Materials Engineer – Scientist

Tribonet; Town of Florida (NY); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

HSA and FSA plans available

401(K) with 50% company match up to 6%

Paid Time Off – 3 to 5 weeks per year

11 Paid Holidays

Life/ADD Insurance and Short/Long Term

Job summary

Latham Pool Products is seeking a Material Scientist to lead development and optimization of materials for our pool product portfolio. You will combine hands-on lab work with rigorous analysis to advance composite performance and manufacturability.

You will collaborate with R&D, production, quality, and commercial teams to convert insights into scalable, high‑value solutions and ensure regulatory compliance. The role emphasizes sustainability and manufacturing excellence.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree or PhD with relevant experience in materials science and composites.
• Strong background in fiber–matrix interactions and failure mechanisms.
• Experience with epoxy, polyester, polyurethane resins and composite materials.
• Knowledge of testing and environmental sustainability assessment.

Responsibilities

• Lead development, characterization, and optimization of materials across the product portfolio.
• Perform material testing and develop in-house ASTM-aligned protocols.
• Develop new resin chemistries aligned with market needs and sustainability goals.
• Translate material insights into scalable, high-value solutions with cross‑functional teams.
• Scale lab prototyping to production across facilities and coordinate with suppliers.

Skills

Fiber reinforced composites

Epoxy resins

Polyester resins

Polyurethane resins

Nanomaterials

Thermoset resins

Recycled materials

Hybrid composites

DOE and data analysis

Statistical DOE

Education

Master’s degree in Material Science

Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering

Master’s degree in Polymer Science

Master’s degree in Composites

Ph.D. in a related field

Tools

FTIR

XRD

DSC

DMA

QUV

Rheology

Job description

An educational platform on tribology — the science of friction, wear and lubrication

Who is it for

Engineers, researchers, students and industry professionals

Make a SPLASH with Latham Pool Products![MC1]

At Latham Pool Products, we don’t just make swimming pools; we create opportunities for backyard dreams to come true. As the leading manufacturer in North America, Australia, and New Zealand, we are committed to delivering innovation, quality, and sustainability in everything we do.

We believe in building an environment where everyone can thrive. That is why we offer:

• A culture of integrity, collaboration, and respect.
• Comprehensive benefits for you and your family.
• Opportunities for growth, mentorship, and skill development.

Ready to join a team that makes a difference?

A little about the position

Job Summary

The Material Scientist will lead the development, characterization, and optimization of materials used across the company’s product portfolio. This role blends hands‑on laboratory work with deep scientific analysis to advance composite performance, improve manufacturability, and support customer‑driven innovation. The scientist will collaborate closely with R&D, production, quality, and commercial teams to translate material science insights into scalable, high‑value solutions.

Some of What You Will Do

• Research and select alternative composite material and processes for fiberglass pool structural applications.
• Investigate structure–property relationships to improve mechanical, thermal, and chemical performance.
• Develop new resin chemistries aligned with market needs, sustainability goals, and regulatory requirements.
• Stay up to date with advancements in composite material engineering technology and manufacturing techniques, seek opportunities to innovate and improve existing designs and processes.
• Lead material characterization, testing and material specification development.
• Interpretate ASTM Testing Specifications and define in-house tests that are aligned with the ASTM specification.
• Define and maintain detailed material specifications and evaluation processes and generate detailed reports on test results.
• Develop predictive protocol, define correlation of material and process with product failure mode and life span.
• Drive experimental design and alternative process to improve manufacturing quality and productivity.
• Scale up the laboratory prototyping to production at all manufacturing facilities.
• Interface with manufacturing engineering and production technician to improve process, troubleshoot issues and facilitate operations across all manufacturing plants.
• Coordinate with supplier, external and in house test labs.
• Lead material selection, evaluation, and development in other business units.
• Other duties as assigned.

What You Bring to the Table: (Qualifications)

• Master’s degree in Material Science, Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science or Composites and 4+ years of experience or a Ph.D. and 2+ years of experience
• Good research background with focus on materials such as fiber reinforced composites, polymers (Epoxy, Polyester & Polyurethane), nanomaterials, thermoset resins, recycled materials and hybrid composites
• Understanding of fiber–matrix interactions, interface chemistry, and failure mechanisms
• Experience evaluating adhesion, chemical resistance, and environmental sustainability
• Material characterization techniques- Mechanical testing, QUV, rheology, blister test, FTIR, XRD, DSC, and DMA
• Knowledge of epoxy curing mechanisms, toughening agents, diluents, and adhesion promoters,
• Understanding of polyester synthesis, styrene reactivity, cure kinetics and polymerization mechanisms
• Ability to tailor mechanical and chemical resistance properties through formulation
• Knowledge of fiberglass/epoxy composite material, damage mechanics, and manufacturing processes (Open molding, Resin transfer molding, and compression molding etc.)
• Experience with fiber reinforced composite material, resin system, additive technology (3D printing) and process.
• Familiarity with statistical design of experiments (DOE) and data analysis tools

Why should you come work with us?

Comprehensive Benefits for you and your family include

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• HSA and FSA plans available
• 401(K) with 50% company match up to 6%
• Paid Time Off – 3 to 5 weeks per year with weekly accruals starting day one
• Holidays – 11 Paid, eligible on day one
• Life/ADD Insurance and Short/Long Term Disability insurance with buy up options

Professional Development

Training programs, Tuition Reimbursement, and growth opportunities.

Supportive Environment

A culture rooted in collaboration, integrity, and respect.

Some Important Information for you

Employment Type: On-site

Status: Full-time

Salary Range: $90,000 – $110,000

Our compensation reflects the cost of labor across US geographic markets. Starting pay for this role will vary based on multiple factors, including location, knowledge, skills, education, and experience. Pay ranges may be modified in the future.

Latham Pool Products is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.

Latham Pool Products is a Drug-Free Workplace Employer. All offers of employment are subject to applicable pre-employment requirements.