Lead Scientist, Polymer Foams for Semiconductors

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Comprehensive benefits

Access to cutting-edge lab facilities

Professional growth opportunities

Job summary

ITW in California seeks an experienced R&D scientist to lead projects on polymer foams and polymer formulations for electronic-grade materials used in semiconductor devices. You will design and scale manufacturing processes that meet cleanroom and low outgassing standards, collaborating with materials scientists, process engineers, and product teams.

The role requires a PhD in Polymer Science, Chemical Engineering, or Materials Science (MS with industrial experience acceptable) and 5+ years in

Qualifications

• PhD in Polymer Science, Chemical Engineering or Materials Science; MS with industry experience considered.
• 5+ years in polymer foam development, semiconductor materials, or related process roles.
• Experience in colloidal chemistry or electrochemistry is desirable.
• Strong knowledge of polymer engineering and foaming mechanisms.

Responsibilities

• Lead and execute R&D projects on polymer foams, including structure-property-performance relationships.
• Design, synthesize, and optimize polymer formulations for electronic-grade materials for semiconductors.
• Develop and scale up manufacturing processes compatible with semiconductor fabrication standards.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to translate research into scalable commercial solutions.
• Evaluate raw materials and additives to enhance foam properties and thermal performance.
• Use DSC, TGA, FTIR, SEM, rheometry to assess material behavior under various conditions.
• Stay informed on polymer science, semiconductor materials, and advanced manufacturing trends.
• Prepare technical reports, patents, and present findings to stakeholders.

Skills

Polymer foam development

Semiconductor materials

Experimental design (DOE)

Data analysis

Statistical process optimization

Project management

Communication skills

Polymer engineering principles

Rheology

Material characterization

Education

PhD in Polymer Science

PhD in Chemical Engineering

PhD in Materials Science

MS with extensive industrial experience

Tools

DSC

TGA

FTIR

SEM

Rheometry

SEC

Microscopy

Job description

ITW in California seeks an experienced R&D scientist to lead projects on polymer foams and polymer formulations for electronic-grade materials used in semiconductor devices. You will design and scale manufacturing processes that meet cleanroom and low outgassing standards, collaborating with materials scientists, process engineers, and product teams.

The role requires a PhD in Polymer Science, Chemical Engineering, or Materials Science (MS with industrial experience acceptable) and 5+ years in