Polymer Chemist: Synthesis & Scale-Up for Advanced Materials

Leidos; Rockaway Township (NJ); On-site; USD 64,000 - 107,000; Full time

Job summary

Leidos in New Jersey's Picatinny Arsenal seeks a Synthetic Chemist to design, synthesize, scale up, and characterize novel polymer systems, translating bench science into pilot and production processes.

BS/MS in Organic or Polymer Chemistry with 2–6 years in industrial R&D or manufacturing; experience in polymer synthesis and analytical methods (NMR, FTIR, GPC, HPLC); strong data-driven mindset and collaboration in a multidisciplinary team; US citizenship required.

Qualifications

• BS/MS in Organic or Polymer Chemistry with 2–6 years in industrial R&D or manufacturing.
• Experience in organic and/or polymer synthesis (e.g., free radical, condensation, ring-opening polymerization) or advanced materials development.
• Hands-on experience with analytical and physical characterization methods for polymers and organic molecules, including chromatographic (HPLC, GPC) and spectroscopic (NMR, FTIR) techniques.
• Strong research mindset with a proven ability to design experiments, troubleshoot synthetic pathways, and document findings systematically.
• Ability to collaborate effectively in a multidisciplinary, team-based environment.
• US Citizenship required.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute novel synthetic approaches to develop new materials, with a particular focus on polymers, macromolecules, and functional binders.
• Conduct process optimization, formulation, and scale-up studies to transition bench-scale polymer and material synthesis into pilot-scale or large-scale production.
• Perform ongoing literature searches and patent reviews to maintain deep awareness of the latest industrial ingredients, polymerization processes, and material science techniques.
• Develop alternate, more efficient, and environmentally sustainable methods for the synthesis and processing of existing materials.
• Characterize polymers and synthetic materials utilizing state-of-the-art analytical, physical, and mechanical testing techniques (e.g., GPC/SEC, DSC, TGA, FTIR, NMR, and rheology).
• Translate research into actionable data by preparing technical reports, SOPs, publications, and presentations.
• Formulate novel research ideas and actively contribute to technical proposals for future R&D initiatives.

Skills

Polymer synthesis

Analytical methods

Experimental design

Team collaboration

US Citizenship

Education

BS/MS Organic or Polymer Chemistry

Tools

HPLC

GPC/SEC

NMR

FTIR

Job description

Leidos in New Jersey's Picatinny Arsenal seeks a Synthetic Chemist to design, synthesize, scale up, and characterize novel polymer systems, translating bench science into pilot and production processes.

BS/MS in Organic or Polymer Chemistry with 2–6 years in industrial R&D or manufacturing; experience in polymer synthesis and analytical methods (NMR, FTIR, GPC, HPLC); strong data-driven mindset and collaboration in a multidisciplinary team; US citizenship required.