Chemist

Essex Solutions; Fort Wayne (IN); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Essex Solutions in Fort Wayne, IN, seeks a Polymer Scientist to join its R&D team. You will help develop insulation materials for magnet wire applications, formulate coatings, and evaluate raw materials to mitigate supply chain risks.

The role emphasizes hands‑on polymer synthesis, testing, and process optimization, with collaboration across engineering and manufacturing to meet customer performance requirements.

Qualifications

• BS degree in Polymer Science or Chemistry with at least 1–3 years of experience developing insulation systems.
• Experience formulating coatings for electrical insulation applications.
• Ability to work independently in a multi-disciplinary team and document results.
• Hands‑on experience with polymer synthesis, evaluation, and process experimentation.
• Strong PC skills and familiarity with statistical tools preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide application support to manufacturing plants and assist in introducing new materials.
• Evaluate new and existing raw materials and report on supply chain risks for chemical and magnet wire plants.
• Implement and sustain 5S in the laboratory and manufacturing environments.
• Collaborate with R&D chemists and engineers to develop magnet wire insulation products and optimize coating formulations.
• Investigate and develop practical inventions or modifications for insulation systems and participate in feasibility studies.

Education

BS degree in Polymer Science or Chemistry

MS in Polymer Science or Chemistry with a strong concentration in electrical insulation materials

Tools

Origin PRO

Minitab

DOE software

Job description

• Provide application support to manufacturing plants as needed to introduce/maintain new materials.
• Responsible for new and existing raw materials evaluations and subsequent reporting to mitigate supply chain risks for the Chemical and Magnet Wire Plants.
• Implement and sustain 5S methodology in the laboratory and chemical manufacturing plant.
• Collaborate with R&D Chemists and Engineers to develop products for Magnet Wire applications, involving resins, formulating and optimizing coating compositions to meet specific performance requirements for electrical insulation in customer applications.
• Apply sound scientific methods to investigate, understand, and develop practical product inventions and modifications for magnet wire insulation systems.
• May develop new or modified polymers, composites, products, and optimize manufacturing processes.
• Participates in establishing new product design constraints, engineering development proposals and feasibility studies, setting technical objectives, and coordinating efforts with engineering, manufacturing, and marketing.

Essential Functions/Duties

• Provide application support to manufacturing plants as needed to introduce/maintain new materials.
• Responsible for new and existing raw materials evaluations and subsequent reporting to mitigate supply chain risks for the Chemical and Magnet Wire Plants.
• Implement and sustain 5S methodology in the laboratory and chemical manufacturing plant.
• Collaborate with R&D Chemists and Engineers to develop products for Magnet Wire applications, involving resins, formulating and optimizing coating compositions to meet specific performance requirements for electrical insulation in customer applications.
• Apply sound scientific methods to investigate, understand, and develop practical product inventions and modifications for magnet wire insulation systems.
• May develop new or modified polymers, composites, products, and optimize manufacturing processes.
• Participates in establishing new product design constraints, engineering development proposals and feasibility studies, setting technical objectives, and coordinating efforts with engineering, manufacturing, and marketing.

REQUIRED Knowledge/skills/abilities And Other Minimum Qualifications

• BS degree in Polymer Science or Chemistry with at least 1-3 years of experience in developing insulation systems.
• Specific experience in formulating coatings for applications related to electrical insulation.
• Proven ability to work independently under general supervision in a multi-disciplinary team environment.
• Possess demonstrated ability with analytical skills: methodically investigating problems, organizing logical experimental trials, document data, and present results.
• Possess “hands‑on” technical experience with polymer synthesis, evaluation, and process experimentation.
• Strong PC skills required.
• Must have skills in the following: Initiative, Innovation Management, Peer Relationships, Drive for Results, Time Management, and Written Communications.

Additional Qualifications

• MS in Polymer Science or Chemistry with a strong concentration in electrical insulation materials preferred.
• History of developing and implementing new products, processes, and procedures.
• Experience working in manufacturing or R&D environment.
• Strong statistical background (Origin PRO, Minitab or DOE software) preferred.
• Experience with DFMEA and Lean Six Sigma preferred.
• Understanding of ISO 9001 and IATF 16949 standards is a plus.

Scope Of Duties And Responsibilities

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position. Employee(s) will be required to follow any other job‑related instructions and to perform any other job‑related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments.