Senior Scientist - Polymers
About The Position
The Senior Polymer Scientist provides technical leadership and conducts research to support innovation across Corning businesses, including Mobile Consumer Electronics, Optical Communications, Life Sciences, Automotive, and Emerging Materials Technologies. The role calls for broad technical expertise, a strong drive for innovation, and the ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams. The position owns polymer material development projects, leads new materials, formulations, and forming processes from concept through qualification and manufacturing scale-up, and mentors scientists, specialists, and technicians. It also coordinates with materials laboratories on characterization and performance testing and builds understanding of polymer structure-property-processing relationships to improve product performance and manufacturability. The role is accountable for laboratory and manufacturing safety and compliance with company values and policies.
Requirements
- Ph.D. in Polymer Science, Polymer Engineering, Plastics Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field; alternatively, a Master's degree in a related discipline with 5+ years of relevant industry experience.
- Broad experience across polymer material systems, including thermoplastics, thermosets, elastomers, adhesives, composites, and filled materials.
- Proven technical leadership, sound engineering judgment, and ability to drive projects independently.
- Working knowledge of polymer manufacturing processes such as injection molding, extrusion, compounding, lamination, or composite fabrication methods.
- Strong collaboration skills with cross-functional teams.
- Hands-on experience with polymer characterization techniques, including FTIR, TGA, DSC, DMA, TMA, NMR, UV-Vis, GPC, GC, MS, or equivalent methods.
Nice To Haves
- Familiarity with glass fiber composites, highly filled plastics, additives, reinforcements, and formulation development.
- Knowledge of polymer durability, environmental aging, reliability testing, and failure analysis.
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects with clear priorities, schedules, and deliverables.
Responsibilities
- Maintain accountability for laboratory and manufacturing safety while adhering to company values and policies.
- Serve as a technical expert and project owner for polymeric material development efforts.
- Mentor scientists, specialists, and technicians in formulation, testing, and process development activities.
- Lead development of new polymer materials, formulations, and forming processes from concept through qualification and manufacturing scale-up.
- Coordinate with materials laboratories to plan, prioritize, and interpret characterization and performance testing.
- Develop fundamental understanding of polymer structure-property-processing relationships and apply it to improve product performance and manufacturability.
Benefits
- Company-wide bonuses and long-term incentives.
- A 100% company-paid pension benefit with fixed contributions.
- Matching contributions to a 401(k) savings plan; total company retirement contributions can reach between 7% and 12% of pay depending on age and years of service.
- Medical, dental, and vision benefits.
- Paid parental leave and family building support.
- Fitness benefits.
- Company-paid life insurance and disability benefits.
- Disease management programs.
- Paid time off.
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
- Recognition program to celebrate successes and reward exceptional contributions.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
