Lead R&D Scientist

SACO AEI Polymers•Sheboygan, WI

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Lead/Senior Scientist is responsible for leading product development and polymer formulation efforts aimed at introducing new products, improving existing products, and reducing costs for the wire and cable market. This role sits at the intersection of formulation science, manufacturing, and customer application support, translating laboratory insight into practical, scalable solutions. The Lead/Senior Scientist applies sound polymer science, structured experimentation, and scientific curiosity to guide projects from initial concept through validation, while collaborating closely with cross-functional partners across R&D, Quality, Operations, Procurement, and Commercial teams. This is a hands-on technical leadership role. The Lead/Senior Scientist serves as a project and technical leader, providing guidance and mentorship to Associate Scientists, Development Scientists, and R&D or QA Technicians as needed during project assignments. The role requires strong judgment, the ability to prioritize multiple initiatives, and comfort working in laboratory, production, and customer environments.

Requirements

Strong foundation in polymer science and compound formulation
Ability to manage multiple projects while maintaining focus on priorities and timelines
Curiosity-driven problem solving with a practical, solutions-oriented mindset
Comfortable working across laboratory, manufacturing, and customer-facing environments
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Minimum of 6 years of experience in polymer formulation or the compounding/plastics industry
Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Polymer Engineering, Polymer Technology, or a related discipline
Experience with polymer extrusion and compounding processes (e.g., twin-screw extrusion , continuous mixing, kneaders, single-screw extrusion)
Experience in industrial product development tools: six sigma, design of experiment, voice of customer
Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without employer sponsorship now or in the future

Nice To Haves

Background in wire and cable compound development strongly preferred
PhD or MS in a scientific discipline
Familiarity polyolefins, crosslinked polyolefins, PVC, reactive extrusion, wire and cable, flame retardant thermoplastics
Project management experience
Global experience

Responsibilities

Lead a portfolio of product development and technology improvement projects aligned with business priorities
Formulate and optimize polymer compounds for wire and cable applications, including systems such as XLPE, chlorinated polyethylene, low-smoke zero-halogen, and automotive materials
Support the full project lifecycle, from idea generation through verification and validation
Design and execute laboratory testing and structured experiments to evaluate material performance
Apply statistical thinking and design of experiments to assess data and guide decisions
Utilize analytical tools such as DSC, TGA, rheology, and FTIR to support development work
Partner with R&D, QA, Operations and technicians to plan and execute work safely and efficiently, ensuring high-quality data and deliverables.
Collaborate with Commercial teams and customers to understand application requirements, translate voice-of-customer inputs into technical targets, and support successful product adoption.
Host and participate in cross-functional project reviews and technical discussions
Prepare clear technical reports and summaries to communicate findings to technical and non-technical audiences
Leverage literature research, patents, and internal learnings to generate new project ideas
Help convert experimental insight into durable product and process knowledge for the organization