Sr. Research Scientist (Graphite/SiC)

Poco Graphite, Inc.; Decatur (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus eligibility

Education assistance

401(K) employer match

Health, dental, vision insurance

Job summary

Entegris/POCO Materials in Decatur, TX seeks a Sr. Research Scientist to lead R&D on graphite and silicon carbide materials, defining needs and executing projects bridging discovery and manufacturing transfer.

Reporting to the Director of R&D, you will drive innovation, develop post-processing methodologies, and guide teams using lean and six sigma to bring new materials to production. You will collaborate with customers and universities, and explore AI-enabled development pathways.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in chemistry, physics or materials science with graphite/SiC experience.
• Innovative thinker who translates abstract ideas into action.
• Quick learner applying knowledge to customer applications.
• Collaborative with customers and colleagues.
• Invent and implement practical solutions to complex problems.
• Excellent English verbal and written communication.
• Ability to intelligently integrate AI into development activities.
• Ability to manage multiple projects concurrently.
• Interdisciplinary research skill set.
• Capable of complying with U.S. export control requirements.

Responsibilities

• Become an expert on Entegris POCO Materials graphite/SiC production and post-processing technologies
• Drive innovation in SiC, carbon/graphite technologies and other materials through understanding, leadership, and creativity
• Contribute to determining product strategies and aid in identifying chemical and synthesis design spaces that address current and future customer needs
• Work with internal and external customers to solve complex problems
• Identify and execute University/external research
• Contribute to development of technology roadmaps
• Develop new processes to enhance existing materials
• Lead teams in releasing developed products and processes into manufacturing using lean and six sigma methods
• Plan and execute other continuous improvement research projects as needed
• Other projects, as assigned

Skills

Innovative thinking

Quick learner

Collaborative

Problem solving

English communication

AI integration

Multi-project management

Interdisciplinary research

Education

Ph.D. in chemistry/physics/materials science

Job description

THE ROLE

Entegris/POCO Materials is currently seeking a Sr. Research Scientist to work with graphite and/or silicon carbide materials, driving innovation in our materials technologies through understanding, leadership and creativity. This position will be based in our POCO Materials facility located in Decatur, TX. In this role, you will report to the Director of R&D and will lead research and development activities, defining needs, planning and executing R&D activities relating to graphite and/or SiC materials and post processing methodologies.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

• Become an expert on Entegris POCO Materials graphite and/or SiC material production and post-processing technologies
• Drive innovation in SiC, carbon/graphite technologies and other materials through understanding, leadership, and creativity
• Contribute to determining product strategies and aid in identifying chemical and synthesis design spaces that address current and future customer needs
• Work with internal and external customers to solve complex problems
• Identify and execute University/external research
• Contribute to development of technology roadmaps
• Develop new processes to enhance existing materials
• Lead teams in releasing developed products and processes into manufacturing using lean and six sigma methods
• Plan and execute other continuous improvement research projects as needed
• Other projects, as assigned

WHAT WE SEEK

• Ph.D. in a relevant technical field, i.e., chemistry, physics, materials science, etc., with experience in graphite, silicon carbide or other carbide materials systems
• Highly innovative - able to connect abstract information into actionable plans
• Quick learner with ability to apply knowledge to customer applications
• Must work well with customers and with colleagues in a collaborative environment
• Must be able to invent and implement practical solutions to complex problems
• Possess a love of learning and solving problems
• Proficient in English with excellent verbal and written communication and record keeping abilities
• Ability and willingness to intelligently integrate AI into technology development activities
• Ability to effectively manage multiple projects concurrently
• Interdisciplinary research/skill set
• Candidate must have the capacity to comply with the federally mandated requirements of U.S. export control law

Success at Entegris Looks Like

• Implementation and timely execution of technology roadmaps
• Demonstrated impact of R&D efforts through successful scale-up and transfer of new materials/processes into manufacturing
• Measurable improvements in material performance, yield, cost, or reliability resulting from your innovations
• Effectiveness in translating complex technical concepts into actionable strategies for cross-functional teams and leadership
• Strength of internal collaborations resulting in tangible outcomes such as IP, prototypes, or new capabilities
• Generation of intellectual property (patents, disclosures, trade secrets) that strengthens the company’s competitive position
• Speed and quality of problem-solving for critical customer or production challenges
• Ability to prioritize and balance a portfolio of high-impact projects aligned with strategic objectives
• Adoption and integration of advanced tools (including AI/data-driven methods) to accelerate research and development outcomes
• Influence on team capability, including mentoring, knowledge sharing, and elevating technical rigor within the organization
• Consistent demonstration of safety, quality, and operational excellence in all experimental and development activities

WHY WORK AT ENTEGRIS?

Lead. Inspire. Innovate. Define Your Future. Not everyone who works for a global company shares the same background, experiences and perspectives. We leverage the differences of our employees to bring new ideas to the table. Every employee throughout the company is encouraged to share input on projects and initiatives. Our decision-making process is truly a collaborative effort as we realize there are leaders at every level of the organization. We put our values at the core of how we operate as an organization — not just when it’s convenient, but in a lasting and meaningful way. We want the time and energy you spend here to have a positive impact on your life inside and outside of the office.

WHAT WE OFFER

Our total rewards package goes above and beyond just a paycheck. Whether you’re looking to build your career, improve your health, or protect your wealth, we offer generous benefits to help you achieve your goals.

• 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.

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.