Scientist Chemist

Hexcel Corporation; Salt Lake City (UT); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Hexcel seeks a Scientist Chemist for its Salt Lake City, UT site to develop and validate theories linking carbon fiber surface chemistry with composite performance.

The role leads cross-functional research, defines strategies for next-generation carbon fiber products, and plans experiments spanning laboratory to manufacturing scales using DOE and statistical analysis.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Materials Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science, Physics, or a related field.
• Experience with surface chemistry, interfacial science, materials characterization, polymer science, carbon fibers, graphitic materials, or composite materials.
• Experience planning experiments, data analysis, and applying statistical methods, including design of experiments and measurement system analysis.
• Experience with one or more characterization methods such as XPS, ToF-SIMS, AFM, SEM, Raman, or FTIR.
• Ability to scale new products and processes from lab to production and to communicate across R&D, operations, and business teams.
• Programming experience using Python, SQL, MATLAB, or R is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Develop and validate theories linking polyacrylonitrile conversion conditions, carbon fiber surface characteristics, sizing chemistry, and composite performance.
• Lead cross-functional research to establish structure-property relationships using materials characterization and composite testing methods.
• Define strategies for next-generation carbon fiber products meeting customer and business requirements.
• Plan and execute laboratory, pilot-scale, and manufacturing-scale trials using design of experiments and statistical analysis.
• Apply surface and interface characterization techniques and serve as SME for carbon fiber sizing and surface treatment processes.
• Support scale-up, root-cause investigations, and customer-facing technical challenges related to fiber surface, interface, and CFRP performance.

Skills

Python

SQL

MATLAB

R

Education

Ph.D. in Materials Science or related field

Tools

XPS

ToF-SIMS

AFM

SEM

Raman

FTIR

Job description

With our strong investment in research and development and our culture of continuous improvement, Hexcel is the industry leader in the manufacturing of advanced lightweight composite materials, including carbon fiber, woven reinforcements, resins, prepregs, honeycombs and engineered core and composite structures. We invite you to join the Hexcel team at various manufacturing sites, sales offices, and R&D centers around the globe. Become a part of the "strength within." Hexcel is currently seeking a Scientist Chemist for our Salt Lake City, UT, USA location.

Responsibilities

• Develop and validate scientific theories linking polyacrylonitrile conversion conditions, carbon fiber surface characteristics, sizing chemistry, and composite performance.
• Lead cross-functional research to establish structure-property relationships using materials characterization and composite testing methods.
• Define strategies for next-generation carbon fiber products that meet customer and business requirements.
• Plan and execute laboratory, pilot-scale, and manufacturing-scale trials using design of experiments and appropriate statistical analysis.
• Apply surface and interface characterization techniques and serve as the subject matter expert for carbon fiber sizing and surface treatment processes.
• Support scale-up, root-cause investigations, and customer-facing technical challenges related to fiber surface, interface, and CFRP performance.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Materials Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science, Physics, or a related field.
• Knowledge of surface chemistry, interfacial science, materials characterization, polymer science, carbon fibers, graphitic materials, or composite materials.
• Experience planning experiments, analyzing data, and applying statistical methods, including design of experiments and measurement system analysis.
• Experience with one or more characterization methods such as XPS, ToF-SIMS, AFM, SEM, Raman, or FTIR.
• Ability to apply engineering principles to scale new products and processes from laboratory through production and work effectively across R&D, operations, and business teams.
• Ability to communicate technical information through reports, procedures, presentations, and discussions with managers, customers, suppliers, and cross-functional teams.
• Programming experience using Python, SQL, MATLAB, or R is a plus.

Eligibility

Eligible candidates must be a: U.S. citizen, U.S. national, person lawfully admitted for permanent residence, temporary resident under sections 210(a) or 245(A) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, person admitted in refugee status, or person granted asylum.

Hexcel (NYSE: HXL) is a global leader in advanced composites technology, a leading producer of carbon fiber, and the world leader in honeycomb manufacturing for the commercial aerospace industry.

Hexcel is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected class.

If you are having difficulty applying and need assistance, please email: [e-mail]