KEMET Corporation

Material Scientist

KEMET Corporation$70K — $95K *
Manufacturing & Automotive
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Master's or PhD in Materials Science, Polymer Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related field with 1-5 years of experience or a B.S. with 5-10 years of experience.
  • Minimum of 3-5 years hands-on experience in advanced material research and characterization laboratories.
  • Deep understanding of polymeric and inorganic coatings' chemistry and physics.
  • Technical proficiency across various thin film coating and deposition methods.
  • Solid grasp of polymer structure-process-property relationships in thin-film coatings.
  • Proven ability to design and implement complex experiments (DoE) and use statistical tools.
  • Familiarity with surface characterization techniques to evaluate coating integrity.

Responsibilities

  • Conduct laboratory-based research to develop new polymer, inorganic, and hybrid thin-film coatings.
  • Research and develop diverse coating processes to meet specific performance targets.
  • Lead the design of novel coating architecture to optimize product performance.
  • Provide technical direction for selecting and qualifying new coating materials based on functional requirements.
  • Apply engineering and scientific methods to refine existing coating processes for better consistency and yield.
  • Bridge the gap between R&D and production by providing technical support for the scale-up of new materials.
  • Manage multiple research projects simultaneously, ensuring milestones are met.

Benefits

  • Collaborative work environment that values innovation and teamwork.
  • Inclusive company culture built on respect, integrity, and continuous improvement.
  • Career growth opportunities with access to training and mentorship.
  • Work-life balance support through flexible practices and employee wellness initiatives.
  • Comprehensive benefits package including health, retirement, and employee programs.
  • Global impact by contributing to sustainable solutions and industry-leading technologies.
Full Job Description
Job Summary

KEMET is seeking a Material Scientist at our Simpsonville, South Carolina facility. This is an onsite role. This individual will conduct laboratory-based research to develop new polymer, inorganic and hybrid thin-film coatings, providing technical direction and bridging the gap between R&D and production.

Key Responsibilities
  • Conduct laboratory-based research to develop new polymer, inorganic, and hybrid thin-film coatings.
  • Research and develop diverse coating processes including dip coatings, spray coatings, PVD, CVD, and plated techniques to meet specific performance targets.
  • Lead the design of novel coating architecture to improve or optimize the performance of current product lines.
  • Provide technical direction for selecting and qualifying new coating materials based on functional requirements (e.g., barrier, dielectric, or conductive properties).
  • Apply engineering and scientific research methods to refine existing coating processes for better consistency and yield.
  • Bridge the gap between R&D and production by providing technical support for the scale-up of new coating materials.
  • Work with multi-disciplinary teams to perform laboratory work that improves product performance and resolves customer technical issues.
  • Manage multiple research projects simultaneously, ensuring milestones are met from initial concept through to characterization

Qualifications, Education and Experience:
  • Master's or PhD in Materials Science, Polymer Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related field with 1-5 years of experience in polymer and inorganic materials or B.S. degree with a strong track record of 5-10 years in the successful development of diverse coating systems.
  • Authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.
  • Minimum of 3-5 years of hands-on experience in advanced material research and characterization laboratories.
  • Deep understanding of the chemistry and physics of polymeric coatings and inorganic (metals, ceramics, dielectrics) coatings.
  • Technical proficiency across a wide range of thin film coating and deposition application methods including solution coatings, plated processes, and vacuum processes.
  • Solid grasp of polymer structure-process-property relationships, specifically regarding adhesion, thermal stability, and morphology in thin-film coatings.
  • Proven ability to design and implement complex experiments (DoE) and use statistical tools to solve technical challenges.
  • Knowledge of intrinsically conductive polymers (ICPs) and specialized dielectric coatings.
  • Familiarity with surface characterization techniques to evaluate coating integrity.
  • Demonstrated experience using Microsoft Office 365
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Location & Work Type
  • Simpsonville, SC - United States
  • Onsite

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.

What we offer
  • Collaborative work environment that values innovation and teamwork
  • Inclusive company culture built on respect, integrity, and continuous improvement
  • Career growth opportunities with access to training, and mentorship
  • Work-life balance support through flexible practices and employee wellness initiatives
  • Comprehensive benefits package including health, retirement, and employee programs
  • Global impact by contributing to sustainable solutions and industry-leading technologies

About KEMET Corporation

KEMET Corporation is a global supplier of electronic components. The company produces tantalum, aluminum, multilayer ceramic, film, paper, polymer electrolytic, and supercapacitors. KEMET also manufactures electromechanical devices, electromagnetic compatibility solutions, and inductors. The company's products are used in a wide range of applications, including automotive, communications, consumer, defense and aerospace, industrial, medical, and alternative energy. KEMET has manufacturing facilities in Asia, Europe, and the Americas, and its products are sold worldwide through a network of distributors and direct sales channels.
Learn more about KEMET Corporation
Size
4,939 employees
Market Cap
$1,590
Industry
Founded
1919
5 Year Trend
+890%
NASDAQ

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