Research Scientist/Engineer - Transportation

Americhem; Akron (OH); On-site; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Americhem, a global designer and manufacturer of color masterbatch and polymer additives, seeks a Research Scientist/Engineer - Transportation to lead development programs for automotive, aerospace, and related markets. You will drive technology platforms, experiments, and scale-up across R&D, manufacturing, and engineering teams.

The role emphasizes collaboration, documentation, and IP stewardship, with travel up to 20% to R&D sites, plants, and customer locations.

Qualifications

• Experience developing and commercializing polymer-based products for transportation markets (auto, aerospace, defense, etc.).
• Hands-on polymer processing, compounding, formulation development, scale-up, and manufacturing support.
• Familiarity with automotive and aerospace specs, weatherable materials, and flame-retardant systems is highly desirable.
• Functional knowledge of DOE, statistical analysis, and data-driven product development is required.
• Strong documentation and IP practices.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of differentiated technology platforms, including materials, formulations, and additive systems aligned to performance, regulatory, and sustainability goals.
• Drive experimentation, prototyping, testing, qualification, and scale-up in collaboration with Research, Manufacturing, and Engineering.
• Ensure adherence to Management of Change processes.
• Lead and mentor development engineers and specialists deliver projects on time and to quality standards.
• Manage execution through stage-gate processes, milestones, and continuous workflow improvement.
• Partner with Design Teams, Sales, and customers on technology transfer, trials, and application optimization.
• Provide clear project updates through reviews and customer engagements.
• Contribute technical insight to growth strategies, monitor competitive technologies, and support IP initiatives.
• Stay engaged with industry trends and organizations.
• Develop talent, support recruitment, and strengthen technical capabilities.
• Maintain strong documentation and IP practices.
• Integrate sustainability objectives into product and platform design.

Skills

DOE

Statistical analysis

Data-driven development

Project management

Education

Bachelor’s or advanced degree in Polymer Science / Materials Science / Chemistry

Tools

Twin-screw extrusion

Job description

Americhem is a globally recognized designer and manufacturer of custom color masterbatch, functional additives, engineered compounds and performance technologies. Our business is built around delivering Performance, Solutions and Trust through close collaboration with customers seeking to optimize their polymer products. All of our products are backed by complete technical support that ensures quality, reliability, and value.

We are seeking a Research Scientist/Engineer - Transportation that will be responsible for leading programs in the development of scalable technology platforms and differentiated new products aligned with strategic growth priorities. The Development Engineer works with customers and internal departments in the development of new products, processes and tests, as well as problem solving and continuous improvement initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of differentiated technology platforms, including materials, formulations, and additive systems aligned to performance, regulatory, and sustainability goals.
• Drive experimentation, prototyping, testing, qualification, and scale-up in collaboration with Research, Manufacturing, and Engineering.
• Ensure adherence to Management of Change processes.
• Lead and mentor development engineers and specialists deliver projects on time and to quality standards.
• Manage execution through stage-gate processes, milestones, and continuous workflow improvement.
• Partner with Design Teams, Sales, and customers on technology transfer, trials, and application optimization.
• Provide clear project updates through reviews and customer engagements.
• Contribute technical insight to growth strategies, monitor competitive technologies, and support IP initiatives.
• Stay engaged with industry trends and organizations.
• Develop talent, support recruitment, and strengthen technical capabilities.
• Maintain strong documentation and IP practices.
• Integrate sustainability objectives into product and platform design.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Advanced degree (Ph.D. or M.S.) in Polymer Science, Materials Science, Chemistry, or related field
• 5+ years of experience developing and commercializing polymer-based products for transportation markets, including automotive, aerospace, defense, recreational, and utility vehicles.
• Hands‑on experience with polymer processing, compounding, formulation development, scale‑up, and manufacturing support is required.
• Experience with engineering thermoplastics, polyolefins, twin‑screw extrusion, and transportation material qualification is strongly preferred. Familiarity with automotive and/or aerospace OEM specifications, weatherable materials, flame‑retardant systems, and color‑critical applications is highly desirable.
• Functional knowledge of DOE, statistical analysis, and data‑driven product development is required.

Additional Information

Travel: Up to 20% to R&D sites, manufacturing plants and customer locations as needed.

Desired Qualities/Attributes:

• Strong ownership and accountability with the ability to manage projects end‑to‑end
• Highly organized, adaptable, and effective at prioritizing in fast‑changing environments
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and relationship‑building skills
• Self‑motivated with strong problem‑solving capabilities