Advanced Characterization Scientist – Mechanical and Thermal Analysis

Qnity•Newark, DE

About The Position

Qnity’s Chemical Mechanical Planarization Technologies (CMPT) business is seeking a highly motivated Scientist to join the Advanced Characterization Group in Newark, Delaware. The successful candidate will serve as a technical authority in mechanical and thermal characterization, providing advanced scientific expertise to support product development, manufacturing challenges, and customer needs. The Scientist will independently lead the development, optimization, validation, and application of analytical methods, particularly for complex, advanced, or emerging characterization capabilities. The role involves designing experiments, interpreting material behavior, connecting analytical findings to material structure, processing, and product performance, and translating complex results into clear technical conclusions and recommendations. The successful candidate will collaborate with Scientists, Engineers, and Technologists in a multidisciplinary environment. The position offers the opportunity to deepen specialization in mechanical and thermal analysis and develop broader technical leadership within the CMPT business.

Requirements

Ph.D. in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related scientific or engineering field; alternatively, an M.S. in a related field with substantial relevant industrial or applied research experience.
Strong knowledge of thermal and mechanical principles and techniques.
Demonstrated experience independently developing, optimizing, or applying analytical methods through doctoral research, industrial work, or other applied research.
Experience with Python, MATLAB, or comparable scientific computing tools for data processing, analysis, visualization, automation, or modeling.
Demonstrated ability to solve problems independently with strong attention to detail.
Effective communication and collaboration skills across diverse teams.
Working knowledge of statistical methods and related software such as JMP or Minitab.
Demonstrated commitment to safe laboratory practices.

Nice To Haves

Previous experience in the electronics or semiconductor industry.
Knowledge of polymer physics and the thermomechanical properties of polyurethanes, thermosets, or porous composite structures.
Industrial experience applying analytical characterization to product development, manufacturing support, customer needs, or materials-related problem solving.
Experience introducing a new analytical method, instrument, or characterization capability.
Experience with other diverse analytical methods.

Responsibilities

Serve as a technical authority in mechanical and thermal analysis and develop into a recognized subject-matter expert for the CMPT business.
Independently lead development, validation, optimization, and implementation of mechanical and thermal characterization methods, with primary responsibility for technically complex equipment, emerging capabilities, and analytical problems requiring advanced scientific interpretation.
Apply advanced knowledge of material behavior to interpret complex results and connect mechanical and thermal properties to material structure, processing, and product performance.
Provide technical guidance for novel, ambiguous, or multidisciplinary analytical challenges.
Evaluate emerging analytical technologies and recommend opportunities to expand or improve laboratory capabilities.
Establish leading practices for method performance, data quality, technical documentation, and scientific interpretation.
Design and execute experiments supporting product development, customer needs, and manufacturing challenges.
Provide technical coaching and mentoring to Technologists and Technicians while supporting a collaborative and independent working environment.
Partner with cross-functional teams, including R&D, Manufacturing, Field Service, and Quality, to solve complex technical problems.
Communicate technical findings, limitations, and recommendations to technical and nontechnical stakeholders.
Work safely in an R&D environment and actively participate in company and site safety programs.
Use statistical tools such as JMP and Minitab to support data-driven decisions.