Principal Engineer – Polymer Materials

Jobtailor; Baltimore (MD); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Jobtailor in Baltimore, MD, is seeking a highly experienced polymer materials scientist to lead development of advanced resin systems and composites for aerospace and high-performance applications. You will direct synthesis, functionalization, and formulation of polymer systems, establish test programs, and collaborate with engineering and manufacturing to scale robust production processes.

The role emphasizes leadership, cross-functional communication, and a strong publication record in polymer

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in chemistry with polymer materials specialization.
• 8+ years in polymer synthesis, composites, and nanocomposites.
• Experience with thermoset chemistry and structure–property studies.
• Strong publication record in polymer science.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of polymer resin systems and composite formulations.
• Direct synthesis, modification, and formulation of polymer systems.
• Establish test programs for chemical, thermal, rheological and mechanical characterization.
• Collaborate with teams to translate material behavior into production processes.

Skills

Cross-functional collaboration

Scientific communication

Project leadership

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Education

Ph.D. in Chemistry

Tools

FTIR

NMR

DSC

TGA

DMA

SEM

ARES G2 Rheometer

Job description

• Lead development of new polymer resin systems, adhesives, toughened matrix systems, and composite formulations for advanced structures
• Direct synthesis, chemical modification, and formulation of polymer systems to achieve desired structural, processing, and durability characteristics
• Develop new or improved composite lay-up, cure, bonding, and consolidation processes linked to material chemistry
• Act as the technical focal point for all polymer material selection, performance definition, and risk assessment
• Establish and lead test programs for polymer materials including chemical, thermal, rheological, physical, and mechanical characterization
• Analyze material behavior under various environmental, structural, and processing conditions
• Develop and maintain material specifications, process specifications, and qualification plans
• Ensure compliance with customer requirements, regulatory standards, and industry specifications for composite materials
• Work with manufacturing and process engineering teams to translate polymer material behavior into robust production processes
• Support development of prototype parts, early process trials, and validation builds used to test new material systems
• Investigate material-processing interactions (viscosity, cure kinetics, consolidation behavior, tack, drape, etc.) to support manufacturability and scalability
• Provide expert technical guidance to multidisciplinary teams working on composite demonstrators, new product development, and advanced technology programs
• Collaborate with suppliers, academia, and research institutes on polymer science innovation and material development partnerships
• Deliver clear technical direction, documentation, and reporting to customers, leadership, and internal stakeholders.
• Lead root‑cause analysis of polymer and composite material deviations, defects, or process issues
• Recommend material or process adjustments based on performance deviations and end‑use requirements
• Develop and sustain continuous improvement initiatives related to material robustness, durability, quality, and long-term performance.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Chemistry with a specialization in polymer materials, ceramic–polymer nanocomposites, thermosets, and advanced materials systems
• More than 8 years of experience in polymer synthesis, advanced composites, thermoset chemistry, nanocomposites, and multifunctional material development for high-performance applications
• Expertise in polymer synthesis, functionalization, and structure–property relationships, including benzoxazine, epoxy, polyurethane, polyamide, PVC, elastomeric systems, and ceramic‑reinforced composites
• Strong hands‑on experience with polymer and composite characterization, including FTIR, NMR, DSC, TGA, DMA, SEM, rheometry (ARES G2), mechanical testing, and cure kinetics analysis
• Proven record of designing, developing, and optimizing thermosets, polymer–ceramic nanocomposites, and multifunctional composite materials for aerospace and high-performance applications
• Experience leading end-to-end R&D, including material synthesis, purification, formulation, scaling, processing, and laboratory-to-pilot transition activities
• Demonstrated ability to conduct thermal, mechanical, dielectric, insulation, and aging studies for materials intended for demanding environments
• Strong cross‑functional collaboration skills—capable of partnering with engineering, manufacturing, and research teams to translate material innovations into deployable components and manufacturable composite systems
• Excellent scientific communication skills, with a substantial record of peer‑reviewed publications in polymer science, composites, dielectric materials, and advanced nanocomposites.

Core Competencies

Demonstrates expertise in polymer synthesis, advanced composites, and multifunctional material development, with a strong focus on material characterization and compliance with industry standards. Proven ability to lead R&D initiatives and collaborate cross‑functionally to translate material innovations into high-performance applications.

Highest-signal resume keywords

• Ph.D. In Chemistry
• Polymer Synthesis
• Composite Characterization
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Advanced Materials Development

ATS Optimization Keywords

Hard Skills

• Polymer Functionalization
• Structure–Property Relationships
• Thermoset Chemistry
• Nanocomposites Development
• Mechanical Testing
• Cure Kinetics Analysis
• Material Specifications Development
• Thermal Studies
• Rheological Characterization
• Root-Cause Analysis

Soft Skills

• Scientific Communication
• Technical Guidance
• Collaboration

Industry Keywords

• Composite Materials
• Aerospace Applications
• Material Compliance
• High-Performance Applications
• Polymer Science

Tools & Technologies

• FTIR
• NMR
• DSC
• TGA
• DMA
• SEM
• ARES G2 Rheometer