Avient

R&D Scientist

Avient$90K — $120K *
Manufacturing & Automotive
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in a related field required
  • PhD or equivalent in materials science, chemistry, polymer science, or polymer engineering required
  • 4+ years of related experience preferred
  • Experience with thermoplastic polymer processing techniques
  • Understanding of electrical properties of polymers
  • Experience with high-performance polymers for connector and wire & cable applications
  • Familiarity with flame retardant chemistries and regulatory requirements

Responsibilities

  • Conduct work in a safe, respectful and ethical manner
  • Lead product development in electrical and electronic applications
  • Drive innovation to enrich Avient's intellectual property portfolio
  • Apply various theories in material creation
  • Utilize statistical experimental design and data analysis
  • Design polymer formulations to meet electrical performance criteria
  • Develop flame-retardant solutions to meet industry standards
  • Identify raw material specifications to meet customer needs
  • Manage product platform development projects
  • Partner with manufacturing for quality and testing conditions
  • Collaborate cross-functionally on material design criteria
  • Present technical work to customers and management
  • Conduct and troubleshoot material testing

Benefits

  • Opportunities for professional development
  • Collaborative work environment
  • Focus on innovation and intellectual property
  • Engagement in cutting-edge technology applications
  • Exposure to diverse market segments including AI and electrification
Full Job Description
Job Description

Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced R&D Scientist with strong polymer science fundamentals interested in advancing their career within Avient's Corporate Technology Group. The R&D Scientist is responsible for the research and development of polymer compounds and composites that create value for our customers in new and existing markets, including emerging applications in high-performance computing, electrical connectors, and advanced wire & cable systems. Successful candidates will be creative and impactful within a team environment.

Responsibilities

  • Conduct work in a safe, respectful and ethical manner
  • Lead the development of products and technologies within new and existing markets, including electrical and electronic applications such as high-speed connectors, high performance computing infrastructure, and wire and cable systems
  • Drive innovation that enriches Avient's intellectual property portfolio
  • Apply multiple theories in testing/approaches to the creation of materials
  • Utilize statistical experimental design, product testing and data analysis
  • Design and optimize polymer formulations to meet electrical performance requirements, including dielectric constant, dissipation factor, and comparative tracking index (CTI)
  • Develop and implement flame-retardant solutions that meet UL, IEC, and other industry standards while maintaining mechanical and processing performance
  • Identify raw material and other functional specifications to meet customer requirements
  • Provide project management to product platform development
  • Partner with manufacturing to establish quality and testing conditions for new materials
  • Work closely with business partners to commercialize technologies
  • Collaborate cross-functionally to translate application needs in data centers, AI infrastructure, and electrification into material design criteria
  • Present technical work to customers and various levels of management
  • Conduct and troubleshoot material testing
  • Other duties as assigned


Qualifications

Education and Experience

  • Bachelor's degree in related field is required
  • PhD or equivalent in related field is required (materials science, chemistry, polymer science, polymer engineering, etc.)
  • 4+ years of related experience is preferred.


Additional Qualifications

  • Experience with thermoplastic polymer processing, including internal mixing, two and three roll mill mixing, single and twin screw extrusion, injection molding, film and sheet extrusion, unidirectional thermoplastic tapes, etc.
  • Understanding of electrical properties of polymers, including dielectric constant, loss tangent, insulation resistance, and Comparative Tracking Index
  • Experience with high-performance polymers (e.g., PPS, LCP, PEEK, polyamides) and filled systems used in connector and wire & cable applications
  • Familiarity with flame retardant chemistries (phosphorus-based, halogenated, mineral systems, and synergists) and associated regulatory requirements


About Avient

Avient Corporation is a leading provider of specialized polymer materials, services, and solutions. The company operates in more than 50 countries and serves a wide range of industries, including packaging, healthcare, transportation, electronics, and construction. Avient's product portfolio includes thermoplastic elastomers, color and additive concentrates, specialty compounds, and more. The company was founded in 1888 and is headquartered in Avon Lake, Ohio.
Learn more about Avient
Size
8,700 employees
Market Cap
$3 billion
Industry
Net Income
$131.6 million
5 Year Trend
+10.4%
Revenue
$3.2 billion
NASDAQ

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