Polyurethane Formulation Chemist – Sealants & Adhesives

Role details

About Pecora

Pecora Corporation has been manufacturing high-performance sealants, adhesives, coatings and waterproofing systems for the construction industry for more than a century. Our products are specified on commercial buildings across North America, and our polyurethane, silicone, hybrid and acrylic technologies are utilized in curtain walls, expansion joints, concrete deck systems, and air barrier systems. We're adding an experienced polyurethane bench chemist to our R&D lab.

The Role

This is a hands-on lab position for a chemist who enjoys formulating and synthesis. You'll work at the bench and report to the R&D Manager. You'll design and make polyurethane prepolymers, build them into finished formulations, run the experiments and produce data that moves development forward. The person we want can plan and run their own lab work with little supervision, solve problems on their own and produce reliable results.

Responsibilities

• Design and synthesize isocyanate-terminated polyurethane prepolymers in the lab, including choosing polyols and isocyanates, setting NCO:OH ratios and controlling reaction conditions

• Monitor and characterize prepolymer reactions (%NCO titration, viscosity, FTIR, molecular weight and stability), and adjust processes to hit target properties

• Build prepolymers into one- and two-component polyurethane sealants, adhesives and coatings for construction applications

• Plan and run lab experiments on your own, including DOE, to improve performance, cost, shelf stability and processability

• Test alternate polyols, isocyanates and other raw materials, and report how they affect prepolymer and finished-product performance

• Run and interpret physical and analytical tests to industry standards (ASTM C920, C719, C661, C1135 and related methods)

• Support pilot-scale and production reactor trials by passing along lab synthesis parameters and helping troubleshoot scale-up

• Carry out lab investigations that support Quality and Technical Service on production or field issues

• Keep thorough, accurate lab notebooks and write clear test results and technical summaries

• Keep the lab safe and well organized, including correct handling of isocyanates and other reactive materials

Qualifications

• B.S. or M.S. in Chemistry, Polymer Science, Chemical Engineering or a related field

• At least [3–5] years of hands-on polyurethane experience in sealants, adhesives or coatings, covering both prepolymer synthesis and formulation

• Hands-on experience running lab-scale prepolymer reactions (glass reactors, temperature control, nitrogen blanketing, moisture exclusion)

• Solid understanding of isocyanate chemistry (MDI, TDI, aliphatic isocyanates), polyether and polyester polyols, chain extenders, catalysts and reaction kinetics

• Working knowledge of moisture-cure systems, plasticizers, fillers and rheology modifiers

• Construction or building-envelope industry experience strongly preferred

• Hands-on experience with lab equipment and test methods (planetary/high-speed mixers, FTIR, viscometers/rheometers, NCO titration, tensile/elongation, adhesion, cure rate)

• Self-motivated and detail-oriented, able to manage your own lab workload and priorities

• Good written and verbal communication for reporting results

Preferred

• Experience with hybrid/STPE or silane-terminated polyurethane polymer chemistries

• Experience with FTIR, TGA, Karl Fisher, and various analytical procedures and equipment.

• Familiarity with ASTM and ISO requirements for construction sealants

• Experience moving prepolymer processes from lab to production reactors

What We Offer

• Competitive salary

• Comprehensive benefits: [medical, dental, vision, 401(k), PTO]

• A hands-on synthesis and formulation role with real influence on products specified on construction projects nationwide

• A collaborative R&D environment within an established, growing manufacturer

To Apply

Send your résumé to [email protected]

*Pecora Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer.*