Applications Development Scientist / Engineer

Milliken & Company; Spartanburg (SC); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Milliken & Company is seeking an Applications Development Scientist or Engineer to drive evaluation, development, and commercialization of innovative consumer-focused technologies. You will design and execute lab testing programs, create screening methodologies, and generate actionable insights while collaborating with cross-functional teams to accelerate product development.

The ideal candidate has strong experimental skills, excellent communication, and a passion for translating new

Qualifications

• BS/MS/PhD in a related field with strong lab training.
• Experience in applications development or product development.
• Excellent organizational and written/verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities.
• Eligible to work in the United States without sponsorship.

Responsibilities

• Develop, execute, and refine laboratory methods to evaluate new materials and formulations.
• Design screening protocols to identify promising technologies and differentiate performance.
• Conduct experiments, analyze results, and provide data-driven recommendations.
• Develop test methods that are reproducible, statistically sound, and customer-focused.
• Support scale-up and commercialization activities through testing.
• Collaborate with R&D, product managers, and commercial teams to evaluate new technologies.
• Identify key performance drivers and translate findings into practical recommendations.
• Support new product development from concept to commercialization.
• Stay current on industry trends and testing methodologies.

Skills

Laboratory skills

Communication skills

Project management

Data analysis

US work authorization

Attention to detail

Education

BS/MS/PhD in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Materials Science, Textile Engineering, Consumer Science

Tools

JMP

Job description

Milliken & Company is a global manufacturing leaderwhose focus on materials science delivers tomorrow's breakthroughs today. Fromindustry-leading molecules to sustainable innovations, Milliken creates products thatenhance people's lives and deliver solutions for its customers and communities. Drawing on thousands of patents and a portfolio with applications across the textile, flooring, chemical and healthcare businesses, the company harnesses a shared sense of integrity and excellence to positively impact the world for generations. Discover more about Milliken's curious minds and inspired solutions at Milliken.com and on Facebook, Instagramand LinkedIn.

POSITION TITLE

Applications Development Scientist / Engineer

POSITION OVERVIEW

Milliken's Performance & Consumer Innovations (PC&I) division is seeking an Applications Development Scientist or Engineer to support the evaluation, development, and commercialization of innovative technologies for consumer product applications. This role will be responsible for designing and executing laboratory testing programs, developing robust screening methodologies, generating actionable technical insights, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to accelerate product development.

The ideal candidate is a highly organized and detail-oriented scientist or engineer with strong experimental skills, excellent communication abilities, and a passion for translating new technologies into customer value. Experience in consumer-packaged goods (CPG), home care, laundry care, textiles, fragrance delivery, odor control, or related application areas is highly desirable.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Application Development & Testing

• Develop, execute, and refine laboratory methods to evaluate new materials, technologies, and formulations.

• Design screening protocols that efficiently identify promising technologies and distinguish performance differences.

• Conduct laboratory experiments, analyze results, and make data-driven recommendations.

• Develop test methods that are reproducible, statistically sound, and aligned with customer needs.

• Support scale-up and commercialization activities through application-focused testing.

Innovation & Product Development

• Collaborate with R&D scientists, product managers, and commercial teams to evaluate new technologies and concepts.

• Identify key performance drivers and translate technical findings into practical product recommendations.

• Support new product development projects from early-stage concept screening through commercialization.

• Stay current on industry trends, competitive technologies, and emerging testing methodologies.

Data Analysis & Technical Communication

• Analyze experimental data using statistical tools and sound scientific principles.

• Design and execute Design of Experiments (DOE) studies to optimize formulations and application performance.

• Prepare clear technical reports, presentations, and customer-facing summaries.

• Effectively communicate technical findings to diverse audiences, including commercial, technical, and leadership teams.

QUALIFICATIONS - REQUIRED

• B.S., M.S., or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Materials Science, Textile Engineering, Consumer Science, or a related scientific or engineering discipline.

• Relevant industrial experience in applications development, product development, testing, or related R&D activities, based on degree level: 10+ years with a B.S.; 5+ years with an M.S.; or 3+ years with a Ph.D.

• Strong laboratory skills and experience conducting structured experimental programs.

• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and priorities.

• This position requires candidates to be eligible to work in the United States without requiring sponsorship for a work visa (e.g., H-1B, TN, etc.)

The successful candidate will have strengths in the following:

• Experience in consumer packaged goods (CPG), home care, laundry care, hair care, textile care, or adjacent industries.

• Experience developing complex formulations with an understanding of ingredients and fabric interactions.

• Experience developing application test methods and screening protocols.

• Knowledge of experimental design, DOE, and statistical analysis.

• Experience with odor testing, sensory evaluation, fragrance performance, or malodor control technologies.

Experience supporting new product development and commercialization efforts.

• Familiarity with data analysis software such as JMP or similar tools.

• Experience working directly with customers or application-focused development teams.

Milliken is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to actual or perceived race, color, creed, religion, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth or related medical condition, including but not limited to lactation), sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression (including transgender status), ancestry, national origin, citizenship, age physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran or military status or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.