Scientist

ITW•El Dorado Hills, CA

56d•$91,080 - $136,620•Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking a highly motivated Scientist to lead and execute R&D projects focused on the development and characterization of polymeric foams. This role involves designing, synthesizing, and optimizing polymer formulations for electronic-grade materials with applications in semiconductor devices. The Scientist will also be responsible for developing and scaling up manufacturing processes for these materials, ensuring compatibility with semiconductor fabrication standards. Collaboration with cross-functional teams is essential to translate research into scalable commercial solutions. The role requires evaluating new raw materials and additives to enhance foam properties and utilizing analytical tools to assess polymer and foam behavior. Staying current with industry trends and preparing technical reports and patents are also key aspects of this position.

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.