Development Chemist*

Our client needs a highly motivated and innovative Development Chemist to join their team. The Development Chemist will drive the development of battery separator technologies for lead-acid batteries, focusing on improving performance, durability, and cost-effectiveness. The Development Chemist will develop new formulations, optimize manufacturing processes, and validate product performance from the lab to pilot-scale production. The Development Chemist focus area's Polyethylene (PE) separators, Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) materials, Silica-filled rubber separators, autoclaved vulcanized rubber separators. Prefer Lead-acid systems Responsibilities: ---Lead the design and synthesis of new, high-performance battery separator materials (polyethylene, silica-filled materials, and AGM) to meet emerging market needs. ---Optimize manufacturing processes including extrusion, pore formation, and coating technologies to enhance separator permeability, mechanical strength, and electrical resistance. ---Utilize Design of Experiments (DOE) to structure and execute comprehensive testing protocols to evaluate separator-level attributes (surface chemistry, wettability, pore structure) and their impact on cell performance. ---Lead programs for incremental product and quality improvement using tools; DOE, problem solving tools such as root cause analysis and EVOP (evolutionary optimization) ---Collaborate with cell developers to integrate new separators into prototype cells, conducting abusive, electrochemical, and life-cycle tests to validate improvements. Evaluate separator performance focusing on ER, acid displacement, dendrite suppression, and oxidation stability. ---Utilize advanced analytical equipment (FIB-SEM, CT scanning, mercury porosimetry) to analyze material microstructure and failure mechanisms. ---Collaborate with cross-functional teams (Manufacturing, Sales, Quality) to transfer new products from the laboratory into pilot-scale and commercial production. ---Write detailed technical reports, SOPs, and conference materials (presentations, technical papers, etc.), and present research findings to stakeholders. ---Awareness of the patent landscape, ensure programs are safe to run to product fruition, which leads to unique solutions, to file patents where appropriate to protect MP innovation and IP. ---Lead by example to promote a zero-incident safety culture ---Ensure strict adherence to safety policies, procedures, and PPE requirements ---Identify opportunities to improve processes, reduce waste, and increase efficiency ---Encourage team-driven ideas and implement practical, data-driven solutions ---Promote respect, inclusion, and engagement in a collaborative environment Requirements: ---BS and/or MS degree in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science, Chemistry ---5 + years development polymers, porous membranes, or separator technology. ---Polyethylene (PE) separators, Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) materials, Silica-filled rubber separators, autoclaved vulcanized rubber separators. ---Strong understanding of polymer physics, surface chemistry, and electrochemical transport mechanisms in porous materials. ---Hands-on capability with extrusion, polymer compounding, and coating technologies. ---Expertise with material characterization tools: SEM, DSC, TGA, Porosimetry, Tensile testers ICP. ---Familiarity with standard global battery testing methods (cycling, EIS, CV), working to American, European and Asian systems as necessary. ---Experience working with technicians engineers and operators resolving formulations or process problems on the plant floor ---Experience using AI-enhanced modeling and high-throughput data analysis to accelerate component optimization is preferred. ---Strong problem-solving skills, ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment. ---Proven ability to manage NPD projects, and excellent technical communication skills. ---Travel domestically and Internationally to internal plants, customers and conferences. ---Must be US citizen or permanent resident green card holder.