Polymer Engineer

Role details

Polymer R&D Scientist / Engineer

LightSpeed Concepts, Inc. | Jackson, Michigan

About LightSpeed

LightSpeed Concepts develops and manufactures American-made industrial binder jet 3D printing systems for producing sand molds and cores used in metalcasting. We are advancing binder technologies to improve printing performance, casting quality, and manufacturing capabilities.

Position Summary

We are seeking a hands-on Polymer R&D Scientist / Engineer to research, formulate, test, and implement binder technologies for our industrial 3D printing systems.

The primary focus of this position is developing proprietary binder technologies, potentially including epoxy, UV-curable, or other chemical systems, to achieve reliable binder jetting and high-performance sand molds and cores for metalcasting. The successful candidate will combine applied chemistry and materials development skills with knowledge of binder jet additive manufacturing. This is an individual contributor position working collaboratively with LightSpeed’s existing technical team and external chemistry, printing, and materials specialists.

Key Responsibilities

Binder Research & Formulation • Research, formulate, and evaluate binder chemistries suitable for industrial binder jetting. • Conduct hands-on laboratory experiments to develop and optimize binder formulations. • Evaluate rheology, viscosity, surface tension, chemical stability, curing behavior, mechanical strength, and other relevant properties. • Investigate improvements in jetting performance, printed-part properties, casting compatibility, reliability, and cost. • Identify and resolve chemistry- and materials-related technical challenges.

Binder Jetting Development • Evaluate binder compatibility with industrial inkjet printheads and fluid delivery systems. • Conduct experiments involving droplet formation, jetting reliability, printhead operating parameters, and fluid behavior. • Collaborate with LightSpeed engineers and external specialists on waveform development and print process optimization. • Produce and evaluate printed sand molds and cores through mechanical testing, dimensional evaluation, and metalcasting trials. • Troubleshoot binder-related printing problems and establish repeatable operating parameters.

Technical Collaboration & Implementation • Work directly with chemical suppliers, research laboratories, printhead specialists, and other external technical partners. • Collaborate with LightSpeed’s engineering team to integrate binder technologies into printing equipment. • Design experiments, analyze findings, document results, and recommend next development steps. • Maintain organized formulation records, experimental data, and technical documentation. • Support the transition of successful binder formulations and processes into commercially viable products. • Contribute to identifying and protecting proprietary intellectual property.

Qualifications

Required • Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Polymer Science, Materials Science, Engineering, or a related technical discipline, or equivalent relevant experience. • Hands-on experience with chemical formulation and polymer systems. • Proven ability to design, execute, analyze, and document technical experiments. • Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and practical problem-solving skills. • Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a small technical team.

Preferred • Experience working with material suppliers and external research or development partners. • Experience with epoxy, UV-curable, furan, phenolic, or related reactive binder systems. • Direct experience with binder jet 3D printing. • Understanding of material properties relevant to jetting performance, including viscosity, rheology, surface tension, and fluid compatibility. • Knowledge of binder jet additive manufacturing, industrial inkjet printing, or closely related fluid deposition technologies. • Experience with printhead testing, waveform optimization, fluid delivery systems, and jetting reliability. • Knowledge of foundry processes and metalcasting applications. • Experience transitioning laboratory developments into industrial applications.

Ideal Candidate

We are looking for a curious, resourceful, hands-on technical professional who enjoys solving challenging chemistry and manufacturing problems. The ideal candidate combines scientific rigor with practical experimentation, is comfortable working with both laboratory equipment and industrial machinery, and takes ownership of technical challenges.

We welcome candidates at different career stages, including early-career scientists and engineers who demonstrate strong technical aptitude, relevant hands-on experience, and the ability to learn quickly.

Why Join LightSpeed? • Help develop proprietary binder technologies for an emerging industrial manufacturing application. • Work directly with innovative 3D printing equipment and advanced materials. • Take meaningful ownership of challenging technical development projects. • Collaborate with experienced engineers, specialized suppliers, and research partners. • Contribute to the advancement of American-made additive manufacturing technology.

Location: Jackson, Michigan | Employment Type: Full-time, on-site

LightSpeed Concepts is an equal opportunity employer.