2027 Burbank PhD Program - Aerospace Product Developer

PPG; Burbank (CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Burbank, California-based aerospace product developer role at PPG focuses on developing seals, adhesives, and coatings from concept to commercialization. You will work on environmentally friendlier products, collaborating with commercial and aviation partners to ensure performance and beauty across lifecycles.

The role emphasizes hands-on formulation work, cross-functional teamwork, and opportunity to contribute to new technologies and product launches within PPG’s aerospace portfolio.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with a customer-focused mindset.
• Available to travel 10-20% annually.

Responsibilities

• Use the scientific method and DOE to develop new formulations meeting customer and market needs.
• Develop novel testing techniques and new technology to solve unmet customer needs.
• Collaborate with aerospace team to derisk material obsolescence and impact on product qualifications.
• Leverage PPG capabilities and labs to bring in relevant technology and tools.
• Drive excellence in technical reporting and patent filing where applicable.
• Collaborate with manufacturing, marketing, and sales to launch new products and technologies and lead problem solving during launch.
• Act as the primary technical contact for customers regarding qualification status and updates.

Skills

Communication skills

Customer-focused

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor's/Master's/PhD in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science

Job description

Burbank California

Aerospace Product Developer

Burbank California

As an Aerospace Product Developer, you will be at the forefront of growth in the aerospace industry. In this on‑site role, you will collaborate with versatile teams to develop aerospace sealant, adhesives, and coatings, working closely with world leading commercial and general aviation aircraft companies and suppliers. You will develop new technology and formulations that help ensure airplanes are both beautiful and reliable throughout their lives, working from concept to commercialization and application of higher performing and more environmentally friendly PPG products.

Key Responsibilities

• Use the scientific method and statistical design of experiments to develop new formulations that meet customer and market needs.
• Use fundamental principles and develop novel testing techniques to solve complex problems and invent new technology that solves unmet customer needs.
• Collaborate with the aerospace team to derisk raw material obsolescence and mitigate impact on product qualifications.
• Leverage the full breadth of PPG capabilities and labs to bring in and share out relevant technology and tools.
• Drive excellence in technical reporting, and where applicable, patent filing. Monitor scientific literature and competitors activities to be at the forefront of market technology.
• Collaborate with manufacturing, marketing, and sales teams to launch new products and new technologies to our customers. Lead problem solving efforts during launch.

Customer Communication

• Act as the primary technical point of contact for customers regarding qualification status, addressing inquiries and providing updates on project progress.
• Collaborate with customers to ensure that qualifications meet their expectations and specifications.
• Support customer application trials on PPG and customer sites.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Facilitate regular meetings with internal teams and external stakeholders to discuss project status, challenges, and next steps.
• Prepare and present project updates and reports to senior management and other stakeholders.

Risk Management

• Identify potential risks related to qualification and customer concerns.
• Develop and execute corrective actions/strategies to mitigate these risks and to ensure timely completion.

Qualifications

• Bachelors, Masters, or PhD in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a customer-focused mindset
• Available to travel 10-20% annually

PHD Candidate Starting Salary = 110-120k, with sign-on bonus

About Us

PPG: WE PROTECT AND BEAUTIFY THE WORLD®

Through leadership in innovation, sustainability and color, PPG helps customers in industrial, transportation, consumer products, and construction markets and aftermarkets to enhance more surfaces in more ways than does any other company. To learn more, visit www.ppg.com and follow @PPG on X.

The PPG Way 2030

We are customer champions

Proactive. Bold. Trustworthy. Everything we do starts with our customers. We listen, move fast and don’t stop until we solve their biggest challenges. When our customers win, we all grow.

We act with purpose and speed

Agile. Data-driven. Empowered. We take smart risks to stay ahead of the competition. We work proactively with agility, using quality data to develop solutions that create value.

We are excellent operators

Productive. Collaborative. Accountable. No matter our role, we identify problems, take ownership and always bring solutions. We are both proactive and responsive to drive continuous improvement and deliver results. We support our frontline, the faces of PPG to our customers.

We compete to win

Future-focused. Driven. Ambitious. We are passionate about growing our business and winning with our customers. We deliver results, embrace new technologies and leverage agility and speed as strengths.

We are PPG proud

Strong. United. Passionate. We work safely, act with integrity and value our diverse perspectives. We celebrate achievements and take pride in the positive impact we create together to protect and beautify the world.

At PPG we use AI in the hiring process to make the process more efficient. AI tools do not make hiring decisions. You can learn more by going to https://careers.ppg.com/us/en/candidate-resources.

PPG provides equal opportunity to all candidates and employees. We offer an opportunity to grow and develop your career in an environment that provides a fulfilling workplace for employees, creates an environment for continuous learning, and embraces the ideas and diversity of others. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, pregnancy, race, color, creed, religion, national origin, age, disability status, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.

If you need an adjustment due to a disability, please email [e-mail].

PPG pay ranges and benefits can vary by location which allows us to compensate employees competitively in different geographic markets. PPG considers several factors in making compensation decisions including, but not limited to, skill sets, experience and training, qualifications and education, licensure and certifications, and other organizational needs. Other incentives may apply.

Our employee benefits programs are designed to support the health and well-being of our employees. Any insurance coverages and benefits will be in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans and associated governing plan documents. Benefits will be discussed with you by your recruiter during the hiring process.

PPG values your feedback on our recruiting process. We encourage you to visit Glassdoor.com and provide feedback on the process, so that we can do better today than yesterday.