Scientist

ITW•El Dorado, AR

54d•Onsite

About The Position

This role involves leading and executing R&D projects focused on the development and characterization of polymeric foams, including structure-property-performance relationships. The scientist will design, synthesize, and optimize polymer formulations for electronic-grade materials with applications in semiconductor devices. A key aspect of the role is to develop and scale up manufacturing processes for polymer materials, ensuring compatibility with semiconductor fabrication standards such as cleanroom protocols and low outgassing. The position requires cross-functional collaboration with materials scientists, process engineers, and product development teams to translate research into scalable commercial solutions. Responsibilities also include evaluating new raw materials, additives, and processing aids to enhance foam properties, thermal stability, dielectric performance, and mechanical strength. The scientist will utilize analytical tools like DSC, TGA, FTIR, SEM, and rheometry to assess polymer and foam behavior and stay updated on emerging trends in polymer science, semiconductor materials, and advanced manufacturing. The role also involves preparing technical reports and patents, and presenting findings to stakeholders and at scientific forums.

Requirements

Ph.D. in Polymer Science, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field. M.S. with extensive industrial experience will also be considered.
5+ years of experience in polymer foam development, semiconductor materials, or related process development roles.
Strong knowledge of polymer engineering principles, including foaming mechanisms (physical and chemical), polymer morphology, and rheology.
Experience tuning foam structure–property relationships such as density, cell size, mechanical strength, and thermal behavior.
Proficiency in experimental design, data analysis, and process optimization (DOE, Six Sigma, etc.).
Strong problem-solving skills, project management abilities, and an innovation-driven mindset.
Experience with material characterization tools such as FTIR, DSC, TGA, rheology, SEC, and microscopy.
Knowledge of Design of Experiments (DOE) and statistical process optimization methods.
Exposure to high-performance or industrial-scale manufacturing environments.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Nice To Haves

Experience in colloidal chemistry or electrochemistry is desirable.
Hands-on experience with semiconductor-compatible polymer materials, including low-k dielectrics, photoresists, or encapsulants, is highly desirable.
Experience with cleanroom operations and microfabrication processes.
Experience with polymer foams, including systems such as polyurethane (PU), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), epoxy foams, or related cellular materials.
Knowledge of foam processing technologies (e.g., foaming chemistry, gas generation systems, stabilization mechanisms, or microstructure control).
Familiarity with coatings, adhesives, elastomers, or specialty polymer systems.

Responsibilities

Lead and execute R&D projects focused on the development and characterization of polymeric foams, including structure-property-performance relationships.
Design, synthesize, and optimize polymer formulations for electronic-grade materials with applications in semiconductor devices.
Develop and scale up manufacturing processes for polymer materials, ensuring compatibility with semiconductor fabrication standards (e.g., cleanroom protocols, low outgassing).
Collaborate cross-functionally with materials scientists, process engineers, and product development teams to translate research into scalable commercial solutions.
Evaluate new raw materials, additives, and processing aids to enhance foam properties, thermal stability, dielectric performance, and mechanical strength.
Use analytical tools (e.g., DSC, TGA, FTIR, SEM, rheometry) to assess polymer and foam behavior under various process and environmental conditions.
Stay abreast of emerging trends and technologies in polymer science, semiconductor materials, and advanced manufacturing.
Prepare technical reports, patents, and present findings to internal stakeholders and at external scientific forums.