Principle Engineer - Polymer Materials

STENA•Baltimore, MD

4d•$130,000 - $170,000•Onsite

About The Position

ST Engineering MRAS is seeking a Principle Engineer – Polymer Materials to serve as a senior technical authority for polymer science, composite materials, and advanced resin systems used across MRAS’s development and production programs. In this role, you will lead the research, synthesis, formulation, characterization, evaluation, and qualification of polymer-based materials—including matrix resins, adhesives, films, coatings, and composite systems—supporting both new technology development and production maturation. You will partner with cross‑functional engineering, R&D, quality, production, and supplier teams to ensure our materials meet performance, processing, durability, and regulatory requirements. This role is ideal for a highly technical, hands‑on engineer with a passion for understanding polymers at the molecular level and translating those insights into manufacturable composite technologies for next-generation aerostructures.

Requirements

Ph.D. in Chemistry with a specialization in polymer materials, ceramic–polymer nanocomposites, thermosets, and advanced materials systems.
More than 8 years of experience in polymer synthesis, advanced composites, thermoset chemistry, nanocomposites, and multifunctional material development for high-performance applications.
Expertise in polymer synthesis, functionalization, and structure–property relationships, including benzoxazine, epoxy, polyurethane, polyamide, PVC, elastomeric systems, and ceramic‑reinforced composites.
Strong hands-on experience with polymer and composite characterization, including FTIR, NMR, DSC, TGA, DMA, SEM, rheometry (ARES G2), mechanical testing, and cure kinetics analysis.
Proven record of designing, developing, and optimizing thermosets, polymer–ceramic nanocomposites, and multifunctional composite materials for aerospace and high-performance applications.
Experience leading end-to-end R&D, including material synthesis, purification, formulation, scaling, processing, and laboratory-to-pilot transition activities.
Demonstrated ability to conduct thermal, mechanical, dielectric, insulation, and aging studies for materials intended for demanding environments.
Strong cross-functional collaboration skills—capable of partnering with engineering, manufacturing, and research teams to translate material innovations into deployable components and manufacturable composite systems.
Excellent scientific communication skills, with a substantial record of peer-reviewed publications in polymer science, composites, dielectric materials, and advanced nanocomposites.
This position involves access to export-controlled technology which requires U.S. Person status or government authorization. A ‘U.S. Person,’ as defined by 22 C.F.R. §120.62, includes U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, individuals lawfully admitted for permanent residence (green card holders), and individuals granted asylum or refugee status in the United States. To be considered for this position, you must either be a U.S. Person or fall within a legally recognized export control exception or authorization. If hired, you will be required to provide valid proof of such status.

Nice To Haves

Deep technical strength in polymer chemistry, composite synthesis, nanocomposite engineering, and high-performance thermoset development.
Strong background performing structure–property analyses, dielectric behavior evaluations, and environmental/aging studies under multi-stress conditions.
Demonstrated leadership in academia and industry through mentoring, supervising research, and guiding milestone-driven materials R&D programs.
Hands-on experience with composite processing, resin infusion, extrusion, compression molding, thermal processing, and densification techniques.
Creative, analytical, and research-driven mindset with an established track record of delivering innovative polymer material systems from concept through validation.
Excellent aptitude for cross-functional problem solving, including resolving complex materials issues using advanced testing and characterization tools.
Evidence of scientific leadership and innovation through multi-publication contributions in high-impact journals focused on polymers, composites, and sustainable materials systems.

Responsibilities

Lead development of new polymer resin systems, adhesives, toughened matrix systems, and composite formulations for advanced structures.
Direct synthesis, chemical modification, and formulation of polymer systems to achieve desired structural, processing, and durability characteristics.
Develop new or improved composite lay-up, cure, bonding, and consolidation processes linked to material chemistry.
Act as the technical focal point for all polymer material selection, performance definition, and risk assessment.
Establish and lead test programs for polymer materials including chemical, thermal, rheological, physical, and mechanical characterization.
Analyze material behavior under various environmental, structural, and processing conditions.
Develop and maintain material specifications, process specifications, and qualification plans.
Ensure compliance with customer requirements, regulatory standards, and industry specifications for composite materials.
Work with manufacturing and process engineering teams to translate polymer material behavior into robust production processes.
Support development of prototype parts, early process trials, and validation builds used to test new material systems.
Investigate material-processing interactions (viscosity, cure kinetics, consolidation behavior, tack, drape, etc.) to support manufacturability and scalability.
Provide expert technical guidance to multidisciplinary teams working on composite demonstrators, new product development, and advanced technology programs.
Collaborate with suppliers, academia, and research institutes on polymer science innovation and material development partnerships.
Deliver clear technical direction, documentation, and reporting to customers, leadership, and internal stakeholders.
Lead root‑cause analysis of polymer and composite material deviations, defects, or process issues.
Recommend material or process adjustments based on performance deviations and end‑use requirements.
Develop and sustain continuous improvement initiatives related to material robustness, durability, quality, and long-term performance.