Senior Scientist, Polymer Chemist

Entegris, Inc.; Aurora (IL); On-site; USD 86,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

401K match

Education assistance

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Job summary

Entegris, Inc. in Aurora, IL is seeking a Senior Scientist, Polymer Chemist to advance polymer design for semiconductor applications. The role collaborates with R&D and manufacturing to translate lab discoveries into scalable processes, with emphasis on safety and documentation.

You'll apply deep expertise in polymer synthesis and materials characterization, mentor team members, present findings, and contribute to IP filings as Entegris expands its portfolio.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Polymer Chemistry, Chemistry, or Materials Science.
• Experience designing, synthesizing, isolating, and purifying polymers and small organic molecules.
• Hands-on expertise characterizing materials you have made, with ability to select appropriate techniques and interpret data.

Responsibilities

• Design, synthesize, isolate, and purify polymers and small organic molecules for semiconductor applications.
• Characterize materials using relevant techniques and interpret data.
• Plan, execute, and document a research program with clear records for IP filings.
• Collaborate with process engineers to scale chemistries from lab to pilot and production.
• Present findings to R&D teams, stakeholders, and suppliers.

Skills

polymer synthesis

structure-property relationships

data interpretation

communication

Education

Ph.D. in Polymer Chemistry

Tools

GPC/SEC

NMR

FTIR

MS

DSC

TGA

Job description

Job Title: Senior Scientist, Polymer Chemist

Job Description: The Role

Our site in Aurora is seeking a Senior Scientist, Polymer Chemist to join our team. Entegris is a world-leading supplier for the semiconductor industry. We have accomplished this by having a world class, diverse, and creative Research and Development team that includes scientists and engineers from many different disciplines who collaborate within Entegris to develop leading edge technologies. To continue to grow as the industry grows, we are looking for a hardworking, innovative, Polymer Chemist to join our team!

What You’ll Do

• Design, synthesize, isolate, and purify polymers and small organic molecules to meet defined performance targets for semiconductor applications.
• Characterize synthesized materials and interpret the resulting data — for example, molecular weight and distribution (GPC/SEC), structure confirmation (NMR, FTIR, MS), thermal behavior (DSC, TGA).
• Apply structure–property relationships to systematically tune material performance, and design experiments that separate the variables that matter from the ones that don't.
• Plan, execute, and document your own research program, including maintaining clear and complete records suitable for internal review, technology transfer, and intellectual property filings.
• Partner with process and manufacturing engineers to scale promising chemistries from laboratory to pilot and production, including raw material selection, process parameter definition, and troubleshooting.
• Work with internal stakeholders to understand development needs and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Prepare and deliver technical presentations to R&D colleagues, internal stakeholders, and suppliers, and translate technical findings for non-technical audiences.
• Collaborate within a team that includes chemists, engineers, customer representatives, quality specialists, and production engineers across multiple Entegris sites.
• Contribute to our safety-first culture by following and helping improve laboratory safety practices.

What We Seek

• Ph.D. in Polymer Chemistry, Chemistry, or Material Science
• Demonstrated experience designing, synthesizing, isolating, and purifying polymers and small organic molecules.
• Hands‑on expertise characterizing materials you have made, with the ability to select appropriate techniques, interpret the data, and explain what it means for material performance.
• Experience adjusting chemical and physical properties using knowledge of structure–property relationships.
• A track record of research contributions, evidenced by peer‑reviewed publications, patents or patent applications, conference presentations, internal technical reports, or products advanced to commercialization.
• Demonstrated ability to plan, execute, and document a defined set of research activities on schedule.
• Clear written and verbal communication with both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Commitment to laboratory safety and participation in safety initiatives.

Outstanding Candidates Will Have

• Post‑doctoral experience, in university or industry, with examples of independent research in diverse areas is preferred
• Experience with rheology and interfacial science
• Demonstrated collaboration with team members of different levels or career stages
• Six Sigma GreenBelt or Blackbelt with knowledge and application of statistical tools like DOE analysis and programs to analyze results (e.g., Minitab, JMP, etc.)
• Strong communication skills – able to easily communicate with peers, research associates, and non-technical collaborators both written and in presentation formats

What WE OFFER

• Compensation: $85,500- $120,000 per year range with actual pay dependent on candidate overall skills for the role
• Annual bonus eligibility
• Progressive paid time off policy that empowers you to take the time you need to recharge
• Generous 401(K) plan with an impressive employer match with no delayed vesting
• Excellent health, dental and vision insurance packages to fit your needs
• Education assistance to support your learning journey
• A values‑driven culture with colleagues that rally around People, Accountability, Creativity and Excellence

Entegris does not provide immigration‑related sponsorship for this role.

Do not apply for this role if you will need Entegris immigration sponsorship (e.g., H1B, TN, STEM OPT, etc.) now or in the future.

At Entegris we are committed to providing equal opportunity to all employees and applicants.

Our policy is to recruit, hire, train, and reward employees for their individual abilities, achievements, and experience without regard to race, color, religion, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, marital or military status.

#LI-MW1

At Entegris, we want you to be part of our culture, which values your unique talents, skills, and experiences.

We believe what we do is as important as how we do it.

People at our company bring their true selves to work, and are appreciated not only for what they do, but for who they are. This plus the technical complexity of our products and solutions means you can be sure your work is both challenging and changing the world for the better.

Learn more about why people enjoy working at Entegris.