to complete an online application, please contact Holly DeCesare at 508-581-2100.