LEAD SCIENTIST MATERIALS

Kimberly-Clark • Neenah, WI

1d • $87,260 - $107,780 • Hybrid

About The Position

Kimberly-Clark is hiring a Lead Scientist Materials to lead material qualification and development work that supports product innovation and commercialization. The role partners with Product, Process, Manufacturing, Supply, PC project teams, and material suppliers to translate consumer needs and product performance targets into material solutions. The successful candidate will lead materials work streams, advance qualification and validation activities, and help move materials from prototypes toward commercial-scale demonstrations and launches. Work must comply with corporate safety, regulatory, product safety, and sustainability requirements. The position combines independent work with collaboration across cross-functional teams and uses a flexible work model that blends remote work with intentional in-person collaboration. Travel may be required up to 15–30%, including some international travel. The role is based at the Neenah - West R&E Office; local candidates must already be authorized to work in the role’s country, and relocation support is not provided.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or advanced degree in a related scientific or engineering discipline.
• At least 2 years of industry experience in research or engineering, product/material development, project management, or other related experience.
• Demonstrated ability to work as part of a team and across functional boundaries to complete projects within required timeframes.
• Exceptional ability to communicate and translate complex technical concepts to others.
• Ability to travel up to 15–30% if needed, including some international travel.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with vendor management.
• Experience analyzing material properties and their impact on product performance.
• Experience in materials development, including translating material development needs from prototype to commercial-scale demonstrations and completing material and product validations.
• Experience leading material and product commercial launch activities with global manufacturing partners.
• International experience in a global organization.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead material qualification plans in partnership with Product, Process, Manufacturing, and Supply teams.
• Collaborate with Product teams to understand consumer needs and product performance targets.
• Collaborate with PC project teams to ensure material qualification development and commercialization work progresses effectively.
• Collaborate with key material suppliers to build relationships and develop technologies that accelerate innovation.
• Lead the materials work stream for projects.
• Ensure all work complies with corporate safety, regulatory, product safety, and sustainability requirements.
• Work independently with limited instruction and as part of larger cross-functional teams.

Benefits

• Flexible work model that blends remote work with intentional in-person collaboration.
• Eligibility for a target bonus.
• 401(k) plan.
• Profit Sharing plan.
• Comprehensive benefits suite.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior