R&D Chemist III

NCSL International; Shelton, Northern (CT, KY); Hybrid; USD 95,000 - 143,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) retirement plan

Performance bonus

Tuition reimbursement

Wellness Program

Paid time off

Professional development

Job summary

MacDermid Alpha Electronics Solutions, a business segment of Element Solutions Inc., seeks a PhD-level materials scientist to drive development of innovative, high‑performance materials for Circuitry Solutions. You will design formulations, test strategies, and collaborate with global teams to execute product roadmaps.

You will mentor junior scientists, prepare technical presentations and patent disclosures, and engage with customers and OEMs to advance new resin systems and surface treatments.

Qualifications

• PhD with 3+ years of technical research experience.
• Comfort working in a wet chemistry lab and handling chemicals.
• Strong organizational skills and high attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and in teams; English written/spoken communication.

Responsibilities

• Drive development of innovative, high-performance materials for Circuitry Solutions.
• Develop new formulations, testing strategies, and optimize existing products.
• Collaborate with scientists, product managers, and marketing teams globally to execute roadmaps.
• Mentor junior scientists and document work through presentations and patent disclosures.

Skills

Research experience

Analytical thinking

Team collaboration

Presentation skills

English communication

Education

PhD in inorganic or electrochemistry, polymer/material science, or related field

Tools

Electrochemical analysis (CV, LSV, potentiostat)

SEM

Optical microscopy

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?

The purpose of this position is to drive the development of innovative, differentiated, and high-performance materials for the Circuitry Solutions product lines. The candidate will be responsible by developing new products, material testing strategies/protocols, formulations and modifying/optimizing existing products. In this role, the candidate will work closely with scientists, product managers, application, and marketing managers globally to execute product roadmaps and strategies in existing and adjacent markets that drive growth

What will you be doing?

• Hold self to the highest standards on safety. We are committed to building a strong safety culture in all laboratory and related activities.
• Research, develop, and formulate new surface treatment products for the printed circuit board, molded interconnect, connector and IC substrate industries.
• Have an in-depth understanding of the patent and literature for new resin systems, chemistry, and polymers across related technology areas.
• Deliver presentations/reports that distill complex ideas into precise results and proposals; communicate appropriately to influence internal and external audiences.
• Actively participate in workgroup team meetings to address safety, process improvement, problem-solving, and other workgroups, departments, and active topics.
• Mentor junior level scientists and technologists.
• Communicate and appropriately document work in the form of internal presentations and external publications/reports. Draft and submit patent disclosures as appropriate.
• Leverage external networks for project success, establish relationships with customer/OEM, and regularly engage in appropriate scientific venues.
• Understand and follow appropriate EH&S standards, policies, and procedures applicable to their job.
• Carry out responsibilities under the organization's policies and applicable laws. Present a professional attitude and handle confidential information according to non-disclosure guidelines.
• Ability to work in a high paced and multi-task environment. Self-motivated and able to work with minimal supervision

Who are You?

• PhD degree in inorganic or electrochemistry, Polymer/material science, or related field with 3+ years technical research experience.
• Comfort working in a wet chemistry lab, including safe handling of chemicals, solvents, and lab equipment.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to follow procedures with high repeatability.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team, communicate clearly in English (written and verbal), and manage multiple tasks under guidance from senior staff
• Internship or 13 years of industrial experience in metal electrodeposition, materials R&D, formulation, preferred
• Additional hands-on experience with analytical techniques such as electrochemical analysis (CV, LSV, potentiostat) SEM/optical microscopy, or other materials characterization methods, preferred.
• Prior exposure to semiconductor materials (photoresists, dielectrics, plating additives, etc.) or work in a cleanroom/fab environment (coating, lamination, lithography, metrology), preferred.
• Experience with basic data analysis and statistical tools (e.g., Excel, JMP, Minitab) to interpret experimental results, preferred.

What competencies will you need?

• Able to work independently as well as in groups.
• Organized, self-motivated, and action-oriented, with the ability to adapt quickly to new challenges and opportunities.
• Good oral, presentation, and written communication skills. An ability to communicate and interact successfully with a broad range of disciplines, whilst maintaining a strong professional image
• Passion, high energy, self-motivation, and a focus on execution. Independent thinking and problem-solving skills necessary to succeed in an entrepreneurial culture, demonstrating significant initiative and effort.
• An ability to follow clearly defined objectives to solve difficult technical challenges within specific timescales. Coordinating cross-functional and outside resources to resolve problems as appropriate

We are Offering...

Challenge Yourself and Impact the Future - 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.

As part of the MAES Team, you will have ...

Opportunities for career growth, competitive compensation (competitive base salary and performance-related bonus plan), and benefits packages (health, dental, and vision insurance, Wellness Program, PTO/Holidays, as well as a 401(k)-retirement plan with a company match).
Innovative work environment where you will be a part of a dynamic and collaborative team.
Perks and incentives include paid parental leave, tuition reimbursement, and opportunities for professional development.

The typical base salary range for this position is between $95,406.00 to $143,108.00

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.