Principal Materials Scientist

Holcim Ltd.; Fishers (IN); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) savings

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Medical and Dental Insurance

Paid time off

Educational Assistance Program

Job summary

Holcim Ltd. seeks a Principal Materials Scientist to lead innovations in R&D, bridging theoretical and practical aspects of material science. The role requires expertise in polymer chemistry and advanced analytical tools. You will mentor teams and drive product research while ensuring alignment with industry standards and regulations.

With over 15 years in specialty chemicals, you will define structure-property relationships for product development across all core units, including adhesives and coatings.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of experience in specialty chemicals, coatings, adhesives, or elastomers.
• Proven understanding of polymer chemistries like rubbers and epoxies.
• Expert-level proficiency in advanced characterization equipment.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the centralized authority on material science.
• Lead analysis equipment usage for product performance understanding.
• Act as a consultant to resolve complex formulation roadblocks.

Skills

Polymer Chemistry

Analytical Mastery

Leadership

Education

PhD in Materials Science or related field

Tools

Fourier‑Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectrometers

Gas Chromatographs (GC‑MS)

Differential Scanning Calorimeters (DSC)

Job description

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Company Overview

Amrize is building North America. From bridges and railways to data centers, schools, offices and homes, our solutions are inside the buildings and infrastructure that connect people and advance how we live. And we invite you to come and build with us.

As the partner of choice for professional builders, we offer advanced branded solutions from foundation to rooftop. Wherever our customers are, whatever their job, we’re ready to deliver. Our 19,000 colleagues work across 1,000 sites supported by an unparalleled distribution network. Infrastructure, commercial and residential, new build, repair and refurbishment: We’re in every construction market.

Amrize listed on the New York Stock Exchange and the SIX Swiss Exchange on June 23, 2025, following our spinoff as an independent company. Join us and build your ambition.

Join the Gaco team, a trusted name in building envelope solutions with a heritage dating back to 1955.

We’re seeking a Principal Materials Scientist who’s ready to be part of a company committed to formulating everyday success for every customer through innovative, reliable products used to adhere, seal, and protect at every level of the building envelope.

About the role

Serve as the centralized technical authority on fundamental material science, driving the understanding of structure-property relationships to accelerate innovation across all R&D business groups. This role bridges theoretical polymer physics and chemistry with practical formulation, ensuring rapid, data-driven product development from benchtop to commercialization.

What you’ll accomplish

Strategic R&D Acceleration

• Define and build fundamental structure-property relationships to accelerate new product development across all core business units: Contact Adhesives, Silicon Coatings & Adhesives, Polyurethane & Polyurea Systems, and Epoxy Coatings.
• Translate complex molecular interactions into predictable macroscopic performance metrics (e.g., abrasion resistance, flexibility, adhesion, and weatherability) to reduce formulation trial‑and‑error.
• Identify synergistic technology platforms and raw materials that can be leveraged across different product lines to capture new market opportunities in roofing, building envelopes, and marine/industrial flooring.

Advanced Analytical Leadership

• Lead the strategic use of deep analysis equipment across the development labs to understand exactly why products perform the way they do.
• Utilize advanced characterization tools, including Fourier‑Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectrometers, Gas Chromatographs (GC‑MS), Differential Scanning Calorimeters (DSC), and Advanced Rheometers.
• Confirm cure mechanisms, identify trace contaminants, analyze failures, and qualify complex new raw materials using chemical analysis.
• Correlate advanced chemical analysis with mechanical performance testing derived from Universal Testing Machines (UTMs) analyzing stress‑strain curves, modulus, and peel/lap shear adhesion.

Cross‑Functional Collaboration & Scale‑Up

• Act as the primary technical consultant to specialized R&D Managers/chemists, helping to resolve complex formulation roadblocks involving polymer/crosslinker systems, catalyst packages, and adhesion promoters.
• Partner closely with the Manager of the Pilot Lab & Process Scale‑Up to ensure that foundational molecular behaviors and reactive chemistries translate successfully from 1‑liter benchtop batches to 20‑50kg pilot batches.
• Provide predictive risk analysis for process scale‑up by analyzing mixing dynamics, exotherms, and temperature controls for complex reactive chemistries.

Mentorship & Scientific Excellence

• Foster a culture of scientific rigor, continuous learning, and advanced experimental design across the entire R&D organization.
• Ensure all cross‑functional development aligns with critical industry standards (e.g., ASTM standards for sealants and roof coatings) and evolving environmental regulations.

What we’re looking for

• Education: PhD in Materials Science, Polymer Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, or a closely related highly technical field.
• Experience: 15+ years of progressive, advanced R&D experience in the specialty chemicals, coatings, adhesives, or elastomers industry.
• Cross‑Chemistry Expertise: Deep, proven understanding of multiple polymer chemistries, specifically including solvent‑based rubbers, silicones, polyurethanes/polyureas, and epoxies.
• Analytical Mastery: Expert‑level proficiency in interpreting data from advanced thermal, rheological, and spectroscopic characterization equipment to build predictive structure‑property models.
• Leadership: Demonstrated ability to lead without direct authority, acting as a high‑level technical consultant and mentor to specialized R&D formulation teams.

What we offer

Retirement Savings: Choose from 401(k) pre‑tax and/or Roth after‑tax savings.

Employee Stock Purchase Plan.

Medical, Dental, Disability and Life Insurance.

Holistic Health & Well‑being programs.

Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) & Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) for health and dependent care.

Vision and other voluntary benefits and discounts.

Paid time off & paid holidays.

Paid Parental Leave (maternity & paternity).

Educational Assistance Program.

Amrize is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Amrize North America Inc. takes pride in our hiring processes and our commitment that all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, ethnicity, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, parental status, genetic information, citizenship, physical or mental disability, past, current, or prospective service in the uniformed services, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local law. Amrize North America Inc., and its respective subsidiaries are equal opportunity employers, deciding all employment on the basis of qualification, merit and business need. Amrize Canada Inc. is committed to the principles of employment equity and encourages applications from women, visible minorities, and persons with disabilities. Amrize North America Inc. participates in E‑Verify and will provide the federal government with your I‑9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the United States.

In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA), if you have a disability and would like to request accommodation in order to apply for a position with us, please email recruiting‑[e-mail]. This email address should only be used for accommodations and not general inquiries or resume submittals. In Ontario, our organization/business is committed to fulfilling our requirements under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. Under the Act, accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.