R&D Chemist II

Element Solutions; Waterbury (CT); On-site; USD 81,000 - 122,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

9 holidays

401k with company matching

Life Insurance

Medical Insurance

Performance bonus

Job summary

Element Solutions is seeking an innovative R&D Chemist II to join our global team. You will develop new chemical formulations and materials, design experiments, and analyze data to drive commercially viable solutions for diverse electronics applications.

You'll collaborate with Manufacturing, Quality, Regulatory, and Commercial teams, supporting scale-up, safety documentation, and customer engagements. A strong chemistry background and problem-solving mindset are essential for success.

Qualifications

• Degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Material Science, or related field; master's/PhD preferred.
• Experience in an R&D laboratory environment, industrial experience advantageous.
• Strong knowledge of organic, inorganic, polymer chemistry and material science.
• Experience with analytical instrumentation and safety/regulatory awareness.

Responsibilities

• Design and conduct laboratory experiments to develop new formulations, materials, or processes.
• Analyze and interpret results; evaluate performance, stability, and feasibility of new products.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams and support scale-up and technology transfer.
• Prepare technical reports, product specifications, and safety documentation.

Skills

Organic chemistry

Polymer chemistry

Material science

Analytical methods

Regulatory knowledge

Education

Chemistry degree

Material Science degree

Master's or PhD preferred

Tools

FTIR

GC/MS

HPLC

Rheology

Thermal analysis

Job description

Element Solutions

Equal Opportunity Employer: Minority/Female/Veteran/Disabled/Gender Identity/Sexual Orientation

Challenge Yourself and Impact the Future!

MacDermid Alpha Electronics Solutions, a business segment of Element Solutions Inc (NYSE: ESI), is renowned worldwide for its commitment to revolutionizing the electronics industry. With a legacy spanning over a century, we have continually set new benchmarks for excellence, reliability and sustainability in electronic materials.

• Wafer Level Packaging - Revolutionizing wafer fabrication processes for enhanced efficiency and performance
• Circuitry Solutions - Tailored solutions to meet the dynamic demands of modern circuitry
• Electronics Assembly Solutions - Innovating semiconductor, surface mount technology, and power electronics assembly for unparalleled reliability
• Advanced Materials and Joining - Engineering polymer and metal joining solutions for optimally performing circuits
• Film & Smart Surface Solutions - Transforming electronics with cutting‑edge materials and technologies for enhanced functionality and reliability
• Micromax – Elevating electronics through high‑performing, specialized inks and pastes

Across diverse sectors including automotive, consumer electronics, mobile devices, telecom, data storage, infrastructure, and AI, MacDermid Alpha Electronics Solutions has earned the trust of manufacturers worldwide. Our comprehensive range of high‑quality solutions and technical services enables the entire electronics supply chain, empowering businesses to thrive in today's competitive landscape.

We embody the 'Elements of our Culture'- our 5C's; Challenge, Commit, Collaborate, Choose, and Care. These core values are the foundation of our organization which our employees embrace in their interactions with customers, colleagues and other stakeholders, to drive financial performance and create a rewarding work environment.

Who are we looking for?

We are seeking an innovative and scientifically curious R&D Chemist II to join our global research and development team. This role is ideal for someone who brings deep technical expertise in chemistry, strong problem‑solving skills, and a passion for creating new materials, formulations, and technologies. You'll thrive here if you enjoy pushing boundaries, experimenting with new ideas, and turning scientific concepts into commercially viable solutions that make a real‑world impact.

What will you be doing?

As an R&D Chemist, you will play a key role in developing the next generation of products and technologies for our global customers. Your responsibilities will include:

Research & Development

• Designing and conducting laboratory experiments to develop new chemical formulations, materials, or processes
• Analyzing, interpreting, and documenting experimental results
• Evaluating performance, stability, and feasibility of new products

Innovation & Problem Solving

• Investigating new raw materials, technologies, and methodologies
• Proposing innovative solutions to technical challenges
• Identifying opportunities for product improvements or cost optimisations

Collaboration & Project Execution

• Working closely with cross‑functional teams including Manufacturing, Quality, Regulatory, Procurement, and Commercial
• Supporting scale‑up activities and technology transfer to production sites
• Preparing technical reports, product specifications, and safety documentation
• Acting as a subject‑matter expert during customer trials, audits, or supplier engagements

Compliance & Safety

• Ensuring all laboratory work adheres to internal standards, regulatory requirements, and safety protocols
• Maintaining accurate records, equipment calibration, and good laboratory practices

Who are You?

You are someone who embodies both scientific excellence and collaborative spirit. Specifically, you:

• Are naturally curious and excited by scientific discovery
• Enjoy hands‑on work in the lab and take pride in analytical precision
• Communicate complex information clearly and effectively
• Thrive in diverse, multicultural teams across global sites
• Are resilient, resourceful, and comfortable navigating ambiguity
• Bring a proactive and solution‑oriented mindset to your work
• Value both innovation and practicality—balancing creativity with technical feasibility

What competencies will you need?

To succeed in this role, you will need a blend of technical and interpersonal competencies, including:

Technical Competencies

• Strong knowledge of organic, inorganic, polymer, or physical chemistry
• Experience in formulation chemistry, material science, or chemical process development
• Proficiency with analytical instrumentation (e.g., FTIR, GC/MS, HPLC, rheology, thermal analysis)
• Ability to design experiments, analyse data, and draw scientifically sound conclusions
• Familiarity with regulatory frameworks (e.g., REACH, GHS) and safety standards

Professional Competencies

• Excellent problem‑solving and critical‑thinking ability
• Strong project management and organisation skills
• Clear and concise written and verbal communication
• Ability to collaborate effectively
• Adaptability to shifting priorities

Qualifications

• Degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Material Science, or related discipline (Master's or PhD preferred, depending on specialization)
• Prior experience in an R&D laboratory environment (industrial experience highly advantageous)

We are Offering...

As part of our team here, as well as receiving a competitive base salary, you will also participate in a generous performance related bonus plan. In addition, you will also receive a 401k plan with company matching, Life Insurance, and Medical Insurance as well as 9 holidays.

The typical base salary for this position is $81,470 to $122,206.

Teamwork- At Element Solutions Inc, you will be part of a highly collaborative culture that promotes continuous improvement through cross‑functional partnerships to achieve our mission. We do this through a strong and unified culture and transparent management which has empowered us to create high performing global teams that achieve superior solutions for our customers.

Equal Opportunity Employer

All qualified applications will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, genetic information, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected category applicable under federal, state and local laws.

Equal employment opportunity, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.