Senior R&D Materials Engineer

Prysmian; Massachusetts; On-site; USD 95,000 - 143,000; Full time

Job summary

Prysmian Group in Taunton, MA is seeking a Senior R&D Materials Engineer to lead specialty compound development and formulation in an industrial setting, translating lab work into production-ready materials that enhance performance and reliability.

You will own compound specs, work with CSPE, CPE, Neoprene, and flame-retardant systems, drive bench-to-plant projects, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to reduce cost and carbon footprint while meeting timelines.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Polymer Engineering, Chemistry, Materials Science, or related field.
• 3+ years hands-on polymer compound development and processing in industry.
• Experience with specialty rubber and plastic formulations (CSPE, CPE, Neoprene, flame-retardant systems).
• Strong understanding of structure-property relationships in polymer blends and how formulation impacts performance.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects and communicate results across levels.

Responsibilities

• Lead compound development projects from bench scale through commercialization.
• Formulate with specialty rubbers and plastics to meet performance, cost, and sustainability targets.
• Support production-scale trials and coordinate lab work to meet project timelines.
• Develop and maintain compound specifications, raw material codes, and quality test programs.
• Investigate new polymers, additives, and technologies for cost reduction and performance gains.
• Prepare technical reports and maintain records of changes and performance.
• Act as on-site materials SME and partner with cross-functional teams.

Skills

Polymer compound development

Industrial processing

Specialty formulation

Structure-property

Project management

Cross-functional communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering/Polymer Engineering/Chemistry/Materials Science

Job description

Prysmian is the world leader in the energy and telecom cable systems industry. Each year, the company manufactures thousands of miles of underground and submarine cables and systems for power transmission and distribution, as well as medium low voltage cables for the construction and infrastructure sectors. We also produce a comprehensive range of optical fibers, copper cables and connectivity for voice, video and data transmission for the telecommunication sector.

We are 30,000 employees, across 50+ countries. Everyone at Prysmian has the potential to make their mark; because whatever you do, wherever you are based, you will be part of a company that is helping transform the world around us.

Make Your Mark at Prysmian Group - Join Us (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZVx-NAGfjEs&feature=embtitle)

Senior R&D Materials Engineer

Taunton, MA - Onsite

Team overview

Prysmian Group is the world leader in energy and telecom cable systems, manufacturing thousands of miles of cable every year for power, infrastructure, and communications. Our Technology R&D Materials organization is at the core of how our products perform-designing and optimizing specialty compounds that enable safety, reliability, and innovation in real-world industrial environments.

We are seeking an R&D Materials Senior Engineer to lead specialty compound development and formulation at our Taunton, MA site. This is a highly hands-on, formulation-focused role-not a university or "big lab" environment, but an industrial manufacturing setting where you'll be the site materials subject‑matter expert. You'll work with rubber and plastics systems, own formulations, and translate lab work into production-ready compounds that directly impact our products and customers.

Role responsibilities

• Lead compound development projects from bench scale through commercialization, applying structured experimental design to develop and optimize polymer formulations.
• Formulate with specialty rubbers and plastics (e.g., CSPE, CPE, Neoprene, flame-retardant systems) to achieve targeted performance, cost, and sustainability outcomes.
• Support production-scale trials and prototype processing in Prysmian manufacturing facilities; coordinate Technical Service Requests and lab work to meet project timelines.
• Develop and maintain compound specifications, raw material codes, and quality test programs to ensure robust and repeatable compound performance.
• Investigate new polymers, additives, and technologies from suppliers and identify opportunities for cost reduction, performance improvement, and reduced carbon footprint.
• Prepare clear technical reports and maintain databases/records on compound changes, modifications, and performance.
• Act as the on-site materials SME, partnering with cross-functional teams and making recommendations that improve compounds, processes, and products.

Minimum qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Polymer Engineering, Chemistry, Materials Science, or related field.
• 3+ years of hands-on polymer compound development and processing experience in an industrial/manufacturing environment.
• Experience with specialty rubber and plastic formulations (e.g., CSPE, CPE, Neoprene, flame-retardant systems).
• Strong understanding of structure-property relationships in polymer blends and how formulation impacts performance.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects, meet deadlines, and communicate results effectively across levels and functions.

Preferred qualifications

• Advanced degree (MS/PhD) in a related discipline (not required but a plus).
• Prior experience in wire & cable or closely related industries.
• Experience working with materials suppliers (e.g., compounders, additives vendors) and leveraging their technologies.
• Demonstrated experience leading projects independently as the primary materials/formulation expert.
• Comfortable in an independent environment with decision‑making responsibilities and autonomy.

Compensation

Base salary $95,000-143,000