Synthetic Industrial Chemist

Leidos Inc; New Jersey; On-site; USD 59,000 - 107,000; Full time

Job summary

Leidos is seeking a Synthetic Chemist at the Picatinny Arsenal, NJ site to design, synthesize, and characterize advanced polymer materials. The role emphasizes scale-up, process optimization, and translating lab results into pilot-scale production.

Applicants should have a BS/MS in Organic or Polymer Chemistry with 2–6 years of industrial R&D experience, strong polymer synthesis and analytical skills (HPLC, GPC, NMR, FTIR), and US citizenship.

Qualifications

• BS/MS in Organic or Polymer Chemistry with 2–6 years of relevant industrial R&D or manufacturing experience.
• Experience in organic and/or polymer synthesis or advanced materials development.
• Hands-on experience with chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques for polymers and molecules.
• Ability to design experiments, troubleshoot pathways, and document findings.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute novel synthetic approaches to develop new materials, focusing on polymers, macromolecules, and functional binders.
• Conduct process optimization, formulation, and scale-up studies to move lab synthesis to pilot or large-scale production.
• Perform literature searches and patent reviews to stay current on industry materials and polymerization techniques.
• Develop environmentally sustainable synthesis and processing methods for existing materials.
• Characterize polymers and materials using state-of-the-art analytical methods (GPC/SEC, DSC, TGA, FTIR, NMR, rheology).
• Prepare technical reports, SOPs, publications, and presentations translating research into actionable data.

Skills

Polymer Synthesis

Organic Synthesis

Analytical Techniques

Literature Research

Team Collaboration

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.

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

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.

Original Posting:

September 21, 2026

For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.

Pay Range:

Pay Range $59,150.00 - $106,925.00

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline onlyand not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.

About Leidos

Leidos is an industry and technology leader serving government and commercial customers with smarter, more efficient digital and mission innovations. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, with 47,000 global employees, Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $16.7 billion for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2025. For more information, visit www.Leidos.com.

Pay and Benefits

Pay and benefits are fundamental to any career decision. That's why we craft compensation packages that reflect the importance of the work we do for our customers. Employment benefits include competitive compensation, Health and Wellness programs, Income Protection, Paid Leave and Retirement. More details are available at www.leidos.com/careers/pay-benefits.

Commitment to Non-Discrimination

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, age, national origin, citizenship, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, family structure, marital status, ancestry, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Leidos will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with relevant laws.