Senior Research Chemist
About The Role
Applying expertise in polymer science, organic chemistry, photochemistry (primarily UV curable acrylate systems) and polymer technologies, the scientist develops and formulates photopolymer compositions and hot melt wax compositions, polymer blends and composites for use in 3D printers. Builds-upon and develops structure-property relationships between resin components and final properties of a fully post processed part.
What’s In It For You!
- Competitive Pay: $126,000 - $150,000 annually. Our employees are the best part of our company. We want you to feel valued, appreciated, and included. Because of this, we make sure your hard work is recognized.
- Paid Leave (US ONLY): Enjoy time away from work with Company paid holidays and a flexible working schedule through our paid time off (PTO) policy. Yep, you read that correctly. We are a Company that values you and makes sure you take time for yourself.
- 401(k): Prepare for a secure retirement with our 401k plan, which includes an employer matching contribution.
- Comprehensive Health & Wellness Plans: We offer a comprehensive benefit package that includes medical, dental and vision coverage, company-paid short-term and long-term disability insurance, as well as company-paid basic life insurance that supports you during your career with us. We believe that taking care of our employees is essential, and these benefits reflect our commitment to your health, security, and peace of mind.
- Global Team: With our state-of-the-art corporate headquarters in Rock Hill, South Carolina, our global team has a presence across more than 15 countries worldwide. Experience a workplace comprised of talented individuals who are passionate about serving our customers and each other.
- Innovative Culture: Innovation is at the heart of what we do! Since our founding in 1986 by Chuck Hull, the inventor of 3D printing, we have continuously pushed the boundaries of what is possible with additive manufacturing. When you join 3D, you will have the opportunity to work with cutting edge technology in an innovative and collaborative culture!
- Talent Development: At 3D Systems, we invest in talent programs to support employees with opportunities to grow, contribute, develop, and thrive in their careers.
- Connection & Engagement Opportunities: We strive to cultivate an environment where our diverse global workforce can connect and thrive. Our Employee Resource Group program, Employee Recognition program, and 3D Gives Back program, are just a few examples of how you will be empowered to build connections, celebrate wins, and make a meaningful impact.
What You Will Do
- Prepare, test and qualify formulations for use in 3D printers based upon piezo printing technology. Dual focus on UV curable free radical polymerization formulations and on non-reactive hot melt wax formulations.
- Identify, blend and qualify new raw materials for use in 3D Systems printers.
- Use 3D printers to build test parts and optimize formulations.
- Test and analyze raw materials and 3D printed parts. Direct responsibility for chemical testing of raw materials and formulations. Mechanical and physical testing typically conducted by 3D Systems Analytical team.
- Independently plan and conduct experiments from feasibility to full product commercialization. Design of Experiments (DOE) and other statistical methods should be used to design experiments and analyze data.
- Work with the mechanical, manufacturing and software engineers to develop and integrate newly developed materials for commercialization. Participate in scale-up to production scale.
- Identify potential new raw materials and coordinate evaluation with outside vendors
- Share results and experience through written research reports and oral presentations.
What You Will Bring
- Advanced degree in Chemistry with emphasis on photochemistry and photopolymerization and/or an emphasis in polymer physics.
- Other educational backgrounds will be considered with extensive formulation experience.
- Experience with 3D printing desirable.
- Proven record as a self-starter, team player, with the ability to change priorities quickly.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Expertise in testing and characterization of polymer and polymer composites.
- Inkjet formulation experience highly desirable.
- Proven ability to interpret material characterizations tests including tensile strength, impact strength, DSC, TGA, DMA, viscosity, microscopy, spectroscopy and surface energy measurements.
- Ability to determine project resource requirements, schedules and capital expenditures.
- Ability to design experiments based on DOE and utilize statistical methods to analyze data.
- Ability to contribute to product road map discussions from a material technology and development standpoint.
- Ability to design experiments, record data and present results to senior management.
- Ability to consistently conduct experiments in accordance with standard procedures.
- Experience working with chemicals that require personal protective equipment and careful lab practices