Scientist

ITW Rippey; Cameron Park (CA); On-site; USD 91,000 - 137,000; Full time

Job summary

ITW Rippey in California seeks a senior researcher to lead R&D on polymer foams and related formulations for electronic-grade materials used in semiconductor devices.

You will design and scale up processes, collaborate across functions, apply DOE/Six Sigma methods, and present findings to stakeholders. The role requires leadership, advanced polymer knowledge, and a track record in scalable manufacturing.

Qualifications

• PhD in Polymer Science, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or related field; MS with extensive industrial experience also considered.
• 5+ years in polymer foam development, semiconductor materials, or related process development roles.
• Experience in colloidal chemistry or electrochemistry is desirable.
• Strong knowledge of polymer engineering principles, including foaming mechanisms, morphology, and rheology.
• Experience tuning foam structure-property relationships such as density, cell size, mechanical strength, and thermal behavior.
• Hands-on experience with semiconductor-compatible polymers (low-k dielectrics, photoresists, encapsulants) is desirable.
• DOE and statistical process optimization methods knowledge; Six Sigma experience
• Excellent communication, problem solving, and project management skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and execute R&D projects focused on polymeric foams, including structure-property-performance relationships.
• Design, synthesize, and optimize polymer formulations for electronic-grade materials for semiconductor devices.
• Develop and scale up manufacturing processes for polymer materials compliant with cleanroom standards.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to translate research into scalable commercial solutions.
• Evaluate materials and additives to enhance foam properties, thermal stability, and dielectric performance.
• Use analytical tools (DSC, TGA, FTIR, SEM, rheology) to study material behavior under varied conditions.
• Stay updated on trends in polymer science and semiconductor materials; present findings to stakeholders.
• Prepare technical reports and patents; present findings at internal and external forums.

Skills

Polymer foam development

Semiconductor materials

DOE / Six Sigma

Project management

Structure-property relationships

Education

PhD in Polymer Science or related

MS with extensive industrial experience

Tools

FTIR

DSC

TGA

Rheology

SEC

Microscopy

Job description

Job Description

• Lead and execute R&D projects focused on the development and characterization of polymeric foams, including structure-property-performance relationships.
• Design, synthesize, and optimize polymer formulations for electronic-grade materials with applications in semiconductor devices.
• Develop and scale up manufacturing processes for polymer materials, ensuring compatibility with semiconductor fabrication standards (e.g., cleanroom protocols, low outgassing).
• Collaborate cross-functionally with materials scientists, process engineers, and product development teams to translate research into scalable commercial solutions.
• Evaluate new raw materials, additives, and processing aids to enhance foam properties, thermal stability, dielectric performance, and mechanical strength.
• Use analytical tools (e.g., DSC, TGA, FTIR, SEM, rheometry) to assess polymer and foam behavior under various process and environmental conditions.
• Stay abreast of emerging trends and technologies in polymer science, semiconductor materials, and advanced manufacturing.
• Prepare technical reports, patents, and present findings to internal stakeholders and at external scientific forums.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Polymer Science, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field. M.S. with extensive industrial experience will also be considered.
• 5+ years of experience in polymer foam development, semiconductor materials, or related process development roles.
• Experience in colloidal chemistry or electrochemistry is desirable
• Strong knowledge of polymer engineering principles, including foaming mechanisms (physical and chemical), polymer morphology, and rheology.
• Experience tuning foam structure-property relationships such as density, cell size, mechanical strength, and thermal behavior
• Hands‑on experience with semiconductor‑compatible polymer materials, including low‑k dielectrics, photoresists, or encapsulants, is highly desirable.
• Proficiency in experimental design, data analysis, and process optimization (DOE, Six Sigma, etc.).
• Strong problem‑solving skills, project management abilities, and an innovation‑driven mindset.
• Experience with material characterization tools such as FTIR, DSC, TGA, rheology, SEC, and microscopy
• Knowledge of Design of Experiments (DOE) and statistical process optimization methods
• Exposure to high‑performance or industrial‑scale manufacturing environments
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with cleanroom operations and microfabrication processes.
• Experience with polymer foams, including systems such as polyurethane (PU), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), epoxy foams, or related cellular materials
• Knowledge of foam processing technologies (e.g., foaming chemistry, gas generation systems, stabilization mechanisms, or microstructure control)
• Experience tuning foam structure-property relationships such as density, cell size, mechanical strength, and thermal behavior
• Familiarity with coatings, adhesives, elastomers, or specialty polymer systems
• Experience with material characterization tools such as FTIR, DSC, TGA, rheology, SEC, and microscopy
• Knowledge of Design of Experiments (DOE) and statistical process optimization methods
• Exposure to high‑performance or industrial‑scale manufacturing environments

What We Offer

• A dynamic and collaborative R&D environment.
• Opportunities for professional growth and leadership.
• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits.
• Access to cutting‑edge lab facilities and resources.

Compensation Information

$91,080 - $136,620 annually

Equal Opportunity

ITW is an equal opportunity employer. We value our colleagues’ unique perspectives, experiences and ideas and create workplaces where everyone can develop their careers and perform to their full potential.

As an equal employment opportunity employer, ITW is committed to equal employment opportunity and fair treatment for employees, beginning with the hiring process and continuing through all aspects of the employment relationship.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected Veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.