Position Overview

A Materials Solutions client of ours is searching for a Senior Chemist to lead R&D initiatives and technical support for our growing line of specialty rigid vinyl compounds. In this impactful role, you’ll design, formulate, and commercialize innovative products to meet customer and market needs while ensuring performance, quality, and regulatory standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and commercialize innovative rigid vinyl compounds (including CPVC, high-heat, foam, composites, recycled content)
• Translate market and customer requirements into commercially viable rigid formulations
• Lead raw material evaluations and approvals; collaborate with Procurement to ensure high-performing, reliable supply
• Author and review Technical Data Sheets (TDS), Safety Data Sheets (SDS), and regulatory documents; ensure compliance with relevant standards (e.g., Prop 65, REACH, ROHS, UL, NSF, ASTM)
• Maintain accurate technical documentation and test records
• Coordinate process scale-up, sample production, and plant trials, working with Manufacturing and Quality
• Provide technical support and troubleshooting to customers, including on-site presentations and processing trials (up to 20% travel)
• Analyze and qualify new raw materials, support outside partner evaluations, and foster technical partnerships
• Support the sales team with technical service, product introductions, and customer solutions

Competencies

• Expert-level formulation experience with rigid vinyls (PVC, CPVC, rigid foam, composites, recycled content)
• Strong background in compounding processes and equipment (Banbury, twin-screw extrusion, etc.)
• Knowledge of stabilizers, lubricants, impact modifiers, process aids, and functional fillers; experience with flame-retardant systems, weatherability, and color formulation is a plus
• Skillful in interpreting rheology, thermal analysis (DSC, TGA), mechanical testing, and analytical characterization (FTIR, XRF, etc.)
• Thorough knowledge of regulatory frameworks (ASTM, UL, NSF, ISO9001, Prop 65, REACH, ROHS)
• Solid project management abilities; able to prioritize multiple projects and requests
• Demonstrated customer-facing success—leading discussions, reviews, presentations, technical trials, and troubleshooting
• Resourceful, self-directed leadership with strong collaboration skills across teams
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills for effective communication with technical teams, customers, sales, production, and vendors
• Values alignment: integrity, trust, respect, resourcefulness, continuous improvement, and teamwork

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or Plastics Engineering (MS or higher preferred)
• 8+ years of technical experience in rigid vinyl/polymer compounding, with a focus on rigid PVC and related specialties
• At least 5 years in customer-facing technical roles (product development, project reviews, troubleshooting, etc.)
• Experience in regulatory compliance (Prop 65, REACH, ROHS, UL, NSF, ASTM, AAMA, ISO9001) is strongly preferred