Lead Synthesis Chemist

PPG Industries (UK) Limited; Burbank (CA); On-site; USD 118,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Life Insurance

Retirement Plan

Paid Vacation and Holidays

Employee Assistance Program

Disability/Leave

Family Leave

Job summary

PPG Industries (UK) Limited is seeking an experienced Lead Synthesis Chemist for their Burbank, CA facility. The role focuses on managing the development of new resin materials for aerospace applications and enhancing manufacturing processes.

Ideal candidates should have a PhD in chemistry or material science and extensive hands-on experience. The position includes a competitive salary range of $118,000 to $130,000 and offers comprehensive benefits, ensuring a supportive work environment.

Qualifications

• PhD in chemistry or material science with at least 3 years of experience.
• 3-5 years of related industrial experience.
• Hands-on experience and fundamental understanding in organic or polymer synthesis.

Responsibilities

• Develop new resin materials for aerospace coatings.
• Improve manufacturing process for strategic resin products.
• Conduct root cause analysis with a data-driven approach.

Skills

Organic or polymer synthesis

Analytical techniques

Data processing

Reaction kinetics

Process optimization

Design of experiments

Education

PhD in chemistry or material science

Tools

NMR

FTIR

GC/LC

GPC

Job description

PPG's Adhesives and Polymers Development team is looking for an experienced and motivated technician to support the scale-up of novel photochromic dyes in a kilo-lab environment.

As a Lead Synthesis Chemist, you will manage the development of new resins for aerospace materials and support current resin production in manufacturing sites. You will focus on hands‑on synthetic work in the lab, process improvement for current manufacturing practices, and cross‑team collaboration to develop new aerospace materials. You will report to the Senior Manager, Adhesives and Polymers at our Burbank, CA facility.

Responsibilities

• Develop new resin materials for aerospace coatings, sealants, and adhesives
• Improve manufacturing process for strategic resin products
• Conduct root cause analysis with a data‑driven approach
• Use analytical tools including NMR, FTIR, GC/LC, GPC for characterization and troubleshooting
• Collaborate with Formulation Development, Process Engineering, Operations, Quality, and Analytical teams
• Present technologies, test reports, and strategies to internal and external customers
• Travel domestically and internationally (10%)
• Follow all safety protocols and promote a safety culture

Qualifications

• PhD in chemistry or material science with at least 3 years of experience.
• 3–5 years of related industrial experience.
• Hands‑on experience and fundamental understanding in organic or polymer synthesis.
• Expertise in analytical techniques and data processing.
• Experience with reaction kinetics, scale‑up, and process optimization.
• Experience with design of experiments and Gage R&R.

Compensation & Benefits

The base salary range for this position is $118,000 to $130,000, with a possibility of an annual bonus up to 7% of base salary. PPG offers comprehensive benefits such as Health, Dental, Life, Retirement Plan, Paid Vacation and Holidays, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Disability/Leave, Family Leave, and other Voluntary benefit offerings. Actual benefit offerings confirmed at the time of hire.

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Equal Opportunity Employer

PPG offers equal opportunity to all candidates and employees. Mandatory non‑discrimination is observed regarding sex, pregnancy, race, color, creed, religion, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment based on their qualifications.

If you need an adjustment due to a disability, please e‑mail [e-mail].