Development Chemist

NPAworldwide; Johnson City (TN); On-site; USD 100,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

NPAworldwide is seeking a Development Chemist to advance battery separator technologies for lead‑acid systems. The role focuses on PE and AGM materials, optimizing extrusion, pore formation, and coating processes, and validating performance from lab to pilot scale.

You will apply DOE/EVOP methodologies, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and drive IP protection while traveling to internal plants and conferences to support product deployment.

Qualifications

• BS and/or MS in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science, or Chemistry.
• 5+ years of development experience with polymers, porous membranes, or separator technology.
• Strong understanding of polymer physics, surface chemistry, and electrochemical transport in porous materials.
• Hands-on capability with extrusion, polymer compounding, and coating technologies.
• Experience with PE separators, AGM materials, silica-filled rubber separators, and autoclaved vulcanized rubber separators.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and synthesis of new, high-performance battery separator materials.
• Optimize manufacturing processes including extrusion, pore formation, and coating technologies.
• Use DOE to structure and execute testing protocols to evaluate separator attributes.
• Lead programs for incremental product and quality improvements using DOE and EVOP.
• Collaborate with cell developers to integrate new separators into prototype cells and conduct tests.
• Utilize advanced analytical equipment to analyze material microstructure and failure mechanisms.
• Transfer new products from laboratory into pilot-scale and commercial production.
• Write technical reports, SOPs, and conference materials and present findings.
• Ensure safety and IP protection; promote a zero-incident culture.
• Travel domestically and internationally to plants, customers, and conferences.

Tools

Extrusion

Polymer coating

Porosimetry

Job description

Job Description

Our client needs a highly motivated and innovative Development Chemist to join their team.

The Development Chemist will drive the development of battery separator technologies for lead‑acid batteries, focusing on improving performance, durability, and cost‑effectiveness.

The Development Chemist will develop new formulations, optimize manufacturing processes, and validate product performance from the lab to pilot‑scale production.

The Development Chemist focus areas: Polyethylene (PE) separators, Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) materials, silica‑filled rubber separators, autoclaved vulcanized rubber separators—preferably for lead‑acid systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and synthesis of new, high‑performance battery separator materials (polyethylene, silica‑filled materials, and AGM) to meet emerging market needs.
• Optimize manufacturing processes including extrusion, pore formation, and coating technologies to enhance separator permeability, mechanical strength, and electrical resistance.
• Utilize Design of Experiments (DOE) to structure and execute comprehensive testing protocols to evaluate separator‑level attributes and their impact on cell performance.
• Lead programs for incremental product and quality improvement using tools such as DOE and EVOP (evolutionary optimization).
• Collaborate with cell developers to integrate new separators into prototype cells, conducting abusive, electrochemical, and life‑cycle tests to validate improvements; evaluate separator performance focusing on ER, acid displacement, dendrite suppression, and oxidation stability.
• Utilize advanced analytical equipment (FIB‑SEM, CT scanning, mercury porosimetry) to analyze material microstructure and failure mechanisms.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams (Manufacturing, Sales, Quality) to transfer new products from the laboratory into pilot‑scale and commercial production.
• Write detailed technical reports, SOPs, and conference materials (presentations, technical papers, etc.) and present research findings to stakeholders.
• Beware of the patent landscape, ensure programs are safe to run to product fruition, and file patents where appropriate to protect MP innovation and IP.
• Lead by example to promote a zero‑incident safety culture.
• Ensure strict adherence to safety policies, procedures, and PPE requirements.
• Identify opportunities to improve processes, reduce waste, and increase efficiency.
• Encourage team‑driven ideas and implement practical, data‑driven solutions.
• Promote respect, inclusion, and engagement in a collaborative environment.

Qualifications

Requirements:

• BS and/or MS degree in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science, or Chemistry.
• 5+ years of development experience with polymers, porous membranes, or separator technology.
• Experience with polyethylene (PE) separators, AGM materials, silica‑filled rubber separators, and autoclaved vulcanized rubber separators.
• Strong understanding of polymer physics, surface chemistry, and electrochemical transport mechanisms in porous materials.
• Hands‑on capability with extrusion, polymer compounding, and coating technologies.
• Expertise with material characterization tools: SEM, DSC, TGA, porosimetry, tensile testers, ICP.
• Familiarity with standard global battery testing methods (cycling, EIS, CV) for American, European, and Asian systems as necessary.
• Experience working with technicians, engineers, and operators to resolve formulation or process problems on the plant floor.
• Experience using AI‑enhanced modeling and high‑throughput data analysis to accelerate component optimization is preferred.
• Strong problem‑solving skills and the ability to work independently in a fast‑paced environment.
• Proven ability to manage NPD projects and excellent technical communication skills.
• Travel domestically and internationally to internal plants, customers, and conferences.

Why Is This a Great Opportunity

Growing company where you can make a difference.

Salary

Type: Annual Salary

Min: $100,000

Max: $120,000

Currency: USD