Principal Scientist

GEA Group • Romeoville, IL

2d • $100,000 - $118,000

About The Position

GEA Group, founded in Germany in 1881, is a global leader in engineering solutions, serving industries such as food and beverage, pharma, dairy, and more. With over 18,000 employees worldwide and a strong U.S. presence since 1929, GEA combines the heritage of a well-established company with the innovation of a forward-thinking industry leader. At GEA, we’re not just building equipment, we’re building lasting careers with an average employee tenure range from 5 to over 11+ years, reflecting the strong culture, growth opportunities, and support we provide. Working at GEA Group has significant benefits: • Start strong – Medical, dental, and vision coverage begins on your first day • Recharge and refresh – Enjoy 12 paid holidays, including a flexible floating holiday, and 136 hours of PTO to relax or explore • Invest in your future – A 7% 401(k) employer match helps grow your retirement savings faster • Keep learning – Take advantage of tuition reimbursement to further your education or skillset • Live well – Our wellness incentive program rewards healthy habits • Get support when you need it – Access to a confidential Employee Assistance Program for personal or professional guidance • Save smart – Flexible Health Savings and Spending Accounts to manage out-of-pocket expenses Responsibilities / Tasks Include but are not limited to the following. Other duties may be assigned as required. Plan, conduct and supervise day-to-day research projects. Design and prepare reports which detail cost of quality measurements and focus on changes required for improvement Identify and implement cost‑saving strategies, including raw material optimization, workflow efficiencies, and improved experimental approaches Report on all projects on a monthly basis or as required. Collaborate closely with cross‑functional partners in Manufacturing, Quality, and Supply Chain to ensure smooth project transitions and alignment with business goals Assist Product management, Dealers, Sales, Marketing and manufacturing with technical support. Mentor and develop a team of Chemists, providing technical guidance, performance feedback, and career development support Stay current with emerging technologies, industry trends, and best practices to strengthen the R&D pipeline and drive continuous improvement. Work with Universities and Contract Research Organizations (CRO’s) to develop clinical trial and other product support data Develop data to support registration of new products (EPA and other international markets) Adhere to all Company Safety Programs, Rules and Regulations, and Employee Procedural Guidelines.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in chemistry, or Chemical Engineering.
• Approximately 10 years of experience in chemical R&D, product development, or process development.
• 2+ years of experience managing a team of Research Chemists.
• Experience managing or mentoring direct reports, including workload planning and performance development.
• Demonstrated success leading complex scientific projects with measurable outcomes.
• Proven track record of identifying and implementing cost‑saving or efficiency‑driven improvements.
• Strong problem‑solving skills with the ability to translate experimental data into actionable insights.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to present technical information to both scientific and non‑technical audiences.
• Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced environment and manage multiple priorities effectively.
• Ability to lead complex scientific projects and deliver measurable results within established timelines.
• Strong knowledge of chemistry principles, theories, Wet Chemistry and laboratory techniques.
• Proficiency in designing and executing experiments, as well as analyzing and interpreting data.
• Ability to mentor and develop a high- performing team while fostering a collaborative and accountable work environment.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail to maintain accurate records and documentation.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations.
• Ability to use Microsoft Office, with specific emphasis on Excel and Word to generate research reports-matrices.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to effectively collaborate with team members and stakeholders.
• Knowledge of safety protocols and regulations related to chemical handling and laboratory practices.
• Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving skills to drive innovation and continuous improvement.
• Ability to work in a laboratory environment, including standing for extended periods, handling chemicals, and operating complex instrumentation.
• Ability to safely operate equipment including hand tools.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with AI tools and Desing of Experiments (DOE) is a strong plus.
• Experience improving cost efficiency through cost-of-goods- sold (COGS) optimization or process improvements is a valuable advantage.

Responsibilities

• Plan, conduct and supervise day-to-day research projects.
• Design and prepare reports which detail cost of quality measurements and focus on changes required for improvement
• Identify and implement cost‑saving strategies, including raw material optimization, workflow efficiencies, and improved experimental approaches
• Report on all projects on a monthly basis or as required.
• Collaborate closely with cross‑functional partners in Manufacturing, Quality, and Supply Chain to ensure smooth project transitions and alignment with business goals
• Assist Product management, Dealers, Sales, Marketing and manufacturing with technical support.
• Mentor and develop a team of Chemists, providing technical guidance, performance feedback, and career development support
• Stay current with emerging technologies, industry trends, and best practices to strengthen the R&D pipeline and drive continuous improvement.
• Work with Universities and Contract Research Organizations (CRO’s) to develop clinical trial and other product support data
• Develop data to support registration of new products (EPA and other international markets)
• Adhere to all Company Safety Programs, Rules and Regulations, and Employee Procedural Guidelines.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage begins on your first day
• Enjoy 12 paid holidays, including a flexible floating holiday, and 136 hours of PTO to relax or explore
• A 7% 401(k) employer match helps grow your retirement savings faster
• Take advantage of tuition reimbursement to further your education or skillset
• Our wellness incentive program rewards healthy habits
• Access to a confidential Employee Assistance Program for personal or professional guidance
• Flexible Health Savings and Spending Accounts to manage out-of-pocket expenses

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Principal
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees