Polymer or Materials Scientist/Chemist – Outdoor Living Solutions

Continental Industry; Winchester (VA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive Pay

Immediate Benefits

Paid Time Off

Employee Discounts

Bonus Program

401(k) Match

On-Site Gym

Job summary

Continental is seeking a Polymer Scientist to lead the development and optimization of multilayer film solutions for Outdoor Living applications. You will craft formulations, drive projects from concept to commercialization, and collaborate across Product Management, Sales, Operations, and Quality to ensure durable, market-ready products.

Ideal candidates have strong polymer chemistry expertise, experience in coatings and films, and a data-driven, collaborative approach.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Polymer Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related scientific discipline.
• Preferred industrial experience in polymer development, coatings, films, or related advanced materials.
• Strong expertise in polymer chemistry, formulation development, and material characterization.
• Track record of managing complex development projects from concept through commercialization.
• Knowledge of DOEs and statistical analysis methods.
• Experience with cross-functional development teams and international environments.
• Fluent English, written and spoken; travel internationally as needed.

Responsibilities

• Develop, optimize, and industrialize polymer multilayer film solutions for Outdoor Living.
• Create formulations and product concepts meeting performance and cost targets.
• Plan and execute development projects from concept to launch.
• Develop and optimize films, laminates, and other polymer materials.
• Ensure weatherability, UV, hydrolysis resistance, abrasion, and durability.
• Evaluate raw materials, polymers, additives, and new technologies for performance and viability.
• Conduct material characterization, lab investigations, root-cause analysis, and problem-solving.
• Support scale-up and transfer from lab to manufacturing.
• Develop specifications, testing protocols, validation plans, and documentation.
• Collaborate with Product Management, Sales, Operations, Quality, Supply Chain, and partners.
• Provide technical support to customers, suppliers, and project teams.

Skills

Polymer chemistry

Formulation development

Material characterization

DOE statistics

Cross-functional

Travel internationally

Communication

Education

Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Polymer Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related field

Job description

Company Description

Continental develops pioneering technologies and services for sustainable and connected mobility of people and their goods. Founded in 1871, the technology company offers safe, efficient, intelligent, and affordable solutions for vehicles, machines, traffic, and transportation. In 2023, Continental generated sales of €41.4 billion and currently employs around 200,000 people in 56 countries and markets.

Company Description

Continental develops pioneering technologies and services for sustainable and connected mobility of people and their goods. Founded in 1871, the technology company offers safe, efficient, intelligent, and affordable solutions for vehicles, machines, traffic, and transportation. In 2023, Continental generated sales of €41.4 billion and currently employs around 200,000 people in 56 countries and markets.

ContiTech is one of the world’s leading industry specialists. The Continental group sector offers its customers connected, environment-friendly, safe, and convenient industry and service solutions using a range of materials for off-highway applications, on rails and roads, in the air, under and above the ground, in industrial environments, for the food sector and the furniture industry. With about 42,000 employees in more than 40 countries and sales of some 6.8 billion euros (2023), the global industrial partner is active with core branches in Asia, Europe and North and South America.

Are you ready to shape the future with us?

Job Description

• Responsible for the development, optimization, and industrialization of innovative polymer material multilayer film solutions for Outdoor Living applications.
• Develop new formulations, product concepts, and multilayer film product solutions that meet performance, cost, sustainability, and customer requirements.
• Plan, execute, and evaluate development projects from concept generation through product launch and commercialization.
• Develop and optimize films, laminates, composite materials, multilayer films, and other polymer-based functional materials.
• Ensure products meet demanding requirements regarding weatherability, UV resistance, hydrolysis resistance, abrasion performance, cleanability, and long-term durability.
• Evaluate new raw materials, polymers, additives, pigments, and emerging technologies with respect to technical performance and commercial viability.
• Conduct material characterization, laboratory investigations, root cause analysis, and technical problem-solving activities.
• Support scale-up and industrialization activities, ensuring smooth transfer of new developments from laboratory to manufacturing.
• Develop technical specifications, testing protocols, validation plans, and technical documentation required for product approval and market introduction.
• Collaborate closely with Product Management, Sales, Operations, Quality, Supply Chain, Purchasing, and external technology partners throughout the development process.
• Support in Providing technical support to customers, suppliers, and project teams regarding product development, optimization, qualification, and troubleshooting activities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Polymer Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related scientific discipline.
• Preferrable industrial experience in polymer development, coatings, films, composites, technical textiles, or related advanced material technologies
• Strong expertise in polymer chemistry, formulation development, material characterization, and product development processes.
• Successful track record in managing and executing complex product development projects from concept through commercialization.
• Knowledge of material characterization techniques, testing methodologies, Design of Experiments (DOE), and statistical analysis tools.
• International environmental working area and cross-functional development team experience preferred.
• Strong analytical thinking, scientific problem-solving capabilities, and a structured, data-driven approach to product development.
• Demonstrated ability to generate innovative ideas and translate them into material solutions.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills with the ability to interact effectively with customers, suppliers, and internal stakeholders.
• High level of initiative, accountability, and results orientation.
• Fluent English language skills, both written and spoken.
• Willingness to travel internationally as required.
• Collaborative team player with a passion for polymer science, material innovation, and sustainable product development.
• Experience in Outdoor Living, Furniture, Marine, Architectural, Protective Cover, Technical Textile, or Specialty Materials markets
• Familiarity with extrusion, coating, lamination, and converting processes used in advanced material manufacturing

Additional Information

THE PERKS

• Competitive Pay
• Immediate Benefits
• Paid Time Off
• Employee Discounts, including tire discounts
• Competitive Bonus Program
• Employer 401(k) Match
• On-Site Gym
• And more benefits that come with working for a global industry leader!

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.