Polymer Scientist

Nel Hydrogen; Wallingford (CT); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive health and insurance benefits

Competitive paid vacation time

Opportunity to contribute to the green transition

Job summary

Nel Hydrogen in Wallingford, Connecticut is seeking a Polymer / Membrane Scientist to advance hydrogen technology. This role involves collaboration with R&D and external partners to enhance electrolyte efficiency. You will contribute expertise in polymer materials and develop robust specifications aligned with product requirements.

Applicants should have an MS or PhD in Chemistry, strong analytical skills, and a proven ability to solve technical challenges. Nel offers a collaborative environment focused on innovation in the green energy transition.

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of material and mechanical properties of coatings and polymer membranes.
• Experience with verification and characterization methods like microscopy and SEM.
• Ability to work independently and design experiments.

Responsibilities

• Develop advanced electrodes for electrolyzer cost reduction.
• Characterize polymer materials using various testing methods.
• Collaborate with external partners to develop materials and components.

Skills

Analytical skills

Experimental skills

Problem-solving

Organizational skills

Education

MS or PhD in Chemistry focused on polymeric materials

Tools

Microscopy

SEM

XPS

Job description

Join Nel and help advance one of the world’s most critical energy technologies.

At Nel, you will work at the forefront of hydrogen innovation—helping solve complex materials science challenges that directly impact electrolyzer performance, durability, and cost. In this role, you will combine deep technical expertise with hands‑on experimentation, contributing to the next generation of polymer and membrane technologies.

You will collaborate across R&D, engineering, and external research partners, playing a key role in translating scientific insight into practical solutions. This is an opportunity to make a tangible impact on the green energy transition while working in a highly skilled, collaborative team environment.

Your role

As a Polymer / Membrane Scientist, you will serve as a subject matter expert in ion exchange materials within R&D programs. You will contribute expertise in measurement methods and degradation mechanisms while acting a key liaison between Nel and external researchers and suppliers.

What You Will Do

• Work closely with Materials Scientists and Chemical Engineers to develop advanced electrodes that drive electrolyzer cost reduction and efficiency improvements
• Characterize polymer materials using methods such as:
  • Acid/base titration
  • Water uptake and swelling analysis
  • Conductivity measurements
  • Mechanical property testing
• Collaborate with external partners including national labs, universities, and component suppliers to develop and characterize materials and components
• Apply engineering fundamentals to solve practical problems and develop robust component specifications aligned with product requirements
• Communicate progress, risks, and results clearly to technical teams, project management, and senior leadership
• Stay current with industry trends in membrane and ionomer technologies
• Use data analysis to identify improvement opportunities and recommend next steps
• Contribute to special projects as required

What We Are Looking For

• MS or PhD in Chemistry with a focus on polymeric materials, or equivalent
• 0–7 years of relevant experience (depending on degree level)
• Strong understanding of material and mechanical properties of coatings, polymer membranes, and backing polymers
• Experience with verification and characterization methods such as microscopy, SEM, XPS, etc.
• Excellent analytical and experimental skills
• Ability to work independently, design experiments, interpret results, and identify next steps
• Proven problem‑solving ability in addressing technical challenges
• Experience working in multidisciplinary environments with strong interpersonal and professional judgment skills
• Strong organizational skills, including documentation, record keeping, and follow‑through

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer

Benefits

• Comprehensive health and insurance benefits for employees
• Short‑term incentive program
• Competitive paid vacation time, sick leave, and holidays
• Opportunity to work in a global company contributing to the green transition
• A dynamic and highly professional working environment with competent and committed colleagues

Visas

• Nel will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the United States. This position does not offer sponsorship.
• Individuals with temporary visas such as E, F‑1, H‑1, H‑2, L, B, J, or TN or who need sponsorship for work authorization now or in the future are not eligible for hire.

We are an equal opportunity employer—M/F/Disabled/Veteran—and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. All employment is decided based on qualifications, merit, and business need. Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws.