Research and Development Ink Chemist
About The Position
The R&D Chemist designs and formulates inks, dispersions, and related chemical technologies using empirical design and modeling methods. The role combines formulation science, process development, scale-up, technical problem-solving, and cross-functional leadership to deliver solutions that meet performance, quality, regulatory, manufacturability, cost, and supply requirements. Work includes developing components and formulations to expand ink and printing-fluid attributes, optimizing inks for drop formation and the printing process, and collaborating with printer component designers on system-level changes to balance tradeoffs. Based in HP’s Chemistry Center of Excellence Organization in San Diego, the role supports innovative ink and fluid development for inkjet and other printing solutions. The chemist works with diverse teams to take products from concept through development and transfer to manufacturing, including system characterization, qualification, production readiness, and resolution of technical issues.
Requirements
- Ph.D. or M.S. in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Polymer Science, or a related field.
- Understanding of fundamental chemical mechanisms, including formulation development and dispersion technology; pigment and dye chemistry; polymers in solution; organic and inorganic nanoparticle suspensions; and interfacial and surface chemistry.
- Proficiency with appropriate analytical instruments and data interpretation.
- Wet chemistry or ink formulation experience.
- Strong written and spoken communication skills.
- Ability to creatively solve problems in a fast-paced product development environment.
- Ability to work and interact effectively, including remotely as needed, with team members from other disciplines, projects, organizations, cultures, and companies.
- Demonstrated leadership, teamwork/interpersonal, communication, and technical skills.
- Resourcefulness, creativity, and flexibility.
Nice To Haves
- Programming skills.
- Familiarity with printing technology and color science.
- Formulation experience is a plus.
Responsibilities
- Design and optimize ink, dispersion, and related formulations to achieve performance, quality, regulatory, manufacturability, cost, and supply objectives.
- Lead component development and technical projects from concept through product qualification and introduction.
- Participate in and lead cross-functional, pan-global teams.
- Apply expertise in formulation science, pigment and dye chemistry, polymers, colloidal systems, and surface chemistry to solve technical challenges.
- Design and execute experiments, analyze data, and translate findings into technical recommendations.
- Support print-system characterization, process development, manufacturing scale-up, technology transfer, and production readiness.
- Lead technical investigations and resolve formulation, process, quality, and manufacturing issues.
- Collaborate with manufacturing, quality, supply chain, regulatory, and supplier partners to deliver business objectives.
- Communicate technical progress, risks, and recommendations to stakeholders and management.
- Provide technical leadership, mentorship, and guidance to project teams and fellow chemists.
- Collaborate with printer component designers to implement system-level changes and balance component tradeoffs.
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision insurance
- Long-term and short-term disability insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible spending account
- Life insurance
- 4–12 weeks of fully paid parental leave based on tenure
- 11 paid holidays
- Additional flexible paid vacation and sick leave
- Bonus and/or equity opportunities
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
