Principal Scientist, Global Refrigerant Program Lead Job

Arkema•Upper Merion Township, PA

8d•Onsite

About The Position

Arkema is seeking a Global Refrigerant Program Leader to drive the development and global adoption of next-generation, sustainable refrigerants. In this highly visible leadership role, you will shape technology strategy, influence global standards, and collaborate with customers and partners to accelerate innovation in thermal management. This position offers a unique opportunity to combine deep technical expertise with global leadership, impacting product development, customer solutions, and Arkema’s external reputation in the refrigerants industry. As the Global Refrigerant Program Leader, you will lead the thermal management technology platform on a global scale, drive the development and commercialization of sustainable refrigerant solutions, serve as Arkema’s technical voice with customers, partners, and industry organizations, and spend approximately one-third of your time in external-facing leadership, representing Arkema in trade associations and conferences. The role reports directly to the Global R&D Director, Fluorochemicals (France) and has a functional reporting line to the R&D Director, Downstream / Applications (King of Prussia, PA). It is part of the U.S. subsidiary of a large, multinational chemical company with a strong commitment to safety and sustainability. Joining Arkema means being at the forefront of sustainable refrigerant innovation with global impact, gaining high visibility across R&D, business leadership, and the broader industry, and working within a safety-driven, values-based organization that invests in people, technology, and long-term growth, collaborating with global experts while shaping the future of thermal management solutions.

Requirements

Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical field with 10–15 years of industrial experience in refrigeration and fluid chemistry or a Master’s degree with equivalent industrial experience
Proven experience in thermal management, HVACR, or related industries
Strong knowledge of thermodynamics and modern computational engineering tools such as ASPEN, REFPROP, or equivalent

Nice To Haves

Experience working in a global, matrixed organization is strongly preferred
Demonstrated track record of new product commercialization, driven through close customer interaction
Successful leadership of complex, cross‑functional projects from concept to market
Excellent written and oral communication skills, including technical presentations and conference speaking
Strong interpersonal skills with a collaborative, networking mindset
Ability to influence across cultures, functions, and seniority levels
Self‑starter with exceptional time management, project leadership, and decision‑making skills
Proven commitment to strong safety practices and responsible innovation

Responsibilities

Lead the thermal management technology platform on a global scale
Drive the development and commercialization of sustainable refrigerant solutions
Serve as Arkema’s technical voice with customers, partners, and industry organizations
Spend approximately one‑third of your time in external-facing leadership, representing Arkema in trade associations and conferences
Define and execute Arkema’s global technical strategy for refrigerants, aligned with sustainability and growth objectives
Develop and implement technology, product, and project roadmaps in partnership with Business Development and Marketing
Coordinate global R&D activities across regions to ensure alignment, execution excellence, and speed to market
Initiate, protect, and defend new and existing intellectual property, working closely with the legal team
Drive innovation through both internal research and external collaborations
Act as the primary technical interface with key OEM customers, co‑suppliers, and partners
Demonstrate the value of Arkema refrigerants within customer operations and applications
Represent Arkema in key industry committees, trade associations, and national/international technical conferences
Lead the thermal management platform in close coordination with the Business Manager
Partner with Marketing to identify new project opportunities and align global resources accordingly
Champion Arkema’s strong safety culture, ensuring safe practices across all technical and operational activities