Lead Polymer Foam Scientist for Semiconductors

CHEManager International; Cameron Park (CA); On-site; USD 91,000 - 137,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Dynamic R&D environment

Growth opportunities

Competitive salary and benefits

Access to cutting-edge lab facilities

Job summary

CHEManager International seeks a senior polymer science professional to lead R&D on polymeric foams and electronic-grade materials for semiconductor applications. You will design formulations, scale manufacturing processes, and apply FTIR, DSC, TGA, SEM, and rheology to drive structure-property-performance.

Collaboration across teams will translate research into scalable solutions. Required is a PhD (or MS with strong industrial experience) with 5+ years in related fields, plus strong

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Polymer Science, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or related field; M.S. with extensive industrial experience considered.
• 5+ years of experience in polymer foam development, semiconductor materials, or related process development roles.
• Experience in colloidal chemistry or electrochemistry is desirable.
• Strong knowledge of polymer engineering principles, including foaming mechanisms (physical and chemical), polymer morphology, and rheology.
• Experience tuning foam structure-property relationships such as density, cell size, mechanical strength, and thermal behavior.
• Hands-on experience with semiconductor-compatible polymer materials, including low-k dielectrics, photoresists, or encapsulants.
• Proficiency in experimental design, data analysis, and process optimization (DOE, Six Sigma, etc.).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and execute R&D projects focused on the development and characterization of polymeric foams, including structure-property-performance relationships.
• Design, synthesize, and optimize polymer formulations for electronic-grade materials with applications in semiconductor devices.
• Develop and scale up manufacturing processes for polymer materials, ensuring compatibility with semiconductor fabrication standards (e.g., cleanroom protocols, low outgassing).
• Collaborate cross-functionally with materials scientists, process engineers, and product development teams to translate research into scalable commercial solutions.
• Evaluate new raw materials, additives, and processing aids to enhance foam properties, thermal stability, dielectric performance, and mechanical strength.
• Use analytical tools (e.g., DSC, TGA, FTIR, SEM, rheometry) to assess polymer and foam behavior under various process and environmental conditions.
• Stay abreast of emerging trends and technologies in polymer science, semiconductor materials, and advanced manufacturing.
• Prepare technical reports, patents, and present findings to internal stakeholders and at external scientific forums.

Skills

DOE/experimental design

Six Sigma

Data analysis

Problem solving

Project management

Communication skills

Cross-functional collaboration

Scientific writing

Education

Ph.D. in Polymer Science/Engineering or Materials Science

M.S. with extensive industrial experience

Tools

FTIR

DSC

TGA

Rheology

SEC

Microscopy

Job description

CHEManager International seeks a senior polymer science professional to lead R&D on polymeric foams and electronic-grade materials for semiconductor applications. You will design formulations, scale manufacturing processes, and apply FTIR, DSC, TGA, SEM, and rheology to drive structure-property-performance.

Collaboration across teams will translate research into scalable solutions. Required is a PhD (or MS with strong industrial experience) with 5+ years in related fields, plus strong