Staff Chemist - Epoxy Focus

ITW; Danvers (MA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

ITW Performance Polymers is seeking a Staff Chemist to lead formulation and development of epoxy-based adhesives and coatings in a fast‑paced lab environment. You will drive projects from concept to commercialization, design experiments, and deliver technical reports while collaborating with manufacturing, marketing, and sales teams.

The role requires 5+ years in industrial R&D, expertise in characterization techniques, and a proven track record of product commercialization.

Qualifications

• PhD or advanced degree in Polymer or Organic Chemistry.
• Minimum 5+ years of industrial R&D experience.
• Proven experience in epoxy-based adhesives and coatings development.
• Track record of successful product commercialization.
• Experience with analytical and testing techniques (DSC, DMA, FTIR, rheology, GC-MS).
• Strong understanding of structure–property relationships.
• Excellent problem‑solving and analytical skills.
• Hands‑on formulation expertise.
• Ability to manage multiple projects independently.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with a results‑driven approach.
• Travel: Approximately 10–15% for customer and technical support.

Responsibilities

• Lead formulation and development of new adhesive and coating products.
• Drive projects through stage‑gate innovation process from concept to commercialization.
• Design experiments, interpret results, and deliver technical reports.
• Scale formulations from lab to production and support manufacturing transfer.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams (manufacturing, marketing, sales).
• Conduct patent searches and contribute to intellectual property development.
• Support existing products through raw material qualification and performance validation.
• Ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements.
• Promote, support, and adhere to all safety, environmental, and quality policies and procedures.

Skills

Industrial R&D experience

Epoxy adhesives development

Product commercialization

Analytical techniques

DSC

DMA

FTIR

Rheology

GC-MS

Structure–property relationships

Problem-solving

Formulation expertise

Project leadership

Multitasking

Cross-functional collaboration

Entrepreneurial mindset

Education

PhD or advanced degree in Polymer or Organic Chemistry

Tools

DSC

DMA

FTIR

Rheology

GC-MS

Job description

Job Description:

COMPANY DESCRIPTION

ITW Performance Polymers is a Division within ITW’s Polymers & Fluids segment with headquarters in Massachusetts withadditionaloperations in Pennsylvania, Florida, and Shannon, Ireland. Performance Polymers is a world leader in the research, development, and manufacturing of structural and semi-structural adhesives,groutingand chocking compounds, sprayable syntactic materials and wear-resistant coatings and repair compounds. Our products are designed to reduce customers’ costs byeliminatingsteps in their manufacturing processes, reducing the number of parts in anassemblyor improving the quality of assembled finished goods.These high-quality, differentiated solutions are widely used in markets including wind, transportation, marine, electronics, mining, petrochemical, and other industrial OEM & MRO applications.

SUMMARY

Our Research & Development team is key to driving innovation and business growth. As a Staff Chemist,you’lldevelop and commercialize epoxy-based adhesive and coating technologies in a fast-paced environment, combining hands‑on lab work, project leadership, and cross‑functional collaboration to deliver high‑impact, customer‑focused solutions for a Fortune 200 industry leader.

ITW’S BUSINESS MODEL & CULTURE:

• We have anenvironment shaped by our decentralized, entrepreneurial culture that bringsourexciting ideas to life.Our people thrive in our “flexibility within the framework” approach.

• We are committedto providing you with growth and development opportunities that maximize your unique potential.

• Our cultureempowers you to think and act like a business owner– we want your entrepreneurial spiritto thrive!

• Be a part ofOne ITW/One Team, where everyone’s contribution matters in our quest to achieve our full potential.

• We live by our CoreValues: Si_mplicity, Shared Risk, Integrity, Trust, Respect_

YOU MIGHT LIKE THIS JOB IFYOUARE/HAVE…

• Arean entrepreneurialself-starter. You take initiative and ownership of your surroundings and constantlyseekto find ways to improve.

• Thrive in a fast‑paced environment that keeps you on your toes – you love a good challenge and stay calm under pressure.

• Have a passion for innovation and creatingnew technologiesto solve customer pain points and market applicability.

• Are resilient. You enjoy finding solutions to complex challenges and do so with poise and resolve.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead formulation and development of new adhesive and coating products.

• Drive projects through stage‑gate innovation process from concept to commercialization.

• Design experiments, interpret results, and deliver technical reports.

• Scale formulations from lab to production and support manufacturing transfer.

• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams (manufacturing, marketing, sales).

• Conduct patent searches and contribute to intellectual property development.

• Support existing products through raw material qualification and performance validation.

• Ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements.

• Promote, support, and adhere to all safety, environmental, and quality policies and procedures.

QUALIFICATIONS,SKILLS&COMPETENCIES:

• PhD or advanced degree in Polymer or Organic Chemistry (preferred).

• Minimum5+ years of industrial R&D experience.

• Proven experience in epoxy-based adhesives and coatings development.

• Track recordof successful product commercialization.

• Experience with analytical and testing techniques (DSC, DMA, FTIR, rheology, GC-MS).

• Strong understanding of structure–property relationships.

• Excellent problem‑solving and analytical skills.

• Hands‑on formulationexpertise.

• Ability to manage multiple projects independently.

• Strong communicationand collaboration skills.

• Entrepreneurial mindset with a results‑driven approach.

• Travel:Approximately 10–15% for customer and technical support.

Compensation Information:

The salary for this role is $120,000 - $130,000.00. This is the range that we in good faith anticipate relying on when setting wages for this position. We may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range and this range. This salary range may also be modified in the future.

ITW is an equal opportunity employer. We value our colleagues’ unique perspectives, experiences and ideas and create workplaces where everyone can develop their careers and perform to their full potential.

As an equal employment opportunity employer, ITW is committed to equal employment opportunity and fair treatment for employees, beginning with the hiring process and continuing through all aspects of the employment relationship.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected Veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.