Principal Scientist - Dielectric Materials Development

CPS, Inc.; Westlake (OH); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Flexible work arrangements

401K

Health and wellness benefits

Paid time off for community service

Job summary

cps4jobs in Ohio seeks a Principal Scientist to lead dielectric materials development for scalable polymer-based compounds. You will drive design of experiments, manage cross-functional teams, and deliver high-impact, market-ready products for automotive, aerospace, and computing applications.

You will oversee technology platforms, collaborate with design and commercial teams, and contribute to IP strategy while ensuring safety, quality, and regulatory compliance across sites.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience developing and commercializing thermoplastic polymer-based compounds and masterbatches.
• Hands-on experience with polymer processing, compounding, formulation development, scale-up, and manufacturing support.
• Experience supporting OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers, converters, or transportation customers.
• DOE, statistical analysis, STAGE GATE, and data-driven product development are required.
• Technical expertise in formulation, material design, and product testing relevant to the assigned market.
• Strong communication and presentation skills internal and external.
• Leadership capabilities, including team and project leadership.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of differentiated technology platforms through evaluation of new materials, additives, or formulations meeting performance, regulatory, and sustainability requirements.
• Plan, lead and execute design of experiments, prototype creation, performance testing, and product qualification.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure feasibility and scale-up readiness; follow Change Management protocols.
• Lead a team of development specialists, scientists, and engineers; assign responsibilities and monitor progress.
• Ensure project timelines, deliverables and quality expectations are met; manage stage-gate processes.
• Coordinate with regional design teams for technology transfer and application-specific adaptation.
• Participate in customer trials and technical meetings to gather insights and strengthen relationships.
• Provide technical input to strategic plans and sector growth initiatives; monitor industry trends.

Skills

Project leadership

Data-driven development

DOE/statistical analysis

Communication skills

Leadership and team oversight

Education

Bachelor’s to Ph.D. in Polymer Science or related field

Tools

Stage-Gate process

Polymer processing

Job description

Principal Scientist – Dielectric Materials Development

This is an exciting new position created to innovate and commercialize novel thermoplastic compounds used as low dielectric constant and ultra-low dielectric loss materials used in Computing and AI infrastructure. A high-profile role that will lead ideation and project teams, imagine your future with a well-established company that invests in its talent! The Principal Scientist is responsible for leading programs in the development of scalable technology platforms and differentiated new products aligned with strategic growth priorities. The Principal Scientist works with customers and internal departments in the development of new products, processes and tests, as well as problem solving and continuous improvement initiatives.

Platform Technology & Product Development

Lead the development of differentiated technology platforms through the evaluation of new materials, additive systems, or formulations that meet segment-specific performance, regulatory, and sustainability requirements. Plan, lead and execute design of experiments, prototype creation, performance testing, and product qualification. Participate in cross-functional teams including Research, Technical Services, Manufacturing, and Process Engineering to ensure feasibility and scale-up readiness. Follow Management of Change protocols when implementing changes or improvements to technology platforms or formulations.

Project & Team Management

Lead a tam of development specialists, scientists, and/or engineers; assign responsibilities, monitor progress of each pr9oject, and provide technical guidance. Ensure project timelines, deliverables, and quality expectations are met consistently. Utilize the stage-gate process and innovation systems to manage project execution and meet critical milestones. Deliver on key performance metrics / project milestones and continuously improve development workflows so meet critical deliverable timelines.

Commercial & Design Team Collaboration

Participate regularly in Stage-Gate reviews, functional and customer update sessions to ensure all project deliverables are met and status is clearly understood. Coordinate with Regional Design Teams for technology transfer, technical documentation, and application-specific adaptation. Participate in customer trials and technical meetings to further relationships and gather application insights for customer needs.

Strategic Contribution

Provide technical input to strategic plans and segment growth initiatives. Participate in industry specific organizations and keep informed of global technical trends relevant to segment. Montior competitive technologies and support IP activities in partnership with the Research & IP Strategy team.

Additional Responsibilities

Talent Development – Continually invest in business ad industry knowledge, improving skills and scientific practices. Assist in identifying new talent and participate in recruitment. Knowledge Management – Ensure robust documentation of formulations, trial outcomes, and platform evolution for global adaptation. Participate in Intellectual Property management activities. Sustainability Integration – Assist with the integration of sustainability targets into platform designs and product technologies (e.g., recyclability, bio-based content, durability).

Safety Compliance

The safety of our employees takes precedence over all other priorities. All employees are expected to follow current safety protocols, which may evolve over time in response to changing conditions. It is each employee’s responsibility to stay informed and comply with the most up-to-date practices as communicated by the Company.

Quality System Adherence

We are committed to maintaining world-class quality standards across all operations. All employees are responsible for supporting the principles and requirements of applicable quality systems, including ISO 9001 at all facilities. Depending on site, this may also include ISO 13485, ISO 14001, and ISO 17025. Coordination of ISO 17025 accreditation activities include: developing, modifying, verifying, and validating methods; performing tests and calibration methods; analyzing results, issuing statements of conformity or opinions and interpretations; reporting, reviewing, and authorizing results. Regardless of certification or accreditation, all team members are expected to participate and follow disciplined processes that ensure consistency, traceability, and compliance with customer and regulatory requirements.

Salary

$120,000 - $180,000

Benefits

Competitive compensation aligned with market standards, performance-based incentive / bonus compensation opportunities, comprehensive health and wellness benefits, flexible work arrangements, employee assistance programs for personal and professional support, Family support resources and dependent care options. Paid time off for community service, 401K, so much more!

Technical Qualifications

Bachelor’s to (Ph.D. or M.S.) in Polymer Science, Materials Science, Chemistry, or related field. 5+ years of experience developing and commercializing thermoplastic polymer-based compounds and masterbatches (such as Engineering thermoplastics (PP, TPO, ABS, ASA, PC, PC/ABS, PBT, PET, PA, TPE) for transportation markets, including automotive, aerospace, defense, recreationals, and utility vehicles. Hands-on experience with polymer processing, compounding, formulation development, scale-up, and manufacturing support is required. Experience supporting OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers, converters, or transportation customers. Functional knowledge of DOE, statistical analysis, STAGE GATE, and data-driven product development is required. Technical expertise in formulation, material design, and product testing relevant to the assigned market. Strong communication and presentation skills internal and external. Leadership capabilities, including team and project leadership.

Travel

Periodic travel (up to 20%) to sites, manufacturing plants and customer locations as needed.