Senior Scientist, Aerospace Sealants

H.B. Fuller Company; Saint Paul (MN); On-site; USD 85,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Incentives programs

401K contributions

Paid time off

Paid holidays

Job summary

H.B. Fuller Company seeks a Senior Scientist to advance aerospace sealants R&D, leading projects from concept to commercialization. You will develop and optimize polysulfide formulations, design experiments, and collaborate with manufacturing and quality teams to meet aerospace standards.

The role requires 60-80% travel during onboarding (2–3 months), then <10% ongoing, and offers a broad benefits package within a global adhesives company.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Polymer Science, or related technical discipline.
• Master's degree with 3+ years of relevant industry experience or Ph.D. with related industry experience and leading technical projects.
• Experience leading technical projects in an industrial R&D environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead R&D projects focused on aerospace polysulfide sealant technologies using Stage-Gate and project management methodologies.
• Develop, formulate, and optimize sealant products to meet customer and regulatory requirements.
• Design and execute experiments using DOE principles and statistical analysis to evaluate performance.
• Conduct mechanical, adhesion, chemical resistance, and durability testing including peel testing.
• Support product qualification and ensure compliance with aerospace specifications.
• Collaborate with manufacturing to facilitate scale-up and commercialization of new technologies.
• Present technical data and recommendations to leadership and cross-functional teams.
• Mentor junior scientists and contribute technical expertise across R&D.

Skills

Formulation skills

Problem solving

Project leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Polymer Science, or related technical discipline

Master's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Polymer Science, or related technical discipline

Ph.D. in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Polymer Science, or related technical discipline

Job description

As the largest pureplay adhesives company in the world, H.B. Fuller's (NYSE: FUL) innovative, functional coatings, adhesives and sealants enhance the quality, safety and performance of products people use every day. Founded in 1887, with 2025 revenue of $3.5 billion, our mission to Connect What Matters is brought to life by more than 7,100 global team members who collaborate with customers across more than 30 market segments in 150 countries to develop highly specified solutions that enable customers to bring world-changing innovations to their end markets. Learn more at www.hbfuller.com.

Position Overview

H.B. Fuller is seeking a Senior Scientist to support the continued growth and technical advancement of our Aerospace Sealants business. This role will serve as a key technical contributor responsible for leading research and development activities focused on aerospace polysulfide sealants, including new product development, formulation optimization, product qualification, and portfolio maintenance. As a subject matter expert, the Senior Scientist will lead projects from concept through commercialization, working closely with manufacturing, technical service, regulatory, quality, and commercial teams. The ideal candidate brings a strong background in aerospace sealants, adhesives, coatings, or specialty materials, with direct experience formulating and testing polysulfide technologies highly preferred. This position offers the opportunity to directly impact strategic business growth by expanding H.B. Fuller’s aerospace capabilities while supporting a well-established portfolio of industry-leading aerospace sealant products.

This role requires 60-80% travel during the onboarding process (roughly 2-3 months). After onboarding, travel would be less than 10% of the time.

Primary Responsibilities

• Lead research and development projects focused on aerospace polysulfide sealant technologies using Stage-Gate and project management methodologies.
• Develop, formulate, and optimize sealant products to meet customer, regulatory, and industry performance requirements.
• Design and execute experiments using DOE principles and statistical analysis to evaluate product performance and identify formulation improvements.
• Conduct and interpret mechanical, adhesion, chemical resistance, and durability testing, including peel testing and Instron mechanical testing methodologies.
• Support product qualification efforts and ensure compliance with aerospace specifications and testing standards.
• Collaborate with manufacturing teams to facilitate scale-up and commercialization of new technologies.
• Partner with technical service, operations, quality, and commercial teams to solve customer challenges and support business growth.
• Prepare and present technical data, project updates, and recommendations to leadership, customers, and cross-functional stakeholders.
• Mentor junior scientists and contribute technical expertise across the broader R&D organization.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Polymer Science, or a related technical discipline with 5+ years of relevant industry experience OR Master's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Polymer Science, or a related technical discipline with 3+ years of relevant industry experience OR Ph.D. in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Polymer Science, or a related technical discipline. Experience leading technical projects in an industrial R&D environment.
• Strong formulation and problem-solving skills with the ability to independently drive projects forward.
• Willing and able to travel approximately 60-80% during the first 2-3 months for onboarding and training. Following the onboarding period, travel is expected to be less than 10%.

Preferred Qualifications

• 5+ years of aerospace industry experience.
• Direct experience formulating, developing, or testing polysulfide sealants.
• Experience with aerospace sealants, coatings, adhesives, composites, or related specialty materials.
• Knowledge of aerospace qualification processes, specifications, and industry standards.
• Hands-on experience with adhesion testing, mechanical testing, peel testing, chemical resistance testing, and material characterization methods.
• Experience supporting manufacturing scale-up and commercialization of new products.
• Demonstrated ability to learn complex technologies quickly, adapt to changing priorities, and work effectively in a highly collaborative environment.

Pay

Pay is based on several factors including but not limited to education, work experience, certifications, and geographic location. The salary for this role is $85,000 - $115,000.

• In addition to your salary, H.B. Fuller offers employees a competitive total rewards package including comprehensive benefits, incentive and recognitions programs, health & wellness benefits, 401K contributions, paid time off and paid holidays. Eligibility may vary.

Equal Employment Opportunity

H.B. Fuller is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and proud to have created a collaborative culture where employees around the world are seen, heard, and respected.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability, or marital status or status as a protected veteran, or any other legally protected classification.