Senior Chemical Research Engineer

Baker Hughes • Houston, TX

1d

About The Position

Baker Hughes is seeking a hands-on Research Chemist and Polymer Materials Scientist for its Completions & Well Intervention Organization in Houston, Texas. The role develops advanced polymer materials for demanding energy applications, focusing on the development, processing, testing, and qualification of high-performance thermoplastics, polyurethanes, foams, and other engineered polymer systems. The successful candidate will work directly in the laboratory to formulate materials, prepare and process samples, design experiments, develop test methods, investigate failures, and translate material concepts into practical product solutions. The role is suited to someone who enjoys open-ended R&D challenges and creating new materials, rather than only characterizing existing ones.

The position partners with product development, manufacturing, and engineering teams to move materials from concept through qualification and implementation. The Baker Hughes internal title for this role is Senior Engineer, Chemistry & Chemical, Research and Technology Development.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Chemistry, Polymer Science, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• At least three years of experience in a similar field.
• Strong background in polymer chemistry, materials science, and structure-property relationships.
• Demonstrated experience developing, formulating, or testing polymeric materials.
• Hands-on laboratory experience with material preparation, processing, and experimental testing.
• Ability to independently design experiments, interpret data, and solve complex technical problems.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Valid work authorization in the country of employment; the employer cannot sponsor work authorization for this role.

Nice To Haves

• Advanced degree in Chemistry, Polymer Science, Materials Science, or Chemical Engineering.
• Deep expertise in high-performance thermoplastics and/or polyurethane chemistry.
• Experience with PEEK, PPS, polyurethane elastomers, polymer foams, porous materials, or powder-based processing methods.
• Experience with compaction, sintering, curing, foaming, or related material-processing technologies.
• Experience with compatibility testing, reliability assessment, accelerated aging, and failure analysis.
• Experience supporting products used in high-temperature, high-pressure, or chemically aggressive environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of polymer materials, formulations, and processing methods for challenging engineering applications.
• Develop and optimize thermoplastic and thermoset materials, with emphasis on PEEK, PPS, polyurethanes, foams, porous materials, and related polymer systems.
• Design, execute, and analyze laboratory experiments to understand material performance and guide formulation improvements.
• Prepare, process, and test experimental materials and prototype samples.
• Develop approaches for making and evaluating materials when established methods, fixtures, or equipment do not exist.
• Perform material characterization and property evaluation using appropriate analytical, thermal, mechanical, and chemical testing techniques.
• Support material compatibility studies, accelerated aging programs, and qualification testing for demanding operating environments.
• Conduct material failure analysis and root-cause investigations to identify degradation mechanisms and recommend corrective actions.
• Partner with product development, manufacturing, and engineering teams to transition materials from concept through qualification and implementation.
• Document and communicate technical findings, recommendations, and development plans.

Benefits

• Contemporary work-life balance policies and wellbeing activities.
• Comprehensive private medical care options.
• Life insurance and disability programs.
• Tailored financial programs.
• Additional elected or voluntary benefits.
• Company-sponsored health and welfare programs.
• Thrift Plan (401k).
• Additional forms of compensation such as bonuses, subject to applicable benefit plans or policies.

What This Job Offers

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