Research Scientist - Thermoplastics for Transportation

CPS, Inc.; Akron (OH); On-site; USD 120,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

All major insurances available

Wellness Program

Life and AD&D

401K

Bonus Plan

Job summary

Cps4jobs in Akron, Ohio, is seeking a Research Scientist – Thermoplastics for Transportation to lead development programs for scalable technology platforms and differentiated products for the transportation sector. You will plan and execute experiments, develop new formulations, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure feasibility and scale-up while aligning with sustainability goals.

Travel up to 20% may be required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s to Ph.D. in Polymer Science, Materials Science, Chemistry or related field.
• 5+ years developing and commercializing thermoplastic polymer compounds for transportation.
• Hands-on polymer processing, compounding, formulation, scale-up, and manufacturing support.
• Experience with OEMs, Tier 1s, converters, or transportation customers.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of differentiated technology platforms and formulations meeting performance, regulatory, and sustainability requirements.
• Plan, lead and execute design of experiments, prototype creation, testing, and qualification.
• Collaborate with Research, Technical Services, Manufacturing, and Process Engineering for feasibility and scale-up.
• Manage project milestones using Stage-Gate and innovation systems to ensure on-time delivery.

Skills

Stage-Gate process

DOE / Design of Experiments

Polymer processing

Team leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Project management

Technical communication

Education

Bachelor’s to Ph.D. in Polymer Science / Materials Science / Chemistry

Job description

Research Scientist – Thermoplastics for Transportation

This is a high-profile role in a growing company! If you’ve done R&D work in thermoplastics for any type of transportation, this could be an amazing career opportunity! The company empowers you to grow and learn and advance your career! The Research Scientist is responsible for leading programs in the development of scalable technology platforms and differentiated new products aligned with strategic growth priorities.

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 team of development specialists, scientists and/or engineers; assign responsibilities, monitor progress of each project, 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.
• Monitor competitive technologies and support IP activities in partnership with the Research & IP Strategy team.

Additional Responsibilities

• Talent Development – Continually invest in business and industry knowledge, improving skills and scientific practice. 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; or opinions or 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 - $140,000

Benefits

• All major insurances available
• Wellness Program
• Life and AD&D
• EAP
• HSE
• Flex Accounts
• Accident insurance
• Disability insurance
• 401K
• Bonus Plan

Technical Qualifications

• Bachelor’s to (Ph.D. or M.S.) in Polymer Science, Materials Science, Chemistry or related field.
• With 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, recreational, 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.