Product Development Chemist
About The Position
As a Product Development Chemist on Momentive’s Urethane Additives Technology Team, you will develop the next generation of materials used in polyurethane slabstock foam. You will design, synthesize, formulate, test, and optimize additive technologies that improve foam performance across comfort, automotive, medical, and specialty applications. You will collaborate with a global R&D network to advance products from concept through commercialization and help expand Momentive’s urethane additives portfolio. The role also supports market introduction and the existing slabstock foam additive portfolio. You will partner with technical service, commercial teams, and customers across North America to provide application guidance, help optimize formulations, and address foam-manufacturing challenges. The position requires onsite presence five days per week, Monday through Friday, and travel of up to 20%. Applicants must be authorized to work for any U.S. employer; visa sponsorship is not available. The role is eligible for incentive or sales variable compensation. Momentive describes its total rewards and development programs as including health, dental, and vision coverage; paid parental leave and adoption and surrogacy reimbursement; short-term disability; counseling and care-finding assistance; paid time off and holidays; a 401(k) plan with employer contributions; a student debt pay-off program; professional development; and wellness and financial education programs.
Requirements
- PhD with 0–3+ years of relevant experience, or a master’s degree with 3+ years of experience in polymer-related product development and/or customer technical service.
- Strong knowledge of organic and/or polymer chemistry.
- Experience with standard laboratory practices, structural characterization, and related analytical techniques.
- Interest in applied science, industrial processes, and new product development from laboratory through pilot scale.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and projects in a cross-functional, global team environment.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills in English.
- Willingness to travel up to 20% to support customer engagement and understand product and application needs.
Nice To Haves
- PhD or master’s degree in Chemistry, Polymer Science, or a related field.
- 5+ years of R&D experience in new product development and pilot-scale testing.
- Experience with polyurethane foam technology and additives.
- Experience with surfactant applications and characterization.
- Self-motivated, with strong technical curiosity and a passion for innovation.
Responsibilities
- Lead laboratory development projects from concept through pilot-scale evaluation, including experiments in synthesis, characterization, and performance testing.
- Maintain laboratory safety practices and comply with local regulations and company EHS policies, contributing to the team’s safety culture.
- Own and drive assigned New Product Development & Introduction projects, managing timelines, cross-functional input, and milestones.
- Collaborate with the global Slabstock Technology team and align project work with global R&D priorities.
- Partner with selected slabstock foam customers across North America to introduce new technologies, provide technical guidance, and support product adoption.
- Identify potential innovations and support invention disclosures and other intellectual-property documentation.
- Assist with qualification of alternative suppliers for key raw materials used in slabstock foam additives.
- Represent the company at industry conferences, technical seminars, and exhibitions as appropriate.
- Provide application support for the existing slabstock foam additive portfolio, helping customers optimize formulations and solve manufacturing challenges.
Benefits
- Health, dental, and vision insurance, including critical illness coverage and optional orthodontia coverage.
- Paid parental leave for the birth of a child; adoption and surrogacy reimbursement.
- Short-term disability with 100% base salary coverage.
- Company-funded counseling (EAP) and assistance finding care for children, parents, or pets.
- 25 days of paid time off plus paid holidays, with additional time off based on years of service.
- 401(k) savings plan with a 5% employer match plus an additional contribution based on years of service.
- Student debt pay-off program.
- Professional development programs and courses.
- Wellness programs and financial education.
- Eligible for incentive or sales variable compensation payments.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
