Rubber Development Chemist

Fenner Precision Polymers; Gaffney (SC); On-site; USD 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage

401(k) match

Job summary

Fenner Precision Polymers in Gaffney, SC is looking for a Chemist with rubber experience to join their R&D team. This role involves developing and optimizing rubber compounds, conducting laboratory tests, and working closely with engineering and manufacturing teams. The company emphasizes a culture of safety, innovation, and teamwork.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree in Chemistry and hands-on experience in rubber compounding. Competitive pay and benefits offered.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field.
• Hands-on experience in rubber compounding.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and formulate rubber compounds.
• Conduct laboratory testing of rubber materials.
• Maintain documentation of formulations and test results.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving skills

Experience in rubber compounding

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Polymer Science, or related field

Tools

Rheology testing equipment

Tensile testing machines

Job description

Fenner Precision Polymer (Fenner PRP)

Fenner Precision Polymer (Fenner PRP) is a global manufacturing provider of specialized and material-driven solutions that help our customers succeed. We have over 1,000+ employees in US, UK, China and Italy.

Our Growth Ambition (3Ps)

People – Believing people are drivers of energy and progress, the organization is built on a human-centered vision.

Profit – Committed to balancing growth, profitability, and responsibility, the organization pursues sustainable development across its businesses.

Planet – Aware of climate change, resource depletion, and biodiversity loss, the organization works to reduce its environmental footprint.

Competitive Rate

Who We Are…

At Fenner Precision Polymers, a Michelin Group company, we’re committed to delivering high-performance solutions that power critical applications across industries. Our culture is built on safety, innovation, continuous improvement, and a shared dedication to excellence. We value teamwork, adaptability, and a positive work environment where every employee plays a vital role in our success.

What We Offer…

At Fenner, you’re more than just an employee, you’re part of a global team that values your voice, supports your growth, and celebrates your contributions. We offer:

• Competitive pay with shift differentials and bonuses
• Day-one Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage
• 401(k) match immediately vested with the company
• Career Development in a Global Organization
• Personal Development and Career Progression
• A Culture Built on Trust, Respect, and Empowerment

Be part of a company that values your contribution and invests in your future.

What You’ll Be Doing…

We are seeking a Chemist with rubber experience to join our R&D team. In this role, you will develop, formulate, test, and optimize rubber compounds for a variety of applications. You will work closely with engineering, manufacturing, and quality teams to support product development, improve performance characteristics, and ensure compliance with industry standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Formulate and develop rubber compounds for new and existing products.
• Conduct laboratory testing, including physical, mechanical, and chemical analysis of rubber materials.
• Support scale‑up, compounding, and manufacturing processes.
• Maintain accurate documentation of formulations, test results, and project progress.
• Troubleshoot material and processing issues in collaboration with production teams.
• Evaluate raw materials, additives, and reinforcing fillers to enhance compound performance.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory, environmental, and safety standards.
• Prepare technical reports and present findings to internal stakeholders.

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Polymer Science, Materials Science, or related field.
• Hands‑on experience in rubber compounding, elastomers, or polymer chemistry.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Experience with common testing techniques (e.g., tensile, rheology, hardness, aging).
• Ability to interpret data and make recommendations based on results.

Preferred:

• Master’s degree or PhD in a relevant discipline.
• Experience with rubber injection molding, extrusion, or mixing processes.
• Familiarity with additive selection, fillers, curing systems, and performance optimization.
• Knowledge of relevant industry standards.

This role offers a clear path for advancement. High-performing individuals will have the opportunity to grow at Fenner Precision Polymers, taking on greater responsibility, strategic influence, and leadership within the R&D team.

Ready to Take the Next Step in Your Career?

Apply today and become part of a team that’s manufacturing more than products—we’re manufacturing a better future.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.