Senior Elastomer Chemist: Oilfield Sealing Expert

Weatherford; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Weatherford is seeking a Senior Elastomer Chemist to lead selection, evaluation, and qualification of elastomers and non‑metallic sealing components for severe-service oilfield applications. You will connect polymer chemistry, formulation, processing, and seal design requirements to product performance.

You will develop qualification plans for high/low temp and pressure environments, apply API/ISO/NORSOK standards, and mentor junior staff while supporting manufacturing and supplier activities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor degree in Chemistry, Polymer Science, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Materials Engineering, or related technical discipline.
• 10+ years of relevant experience with elastomers, polymers, thermoplastics, or non‑metallic materials, including significant oilfield experience.
• Demonstrated expertise in elastomer chemistry, polymer chemistry, formulation, material selection, testing, qualification, and structure‑property relationships.
• Direct experience with oilfield sealing systems such as O‑rings, T‑seals, packing elements, V‑packing / chevron seals, backup rings, bonded seals, molded sealing components, static seals, and dynamic seals.
• Working knowledge of rapid gas decompression / explosive decompression mechanisms and qualification approaches for RGD‑resistant compounds and seal designs.
• Familiarity with ASTM test methods for rubber, elastomers, and thermoplastics across mechanical and aging tests.
• Knowledge of API/NORSOK/ISO/ASTM standards related to oilfield materials.
• Strong understanding of elastomer and thermoplastic manufacturing methods.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, write clear technical reports, and communicate with stakeholders.
• 12 to 15+ years in oilfield or severe-service applications; upstream oil and gas experience included.

Responsibilities

• Lead selection, evaluation, and qualification of elastomers, thermoplastics, adhesives, and other non‑metallic sealing components for severe-service oilfield applications.
• Review elastomer formulations and ingredients; assess impact on hardness, tensile properties, aging, and chemical compatibility.
• Provide material, design, and application guidance for O‑rings, T‑seals, packing elements, and related seals.
• Develop qualification plans for high/low temperature and high/low pressure environments; support rapid gas decompression testing.
• Apply API, ISO, NORSOK, ASTM, NACE/AMPP, and customer requirements in testing and qualification.
• Lead failure analysis and root‑cause investigations; recommend corrective actions with evidence.
• Support supplier qualification, change control, deviations, and API Q1/ISO 9001 quality expectations.

Skills

Elastomer chemistry

Polymer formulation

Oilfield sealing

Failure analysis

API standards

Material testing

Leadership

Project management

Education

Bachelor degree in Chemistry

Master/PhD in Polymer Science

Job description

Weatherford is seeking a Senior Elastomer Chemist to lead selection, evaluation, and qualification of elastomers and non‑metallic sealing components for severe-service oilfield applications. You will connect polymer chemistry, formulation, processing, and seal design requirements to product performance.

You will develop qualification plans for high/low temp and pressure environments, apply API/ISO/NORSOK standards, and mentor junior staff while supporting manufacturing and supplier activities.