Product Development Chemist

Momentive; Friendly (WV); On-site; USD 88,000 - 128,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental & vision insurance

Paid parental leave

Short term disability

401k with 5% employer match

PTO and paid holidays

Professional development programs

Job summary

Momentive is seeking a Product Development Chemist to advance urethane additive technologies for polyurethane slabstock foam. You will design, synthesize, and test new chemistries, translating lab discoveries into scalable product solutions for a wide range of applications from bedding to automotive.

You will collaborate with global R&D, technical service, and customers across North America to optimize formulations, support product introduction, and contribute to IP and supplier qualification,

Qualifications

• PhD with 0–3+ years or MS with 3+ years in polymer-related product development.
• Strong knowledge of organic and/or polymer chemistry.
• Experience with standard laboratory practices, characterization, and analytical techniques.
• Willingness to travel up to 20% to support customer engagements.

Responsibilities

• Lead lab development projects from concept through pilot-scale evaluation.
• Design, synthesize, and evaluate new urethane additive technologies for foam applications.
• Maintain safety and enforce EHS policies in all lab activities.
• Own and drive New Product Development & Introduction projects across global teams.
• Collaborate with global Slabstock Technology and customer teams for product adoption.
• Support IP development and invention disclosures to protect company IP.
• Assist in supplier qualification to ensure material continuity.
• Represent the company at industry events and technical forums.

Skills

Polymer chemistry

Laboratory techniques

English communication

Safety and compliance

Project coordination

Education

PhD in Chemistry/Polymer Science

Master’s in Chemistry/Polymer Science

Job description

Job Title: Product Development Chemist Summary: As a Product Development Chemist on our Urethane Additives (UA) Technology Team, you will play a key role in developing the next generation of materials used in polyurethane slabstock foam. In this role, you will design, synthesize, and evaluate new additive technologies that enhance foam performance across a wide range of applications—from comfort products such as bedding and furniture, to highly technical applications in automotive, medical, and specialty markets. You will work hands‑on in the lab to formulate, test, and optimize new chemistries while collaborating with a global R&D network to bring innovative products from concept through commercialization. Your work will directly contribute to expanding Momentive’s portfolio of urethane additives and strengthening our position in the polyurethane market. Beyond development work, you will also help introduce new technologies to the market by partnering with technical service, commercial teams, and customers across North America. In this capacity, you will provide technical insight and application support for our existing slabstock foam additive portfolio, helping customers optimize formulations and solve real‑world challenges in foam manufacturing. This role offers the opportunity to combine hands‑on chemistry, product innovation, and customer collaboration, allowing you to see the direct impact of your work from the laboratory bench to real‑world applications used every day. Please note that this role requires onsite presence five days per week, Monday through Friday. Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We cannot sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.

Responsibilities Include:

• Lead laboratory development projects from concept through pilot-scale evaluation. You will design and execute experiments focused on the synthesis, characterization, and performance testing of new urethane additive technologies, translating laboratory discoveries into scalable product solutions.
• Maintain the highest safety standards in all laboratory activities. You will follow and promote rigorous safety practices while ensuring compliance with local regulations and company EHS policies. As part of a collaborative R&D environment, you will actively contribute to maintaining a strong culture of safety within the team.
• Own and drive assigned New Product Development & Introduction (NPDI) projects. You will apply disciplined project management practices to move projects forward efficiently—managing timelines, coordinating cross‑functional input, and ensuring key milestones are achieved on schedule.
• Collaborate closely with the global Slabstock Technology team. You will maintain strong working relationships across the organization, aligning your work with global R&D priorities and adjusting project activities to support shared strategic objectives.
• Partner directly with selected slabstock foam customers across North America. You will help introduce newly developed urethane additive technologies into commercial applications, providing technical guidance and building strong customer relationships that support successful product adoption.
• Contribute to the development of intellectual property. You will identify innovative breakthroughs and support the preparation of invention disclosures and other documentation to protect and strengthen the company’s IP portfolio.
• Support supply chain resilience efforts by assisting in the qualification of alternative suppliers for key raw materials used in slabstock foam additives, ensuring product continuity and reliability.
• Represent the company within the broader technical community. You may participate in industry conferences, technical seminars, and exhibitions, sharing insights, engaging with external partners, and strengthening the company’s presence within the polyurethane industry.

Qualifications:

• The following are required for the role PhD with 0–3+ years of relevant experience, or Master’s degree with 3+ years of experience in polymer-related product development and/or customer technical service.
• Strong knowledge of organic and/or polymer chemistry.
• Experience with standard laboratory practices, structural characterization, and related analytical techniques.
• Interest in applied science, industrial processes, and new product development from laboratory through pilot scale.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and projects in a cross‑functional, global team environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Willingness to travel up to 20% to support customer engagement and understand product/application needs.

Preferred qualifications:

• PhD or Master’s degree in Chemistry, Polymer Science, or a related field.
• 5+ years of R&D experience in new product development and pilot‑scale testing.
• Experience with polyurethane foam technology and additives.
• Experience with surfactant applications and characterization.
• Self‑motivated with strong technical curiosity and a passion for innovation.

What We Offer:

Base Pay Range: $87,500 - $128,150

The actual salary offered is determined by factors including but not limited to education, experience, skill sets, and geography.

Local geographic pay differentials may not be reflected in the above pay range and will be discussed with you by a member of the HR team when applicable.

Additionally, this role is eligible for incentive or sales variable compensation payments. The amount of these incentives is based on the terms of the Company’s incentive plans, the Company’s financial performance, and/or individual employee job performance.

At Momentive, compensation is one part of your overall package. We offer a fantastic variety of total rewards and development programs to support your unique needs for overall well-being and personal career aspirations.

• Health, dental & vision insurance, including critical illness coverage and optional orthodontia coverage.
• Paid parental leave for the birth of a child; adoption and surrogacy reimbursement.
• Short term disability with 100% base salary coverage.
• Company funded counseling (EAP) and assistance finding care for children, parents, or pets.
• 25 days of Paid Time Off (PTO) plus paid holidays.
• Additional time off with years of service.
• 401k savings plan with 5% employer match plus additional contribution based on years of service.
• Student debt pay-off program.
• Professional development programs and courses.
• Wellness programs and financial education.

About Us:

Momentive is a premier global advanced materials company with a cutting-edge focus on silicones and specialty products. We deliver solutions designed to help propel our customer’s products forward—products that have a profound impact on all aspects of life, around the clock and from living rooms to outer space. With every innovation, Momentive creates a more sustainable future. Our vast product portfolio is made up of advanced silicones and specialty solutions that play an essential role in driving performance across a multitude of industries, including agriculture, automotive, aerospace, electronics, energy, healthcare, personal care, consumer products, building and construction, and more.

Momentive believes a diverse workforce empowers our people, strengthens our business, and contributes to a sustainable world. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any characteristic protected by law.

To be considered for this position candidates are required to submit an application for employment and be of legal working age as defined by local law. An offer may be conditioned upon the successful completion of pre‑employment conditions, as applicable, and subject to applicable laws and regulations.

Refer to the Hiring Process tab on our Careers page for a detailed description of the physical job requirements and location details for candidates considering relocation.