Lead Scientist Materials

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

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work model

Total rewards package including 401(k)

Job summary

Kimberly-Clark is seeking a professional to identify material innovations for Personal Care, collaborating with R&E, marketing, and cross-functional teams to drive product development from concept to commercialization.

The role requires a technical degree, 2+ years in product/material/process experience, and strong analytical and communication skills. Flexible work model combines remote and in-person collaboration.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or advanced engineering or relevant scientific discipline degree.
• 2+ years relevant product, materials, or process experience in a variety of assignments.
• Strong analytical skills.
• Effective communication skills with the ability to discuss technical issues in a business environment.

Responsibilities

• Identify material innovations aligned to meet consumer and business needs within the Personal Care business.
• Seek and understand competitive technologies and innovation.
• Provide leadership within a team environment to drive innovation from initial product/material prototype, BVs, and helping support the FEI process through MVC, MVP, MVT.
• Collaborate broadly inside the organization with R&E, BG&I Marketing, I&A, pilot plant, and cross-functional disciplines.

Skills

Analytical skills

Effective communication

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher in engineering/science

Job description

Job Description

Join the team behind iconic brands like Huggies®, Kleenex®, Cottonelle®, Scott®, Kotex®, Poise®, Depend®, and Kimberly-Clark Professional® At Kimberly-Clark, it’s all here for you—innovation, growth, and the chance to make a real impact.

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 professional roles, you’ll focus on winning with consumers and the market, while putting safety, mutual respect, and human dignity at the center. Job responsibilities include:

• Identify material innovations aligned to meet consumer and business needs within the Personal Care business.
• Seek and understand competitive technologies and innovation.
• Provide leadership within a team environment to drive innovation from initial product/material prototype, BVs, and helping support the FEI process through MVC, MVP, MVT.
• Collaborate broadly inside the organization with R&E, BG&I Marketing, I&A, pilot plant, and cross‑functional disciplines.

To succeed in this role, you will need the following qualifications:

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or advanced engineering or relevant scientific discipline degree.
• 2+ years relevant product, materials, or process experience in a variety of assignments.
• Strong analytical skills.
• Effective communication skills with the ability to discuss technical issues in a business environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in material development of consumer products, non-wovens, design of experiments, and data analysis.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently or to lead small teams to complete assignments and related activities in an acceptable manner.
• Displayed strength of building relationships and build trust characteristics when working cross functionally.
• Desire and awareness to seek and understand competitive technologies and innovation.

Led by Purpose. Driven by You.

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.

And finally, the fine print.

For Kimberly‑Clark to grow and prosper, we must be an inclusive organization that applies the diverse experiences and passions of its team members to brands that make life better for people all around the world, which is why we seek to build a workforce that encompasses the experiences of our consumers. When you bring your original thinking to Kimberly‑Clark, you fuel the continued success of our enterprise. 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.

Grade10: Grade level and / or compensation may vary based on location/country

Salary Range: 87,260 – 107,780 USD

At Kimberly‑Clark, pay is just one aspect of our total rewards package, which also includes a variety of benefits and opportunities to achieve, thrive and grow. Along with base pay, this position offers eligibility for a target bonus and a comprehensive benefits suite, including our 401(k) and Profit Sharing plan. The anticipated base pay range for this role is provided above for a fully qualified hire. Actual pay will depend on several factors, such as location, role, skills, performance, and experience. Please note that the stated pay range applies to US locations only.

Primary Location: Neenah - West R&E Office

Additional Locations

Worker Type: Employee

Worker Sub‑Type: Regular

Time Type: Full time