Senior Polymer Technology Lead – Automotive Materials

Lucid Motors USA, Inc.; Newark, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 204,000 - 299,000; Full time

Job summary

Lucid Motors in Newark, CA seeks a Senior Technical Specialist – Polymer Technology to own polymer-related aspects from concept to launch. You will lead a cross-functional Polymer Technology Team, driving material vetting, design optimization, testing, DFM, and process improvements across vehicle programs.

Advanced knowledge of thermoplastics, elastomers, adhesives, paints, and composites is essential, with hands-on injection molding and manufacturing process experience.

Qualifications

• BS in polymer engineering or related field; 10+ years in materials, design, tooling, process and testing; automotive development experience.
• 5+ years leading material selection and shaping material/design/tooling strategy; proven track record.
• Experience across complete product development from concept to launch.
• Knowledge of polymer materials and their use in automotive components.
• Familiar with design rules for function, manufacturing, and cost optimization.
• Involvement in interpretation of flow simulation and tool design.
• Hands-on experience with plastic injection molding and process optimization.
• Experience with secondary processes (joining, painting, plating, lamination).
• Excellent verbal and written communication; ability to travel up to 20% domestically and internationally.

Responsibilities

• Be a significant contributor by owning all polymer-related aspects from concept to launch.
• Lead Polymer Technology Team covering material vetting, design optimization, testing, DFM, process simulation, tooling, and improvements.
• Address niche topics not covered by the team to raise capability.
• Apply knowledge of polymers and processing for technical guidance and education across the organization.
• Drive innovation by identifying needs and turning them into scalable technology demonstrators.
• Own standardization of materials, tooling, and processes.

Skills

Polymer engineering

Material science

Automotive development

DFM

Process simulation

Injection molding

Testing

Cross-functional collaboration

Design optimization

Travel readiness

Education

BS in polymer engineering

MS/PhD in polymer engineering

Tools

Process simulation software

Injection molding tooling

Job description

Lucid Motors in Newark, CA seeks a Senior Technical Specialist – Polymer Technology to own polymer-related aspects from concept to launch. You will lead a cross-functional Polymer Technology Team, driving material vetting, design optimization, testing, DFM, and process improvements across vehicle programs.

Advanced knowledge of thermoplastics, elastomers, adhesives, paints, and composites is essential, with hands-on injection molding and manufacturing process experience.