Senior Technical Development Engineer

BASF SE

5d • $140,000 - $180,000 • Remote

About The Position

We are looking for a Senior Technical Development Engineer to join our Performance Materials team.

Come create chemistry with us!

The Performance Materials division is at the forefront of the much-needed sustainability transformation in plastics. Our experts co-create products with customers to bring innovations to major industry sectors such as transportation, consumer goods, industrial applications, and construction.These solutions contribute to a sustainable future by pushing the boundaries in thermal resistance, robustness and lightweight applications.

We are seeking an enthusiastic, customer‑focused Senior Technical Development Engineer with an entrepreneurial mindset to join our Performance Materials team in North America. In this role, you will lead technical projects, collaborate closely with customers, and drive market growth in partnership with Sales and Marketing. This position is remote‑based in Metro Detroit and requires up to 40% local travel to customer sites.

You will serve as a trusted technical partner to customers across transportation, industrial, and consumer markets delivering innovative material solutions while representing BASF as an industry leader in engineering plastics.

Requirements

• A Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Materials, Chemical, Plastics Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• Demonstrated experience in technical engineering roles involving plastics or polymer‑based materials.
• Deep knowledge of plastic materials, including technical performance, application requirements, processing considerations, and customer value propositions.
• Strong organizational and project management capabilities, with proven ability to manage multiple technical projects and priorities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, enabling effective interaction with customers, internal teams, and external partners.
• Self‑directed, entrepreneurial mindset with a strong drive to build relationships, grow opportunities, and deliver results.
• Willingness and ability to travel up to 40% within North America.

Responsibilities

• Leveraging your background in Electrical, Mechanical, Materials, Chemical, or Plastics Engineering to co‑develop transportation, industrial, and consumer applications using BASF’s Performance Materials engineering plastics portfolio.
• Applying your technical knowledge to identify customer material needs, support new material development, and create material and component test plans. Collaborating closely with formulation scientists, technicians, and external laboratory partners to execute testing programs.
• Participating in technical panels and standards committees (e.g., SAE, UL), author or contribute to new regulatory standards, and represent BASF by presenting at conferences and webinars. Training customers and internal colleagues on plastic material properties and best practices in plastic component design.
• Developing strong customer relationships as a highly motivated, self‑directed professional and growing new opportunities in close collaboration with commercial team members.
• Clearly articulating the value proposition of BASF materials through effective technical communication. Using your strong interpersonal skills to influence, advise, and establish long‑term partnerships while delivering best-in-class technical service.
• Demonstrating a strong commitment to customer service excellence by taking ownership of customer issues, solving complex technical challenges, and acting as the voice of the customer with urgency and accountability.
• Leading technical projects by applying proven project management skills to organize technical resources, align cross‑functional partners, and deliver timely, differentiated, and value‑added solutions that exceed customer expectations.

Benefits

• Flexible work arrangements whenever possible
• Highly competitive retirement savings plan with company match and investment options
• Well-being programs that include comprehensive mental health support for you and your household family members
• Family forming benefits (fertility, adoption and surrogacy reimbursement, maternity/parental leave, and more)
• Back-up child and elder care with discount programs for families of all ages and stages
• Mentoring and career development opportunities that allow you to share, learn, and thrive
• Matching gifts program that allows you to deepen the impact of your contributions to qualified charities.
• Employee crisis support for when the unexpected happens
• Access to our BASF wine cellar, employee discounts, and much more!

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees