Rubber Formulation Chemist

Clearbridge Executive Search; Indiana (PA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Clearbridge Executive Search is seeking a chemist with a strong rubber chemistry background to develop and optimize rubber compound formulations. The role involves evaluating new materials, additives, and processing techniques to boost product performance and manufacturing efficiency.

You will conduct physical, chemical, and rheological testing, analyze results, troubleshoot issues, and recommend process improvements.

Qualifications

• BS degree in Chemistry, Polymer Science, Chemical Engineering or related field preferred.
• Strong R&D background in experimental design, data analysis, and formulation development.
• Experience with analytical lab equipment and rubber chemistry testing methods.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize rubber compound formulations to improve performance and manufacturing efficiency.
• Conduct physical, chemical, rheological, and analytical testing of materials and products.
• Operate and maintain laboratory instrumentation (GC, HPLC, spectrophotometers, spectrometers).
• Collaborate with Production, Manufacturing, Engineering and Quality to support product development and scale-up.
• Document formulations, test results and procedures for audits and compliance.

Skills

Experimental design

Data analysis

Chemical-system troubleshooting

Formulation development

Product scale-up

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry/Polymer Science/Chemical Engineering

Tools

Spectrophotometers

GC

HPLC systems

Spectrometers

Job description

ResponsibilitiesDevelop and optimize rubber compound formulations, while evaluating new raw materials, additives, and processing techniques to improve product performance, quality, and manufacturing efficiencyConduct physical, chemical, rheological, and analytical testing of raw materials and finished products; analyze results to identify trends, troubleshoot issues, and recommend process improvementsOperate, calibrate, and maintain laboratory instrumentation including spectrophotometers, gas chromatography (GC), HPLC systems, and spectrometers, while developing and validating analytical test methodsPartner with Production, Manufacturing, Engineering, and Quality teams to support product development, resolve chemical/process and product-quality issues, and transition formulation improvements into productionSupport R&D, regulatory, and quality activities by conducting scientific investigations, developing new or improved formulations, and maintaining accurate documentation of formulations, test results, experimental procedures, and findings for audits and complianceQualificationsBachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Polymer Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related scientific/engineering discipline preferred.Strong R&D background in experimental design, data analysis, chemical-system troubleshooting, formulation development, and product scale-upHands-on experience with analytical laboratory equipment, including spectrophotometers, GC, HPLC, spectroscopy techniques, and related instrumentationKnowledge of rubber chemistry and vulcanization, including testing methods such as Mooney viscosity, tensile strength, and hardness, with familiarity in GLP, cGMP, ISO 9001, and laboratory safety requirementsProven ability to work independently and cross-functionally in a fast-paced industrial/R&D environment, maintaining strong accuracy, attention to detail, and disciplined documentationSalary: $60k-$70k/annumAsk for: Aarti ManchandaClearBridge Executive Search is a New Jersey based Executive Search Firm specializing in retained searches in multiple sectors, including Manufacturing, Finance, IT, Legal, and Pharmaceutical. We have a nationwide client base and offer services in temporary and direct hire placements