Development CHemist

Development Chemist Confidential Client – Southeastern U.S. Salary: $100,000–$120,000 + 20% Bonus Relocation Assistance: Available Employment Type: Full-Time | Direct HireAbout the OpportunityOur confidential manufacturing client is seeking an innovative Development Chemist to support the research, development, and commercialization of advanced battery separator technologies for lead-acid battery applications . This position offers the opportunity to develop next-generation materials, optimize manufacturing processes, and transition new products from laboratory development through pilot-scale and commercial production.This is an excellent opportunity to join a growing organization where your technical expertise will directly influence new product development, manufacturing performance, and future technology initiatives.Key ResponsibilitiesDevelop and optimize new formulations for battery separator materials.Improve separator performance, durability, and manufacturing efficiency.Design and execute laboratory experiments using Design of Experiments (DOE).Support process development involving extrusion, polymer processing, pore formation, extraction, and coating technologies.Evaluate separator properties including permeability, pore structure, mechanical strength, electrical resistance, wettability, oxidation stability, and overall product performance.Analyze materials using characterization techniques such as SEM, DSC, TGA, porosimetry, and related analytical methods.Collaborate with manufacturing, quality, engineering, and operations teams to successfully transition products from R&D into commercial production.Investigate manufacturing and formulation issues using structured problem-solving and root cause analysis.Prepare technical reports, operating procedures, and project documentation while presenting findings to internal stakeholders.Support continuous improvement initiatives while maintaining a strong commitment to safety and operational excellence.QualificationsBS or MS in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science, Materials Science , or a related technical discipline. 5+ years of product development experience involving polymers, porous membranes, separator technology, specialty films, or related materials.Experience developing or working with one or more of the following: Polyethylene (PE) separatorsPorous membranesAbsorbed Glass Mat (AGM) materialsSilica-filled rubber separatorsAutoclaved vulcanized rubber separatorsLead-acid battery technologies (strongly preferred)Hands-on experience with extrusion, extraction, polymer processing, coating technologies, or other high-precision continuous manufacturing processes.Working knowledge of DOE, process optimization, and statistical problem-solving methodologies.Experience with analytical characterization techniques including SEM, DSC, TGA, porosimetry, tensile testing, or similar laboratory equipment.Ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams supporting product commercialization and manufacturing.Preferred Industry BackgroundExperience from one or more of the following industries is highly desirable:Battery componentsBattery separatorsPolymer manufacturingSpecialty filmsAdvanced materialsPorous membranesContinuous process manufacturingEngineered materialsAdditional RequirementsU.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident (Green Card holder).Sponsorship is not available.Willingness to relocate if necessary.Occasional domestic and international travel.Compensation & BenefitsBase Salary: $100,000–$120,000 Annual Bonus Opportunity: 20% Relocation Assistance AvailableExcellent long-term career growth with a stable, expanding manufacturing organization.If you have a background in polymer materials, battery separator technologies, specialty films, or other precision continuous manufacturing processes and are looking to make a significant technical impact, we encourage you to apply.