Research & Development Chemist

MyHR Partner, Inc • Upper Mount Bethel Township, PA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Custom Laminating Corporation (CLC) is seeking a Research & Development Chemist for their Mt Bethel, PA location. This is a hands-on, lab-forward role where the chemist will contribute to the development of formulations for life-saving fire shelters and advanced building and automotive laminates. The role is part of a small, tight-knit R&D team embedded within the manufacturing operation, allowing for quick transitions from bench to plant floor and direct collaboration with leadership. The position is a backfill for an employee who was promoted, indicating growth opportunities within the company.

Requirements

• Hands-on formulation experience — adhesives, coatings, water-based polymers, or a closely adjacent applied chemistry strongly preferred
• A BS/MS in Chemistry, Materials Science, or related field with 3–5 years of industry experience
• Lab safety as a personal standard
• Thorough, consistent documentation habits
• A team-first attitude
• Experience is purely formulation-based and applied, not synthesis-based or academic
• Comfort working in a team of three where roles are broad
• Genuine curiosity about new developments in the field and a commitment to continuous learning

Nice To Haves

• Familiarity with polymer types: acrylics, urethanes, water-based systems
• Experience with laminates, coatings, paints, or converting processes
• Exposure to roll-to-roll or manufacturing-adjacent environments
• Knowledge of flame retardants or silicone-based chemistries
• Familiarity with analytical tools: FTIR, DSC, DMA, rheology
• Understanding of markets served: automotive, building & construction, fire protection, and electronics

Responsibilities

• Formulating and testing water-based adhesives and coatings for new multi-layer industrial laminates
• Running the full lab cycle: make the adhesive, coat it, laminate it, test it, refine it
• Maintaining a thorough lab notebook
• Getting on the plant floor for production trials and scale-up work
• Recommending materials (films, foils, fabrics, adhesives, reinforcements) to meet customer specs and cost targets
• Troubleshooting process or product challenges alongside the team and external subject matter experts
• Reading the latest developments in polymer chemistry and bringing fresh ideas back to the bench
• Contributing to a safe, clean, and organized lab environment

Benefits

• Company-paid medical, dental, and vision benefits
• Profit sharing
• Competitive salary
• 401(k)
• Flexible PTO
• Relocation assistance considered for the right candidate

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level