Polymer or Materials Scientist/Chemist – Outdoor Living Solutions

Continental Group Sector ContiTech•Winchester, VA

13d•$70,000 - $108,000•Onsite

About The Position

Responsible for the development, optimization, and industrialization of innovative polymer material multilayer film solutions for Outdoor Living applications. This role involves developing new formulations, product concepts, and multilayer film product solutions that meet performance, cost, sustainability, and customer requirements. The position requires planning, executing, and evaluating development projects from concept generation through product launch and commercialization. Key activities include developing and optimizing films, laminates, composite materials, multilayer films, and other polymer-based functional materials, ensuring products meet demanding requirements regarding weatherability, UV resistance, hydrolysis resistance, abrasion performance, cleanability, and long-term durability. The role also involves evaluating new raw materials, polymers, additives, pigments, and emerging technologies, conducting material characterization, laboratory investigations, root cause analysis, and technical problem-solving. Support for scale-up and industrialization activities, development of technical specifications, testing protocols, validation plans, and technical documentation are also crucial. Collaboration with various internal departments (Product Management, Sales, Operations, Quality, Supply Chain, Purchasing) and external technology partners is essential, as is providing technical support to customers, suppliers, and project teams.

Requirements

Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Polymer Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related scientific discipline.
Strong expertise in polymer chemistry, formulation development, material characterization, and product development processes.
Successful track record in managing and executing complex product development projects from concept through commercialization.
Knowledge of material characterization techniques, testing methodologies, Design of Experiments (DOE), and statistical analysis tools.
Strong analytical thinking, scientific problem-solving capabilities, and a structured, data-driven approach to product development.
Demonstrated ability to generate innovative ideas and translate them into material solutions.
Excellent communication and presentation skills with the ability to interact effectively with customers, suppliers, and internal stakeholders.
High level of initiative, accountability, and results orientation.
Fluent English language skills, both written and spoken.
Willingness to travel internationally as required.
Collaborative team player with a passion for polymer science, material innovation, and sustainable product development.

Nice To Haves

Preferrable industrial experience in polymer development, coatings, films, composites, technical textiles, or related advanced material technologies
International environmental working area and cross-functional development team experience preferred.
Experience in Outdoor Living, Furniture, Marine, Architectural, Protective Cover, Technical Textile, or Specialty Materials markets
Familiarity with extrusion, coating, lamination, and converting processes used in advanced material manufacturing

Responsibilities

Development, optimization, and industrialization of innovative polymer material multilayer film solutions for Outdoor Living applications.
Develop new formulations, product concepts, and multilayer film product solutions that meet performance, cost, sustainability, and customer requirements.
Plan, execute, and evaluate development projects from concept generation through product launch and commercialization.
Develop and optimize films, laminates, composite materials, multilayer films, and other polymer-based functional materials.
Ensure products meet demanding requirements regarding weatherability, UV resistance, hydrolysis resistance, abrasion performance, cleanability, and long-term durability.
Evaluate new raw materials, polymers, additives, pigments, and emerging technologies with respect to technical performance and commercial viability.
Conduct material characterization, laboratory investigations, root cause analysis, and technical problem-solving activities.
Support scale-up and industrialization activities, ensuring smooth transfer of new developments from laboratory to manufacturing.
Develop technical specifications, testing protocols, validation plans, and technical documentation required for product approval and market introduction.
Collaborate closely with Product Management, Sales, Operations, Quality, Supply Chain, Purchasing, and external technology partners throughout the development process.
Provide technical support to customers, suppliers, and project teams regarding product development, optimization, qualification, and troubleshooting activities.