Lead Material Scientist

Kimberly-Clark Corporation; Neenah (WI); Hybrid; USD 87,000 - 108,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work model

Employee benefits

Job summary

Kimberly-Clark Corporation in Neenah, Wisconsin is seeking a Lead Material Scientist to advance material qualification and collaboration across Product, Process, Manufacturing, and Supply teams. You will drive material changes for quality, continuity, and cost goals while partnering with internal and external suppliers.

Ideal candidates bring a Bachelor's or higher in a related field and 2+ years of R&D or engineering experience, with strong communication and project management skills to

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or advanced degree in related scientific or engineering field.
• 2+ years in research, engineering, or product/material development roles.
• Ability to collaborate across functions to meet timelines.
• Strong communication of complex technical concepts.

Responsibilities

• Support the Personal Care sector in Neenah, WI.
• Lead material qualification plans with Product, Process, Manufacturing, and Supply teams.
• Collaborate with Product teams to understand consumer needs and product targets.
• Ensure development and commercialization work progresses within timelines.
• Coordinate with suppliers and internal teams to implement required changes.

Skills

Team collaboration

Communication skills

Project management

Cross-functional teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher

Job description

Lead Material Scientist

You were made to create Better Care for a Better World: exploring uncharted questions, engineering innovative solutions, advancing scientific understanding, and constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible... You want to be part of a performance culture dedicated to solving real world problems with purpose and precision. You want to work in an environment that promotes sustainability, inclusion, wellbeing, and career development. In this role, you’ll help us shape the future and improve lives for billions of people around the world. It starts with YOU.

About You

In one of our R&D roles, you’ll focus on winning with consumers and the market, while putting safety, mutual respect, and human dignity at the center.

Job Responsibilities

• Support the Personal Care sector in Neenah, Wisconsin.
• Serve as a member of the Research and Development Baby and Child Care Business Continuity team, supporting material changes required to support Quality, Supply Continuity, and Cost Savings initiatives.
• Work with fast moving Personal Care consumable products.
• Report to a Team Leader and receive directions in the form of specific project and innovation pipeline objectives.
• Develop and lead material qualification plans in partnership with Product, Process, Manufacturing, and Supply teams.
• Collaborate with Product teams to understand consumer needs and product performance targets.
• Collaborate with PC project teams and ensure development/commercialization work for material qualification is effectively progressed.
• Collaborate with key internal and external material suppliers to execute required changes within project timelines.
• Ensure all work complies with corporate safety, regulatory, product safety, and sustainability requirements.
• Work independently to progress project material qualification projects.
• Interact daily with the R&D community consisting of product, process, and material experts.
• Provide leadership and decision making from the material perspective to the overall project stakeholders through qualification process.
• Influence vendors and partner with procurement, supply chain, safety, regulatory, and legal as required by project needs.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's or advanced degree in related scientific or engineering discipline.
• 2+ years of industry experience in research or engineering, product/material development, project management roles or other related experience.
• A demonstrated ability to work as part of a team and across functional boundaries to complete projects within required timeframes.
• Exceptional skills effectively communicating/translating complex technical concepts to others.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while meeting required timelines.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience leading product design changes.
• Experience analyzing material properties and impact on product performance and/or convertibility.
• Familiarity with Specification & Quality Management Systems.

Total Benefits

We believe that our employees are our greatest asset, and we're committed to providing them with the resources they need to be successful. If you're looking for a rewarding career with a company that cares about its employees, then Kimberly-Clark is the place for you. Here are just a few of the benefits you’d enjoy working in this role for Kimberly-Clark: For a complete overview, see www.mykcbenefits.com

Flex That Works at Kimberly-Clark

We believe great work happens when people come together with purpose. That’s why we offer a flexible work model that blends remote work with intentional in-person collaboration - helping you connect, grow, and innovate while maintaining the balance you value.

We are a committed equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, pregnancy, genetic information, citizenship status, or any other characteristic protected by law. The statements above are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this classification. Statements are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities and skills required for this position. Employment is subject to verification of local policies. Employment is subject to verification of pre-screening tests which may include drug screening, background check, and DMV check. Veterans and members of the Reserve and Guard are highly encouraged to apply.

This role is available for local candidates already authorized to work in the role’s country only. Kimberly-Clark will not provide relocation support for this role.

Salary Range: 87,260 - 107,780 USD

Primary Location: Neenah - West R&E Office

Additional Locations: Worker Type: Employee, Worker Sub-Type: Regular Time, Type: Full time

Kimberly-Clark and its trusted brands, including Huggies, Kleenex, Scott, Kotex, Cottonelle, Poise, Depend, Andrex, Pull-Ups, GoodNites, Intimus, Neve, Plenitud, Sweety, Softex, Viva and WypAll, are an indispensable part of life for people in more than 175 countries by helping individuals experience more of what's important to them. We use sustainable practices that support a healthy planet, build stronger communities, and ensure our business thrives for decades to come. To learn more about the company's 150-year history of innovation, visit kimberly-clark.com.