Synthetic Industrial Chemist

Leidos; New Jersey; On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Leidos Defense Sector at Picatinny Arsenal, NJ seeks a Synthetic Chemist to design, synthesize, scale up, and characterize novel materials with a focus on advanced polymer systems.

You will design polymer syntheses, optimize processes, and translate bench-scale work into pilot- or large-scale production, while performing literature reviews and preparing technical reports and SOPs to support future initiatives.

Qualifications

• BS/MS in Organic or Polymer Chemistry, 2–6 years in industrial R&D/manufacturing.
• Experience in organic/ polymer synthesis (free radical, condensation, ring-opening) or advanced materials development.
• Hands-on with analytical techniques for polymers and organic molecules (HPLC, GPC, NMR, FTIR).
• Strong research mindset: design experiments, troubleshoot, document findings.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute novel synthetic approaches to develop polymers and functional binders.
• Scale-up studies from bench-scale to pilot-scale or larger production.
• Keep up with literature and patent reviews for materials science advances.
• Develop eco-friendly synthesis and processing methods for existing materials.
• Characterize polymers and materials using state-of-the-art techniques (GPC/SEC, DSC, TGA, FTIR, NMR).
• Translate research into actionable data via reports, SOPs, and presentations.
• Contribute to technical proposals for future R&D initiatives.

Skills

Organic synthesis

Polymer chemistry

Analytical techniques

NMR spectroscopy

GPC/SEC

Team collaboration

Documentation

Education

BS/MS in Organic or Polymer Chemistry

Tools

HPLC

GPC

NMR

FTIR

Job description

Description

The Defense Sector at Leidos currently has an opening for a Synthetic Chemist to work at our Picatinny Arsenal, NJ site. In this role, you will bridge the gap between innovative research and practical application by conducting the design, synthesis, scale-up, and characterization of novel materials, with a strong focus on advanced polymer systems.

If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo — because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 — and moving faster than anyone else dares.

Primary Responsibilities

• Design and execute novel synthetic approaches to develop new materials, with a particular focus on polymers, macromolecules, and functional binders.
• Conduct process optimization, formulation, and scale-up studies to transition bench-scale polymer and material synthesis into pilot-scale or large-scale production.
• Perform ongoing literature searches and patent reviews to maintain deep awareness of the latest industrial ingredients, polymerization processes, and material science techniques.
• Develop alternate, more efficient, and environmentally sustainable methods for the synthesis and processing of existing materials.
• Characterize polymers and synthetic materials utilizing state-of-the-art analytical, physical, and mechanical testing techniques (e.g., GPC/SEC, DSC, TGA, FTIR, NMR, and rheology).
• Translate research into actionable data by preparing technical reports, standard operating procedures (SOPs), publications, and presentations.
• Formulate novel research ideas and actively contribute to technical proposals for future R&D initiatives.

Basic Qualifications

• BS/MS in Organic or Polymer Chemistry, with 2–6 years of relevant experience in an industrial R&D or manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated experience in organic and/or polymer synthesis (e.g., free radical, condensation, ring-opening polymerization) or advanced materials development.
• Hands-on experience with analytical and physical characterization methods for polymers and organic molecules, including chromatographic (HPLC, GPC) and spectroscopic (NMR, FTIR) techniques.
• Strong research mindset with a proven ability to design experiments, troubleshoot synthetic pathways, and document findings systematically.
• Ability to collaborate effectively in a multidisciplinary, team-based environment.
• US Citizenship Required.

Preferred Qualifications

• M.S. or higher degree in Polymer or Organic Chemistry.
• Experience in the defense sector or knowledge of energetic materials, polymer-bonded explosives (PBXs), or specialized binders is a significant plus.
• Familiarity with pilot-plant operations, chemical safety protocols (HAZOP), or scale-up engineering principles.