Sr. Chemist

Role details

Capstone Search Advisors is partnering with an established and growing advanced manufacturing company to identify an experienced Senior Chemist to join its Research & Development team.

This is an exciting opportunity for a technically strong, hands-on chemist to lead the development of innovative silicone and hybrid material technologies from initial concept through commercialization.

The Senior Chemist will play a critical role in developing new formulations, enhancing existing products, solving complex technical challenges, and supporting the successful transition of new products into manufacturing.

The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in silicone chemistry, polymer formulation, and product development, along with the ability to collaborate across engineering, manufacturing, quality, sales, and customer-facing teams.

Relocation assistance is available for qualified candidates.

Product Development & Research

• Lead research, design, and development of new silicone and hybrid products from concept through commercialization.
• Develop and optimize one-part and two-part addition-cure RTV, HTV, and LSR systems, including greases, sealants, adhesives, elastomers, and coatings.
• Design and execute laboratory experiments to evaluate physical, chemical, mechanical, and curing properties.
• Lead R&D projects, including feasibility studies, proof-of-concept development, scale-up, and manufacturing transfer.
• Identify opportunities for product innovation, performance improvements, and new market applications.
• Evaluate raw materials, qualify suppliers, and assess emerging technologies.

Formulation Development & Optimization

• Develop, modify, and optimize formulations to improve product performance, manufacturability, cost, and environmental compliance.
• Troubleshoot formulation and processing challenges involving curing, adhesion, viscosity, durability, and environmental resistance.
• Apply root cause analysis and Design of Experiments (DOE) methodologies to resolve technical challenges.
• Evaluate alternative raw materials to improve product performance, supply stability, cost efficiency, and safety.
• Support product scale-up from laboratory development through pilot and full-scale manufacturing.

Testing & Technical Analysis

• Perform and interpret analytical, physical, chemical, and mechanical testing.
• Evaluate product performance under various environmental and application conditions.
• Analyze experimental data to optimize formulations and ensure product consistency.
• Ensure products meet internal quality standards, technical specifications, and customer requirements.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with manufacturing, engineering, quality, sales, and marketing teams to successfully transition new products into production.
• Provide technical support to customers, suppliers, and internal stakeholders.
• Troubleshoot manufacturing and field performance issues.
• Collaborate with customers to understand application requirements and translate them into technical solutions.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Polymer Science, Materials Science, or a related technical discipline.
• 7–10 years of laboratory experience, preferably within an industrial or manufacturing environment.
• Strong knowledge of silicone chemistry, including crosslinking mechanisms, curing systems, silicones, gels, greases, and hybrid materials.
• Experience with polymer formulation, material characterization, and product development.
• Familiarity with analytical testing techniques, DOE methodologies, and statistical analysis.
• Proficiency with laboratory instrumentation and interpretation of experimental data.
• Strong problem-solving, experimental design, and technical troubleshooting skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams.