Senior Chemist

Ainsley Search Group; Levittown (PA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Ainsley Search Group is seeking a hands-on SR Chemist to advance polymer-based adhesive formulations used in aerospace, defense, and commercial applications. You will collaborate with R&D, Sales, Operations, Engineering, and Quality to move from lab to production.

Responsibilities include developing coatings and laminates, supporting customer projects, and mentoring junior chemists. This role offers growth and visibility within a dynamic technical environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or related field required.
• 3–7 years of experience in product development, technical service, or process development within a manufacturing or laboratory environment.
• Hands-on experience with polymer chemistry, coatings, films, laminates, adhesives, or related material systems preferred.
• Experience supporting manufacturing trials, scale-up, or commercialization activities strongly preferred.
• Strong troubleshooting, experimental design, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work cross-functionally in a fast-paced technical environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with solid documentation discipline.
• Comfortable working in both laboratory and manufacturing settings.

Responsibilities

• Develop, modify, and optimize polymer-based adhesive formulations for customer and market applications.
• Support customer-facing technical projects, including troubleshooting, application development, and formulation improvements.
• Serve as a technical advisor to commercial and sales teams regarding product feasibility, performance, and manufacturing considerations.
• Execute laboratory experiments, bench work, testing, and validation activities.
• Prepare samples, formulations, and test articles for development and technical service work.
• Support manufacturing trials, scale‑up activities, and process optimization efforts.
• Translate laboratory findings into manufacturing-relevant recommendations.
• Monitor and document trials, including data packages, technical reports, and validation summaries.
• Collaborate cross‑functionally with Operations, Engineering, Quality, and Business Development teams.
• Support analytical chemistry activities and coordinate with external testing partners when required.
• Provide mentorship and technical guidance to junior chemists and contribute to a strong lab culture.
• Participate in customer meetings and technical discussions as needed.

Skills

Polymer chemistry

Coatings & laminates

Scale-up experience

Troubleshooting

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry or related field

Tools

Analytical testing

Job description

We are seeking a hands‑on SR Chemist to support formulation development, customer-driven innovation, and commercialization activities for advanced polymer-based adhesive and film technologies used in aerospace, defense, and commercial applications.

This role works closely with R&D, Sales, Operations, Engineering, and Quality to develop new formulations, enhance existing products, and support scale‑up from lab to production. The position reports directly to the Director of R&D and offers strong visibility and long‑term growth potential.

Responsibilities

• Develop, modify, and optimize polymer-based adhesive formulations for customer and market applications.
• Support customer-facing technical projects, including troubleshooting, application development, and formulation improvements.
• Serve as a technical advisor to commercial and sales teams regarding product feasibility, performance, and manufacturing considerations.
• Execute laboratory experiments, bench work, testing, and validation activities.
• Prepare samples, formulations, and test articles for development and technical service work.
• Support manufacturing trials, scale‑up activities, and process optimization efforts.
• Translate laboratory findings into manufacturing-relevant recommendations.
• Monitor and document trials, including data packages, technical reports, and validation summaries.
• Collaborate cross‑functionally with Operations, Engineering, Quality, and Business Development teams.
• Support analytical chemistry activities and coordinate with external testing partners when required.
• Provide mentorship and technical guidance to junior chemists and contribute to a strong lab culture.
• Participate in customer meetings and technical discussions as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or related field required.
• 3–7 years of experience in product development, technical service, or process development within a manufacturing or laboratory environment.
• Hands‑on experience with polymer chemistry, coatings, films, laminates, adhesives, or related material systems preferred.
• Experience supporting manufacturing trials, scale‑up, or commercialization activities strongly preferred.
• Strong troubleshooting, experimental design, and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to work cross‑functionally in a fast‑paced technical environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with solid documentation discipline.
• Comfortable working in both laboratory and manufacturing settings.