Sr. Materials Scientist

CPS Inc is seeking a Sr. Materials Scientist in Chicago, IL, to lead the development of structural-property relationships for sustainable packaging materials. The role involves hands-on evaluation of polymers and collaboration with cross-functional teams to innovate alternative solutions. Candidates should have an M.S. or Ph.D. in Material Science or related fields and at least 7 years of experience. This position requires on-site presence and offers a salary of $125,000 - $145,000.
Sr. Materials Scientist

Location: Chicago, IL, US

Posted: 08/20/2024

Industry: Laboratory - Industrial Chemicals

Job Number: 240.24SK

Pay Rate: $125,000 - $145,000

Remote Friendly: On-Site
Job Description

Bring your exceptional hands-on knowledge of Structure Property Relationship evaluation of polymers, films, plastics, and processing methods to make a significant impact on predicting material behaviors to support the innovation process. This is an exciting opportunity for an individual to contribute to a global sustainability initiative aimed at developing alternative solutions using natural polymers to replace existing packaging comprised of non-sustainably sourced materials.

In this role, you will be responsible for leading programs to develop structural-property relationships of new packaging materials (films or alternative formats) including water-soluble flexible packaging. You will lead cross-functional team(s), coordinating the evaluation of the application of new materials, developing materials property models through testing and computational modeling, and working closely with corporate R&D as well as key suppliers and customers.

You will have the opportunity to explore film converting processes and develop a mechanistic understanding of the transformations for both new and existing products and applications. An important aspect of this role will be to provide technical leadership and support to marketing, sales, and operations initiatives.

This position is an excellent opportunity for a self-motivated, detail-oriented individual to perform both routine and specialized laboratory activities while executing development projects within the R&D group of a fast-growing company. This position will be in Chicago and report to the R&D Vice President.

Responsibilities:
• Lead, develop and establish new application platform capabilities. Utilize common and advanced laboratory test equipment to perform hands-on mechanical and application testing, and make recommendations for future instrumentation capabilities and developing nonstandard tests.
• Utilize advanced data interpretation methods to evaluate new materials, existing products, and processes to meet internal and external customer requirements.
• Create concept models and prototypes utilizing lab-scale tools and equipment as well as external partners.
• Analyze, evaluate and develop intellectual property.
• Collaborate locally and globally with fellow scientists, engineers, operations, sales, and marketing team members on development projects, interpreting test results.
• Leverage external sources of innovation, including the company’s R&D capabilities, to develop technologies for new products and processes.
• In a non-supervisory capacity, provide coaching and guidance regarding project tasks to other engineers, designers, technicians, and associates.
• Requires a flexible work style and travel as necessary to perform assignments.
Job Requirements

Qualifications:
• M.S. or Ph.D. in Material Science, Polymer Engineering, or Polymer Packaging is required.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in developing structural-property relationship models and their applications.
• Strong expertise in polymer fundamentals and material structure-property relationships, with knowledge of film processing and converting and the impact of formulation on mechanical properties.
• Prior experience in managing professionals and technicians is a plus.
• Strong team-oriented professional with good interpersonal skills who is hands-on with a high energy approach to work leveraging analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Familiarity with computational modeling, such as CFD, is a plus.
• Must have excellent organizational skills and be capable of working independently with limited supervision.
• Ability to communicate ideas and information clearly, effectively, and frequently (oral and written) both to senior management, customers, and associates.
• Has working knowledge of Microsoft Windows, Office, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, and Sharepoint.

For more information about this opportunity, please contact Stephanie Kemp at
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