Staff Chemist

COMPANY DESCRIPTION

ITW Performance Polymers is a Division within ITW’s Polymers & Fluids segment with headquarters in Massachusetts with additional operations in Pennsylvania, Florida, and Shannon, Ireland. Performance Polymers is a world leader in the research, development, and manufacturing of structural and semi-structural adhesives, grouting and chocking compounds, sprayable syntactic materials and wear-resistant coatings and repair compounds. Our products are designed to reduce customers’ costs by eliminating steps in their manufacturing processes, reducing the number of parts in an assembly or improving the quality of assembled finished goods. These high-quality, differentiated solutions are widely used in markets including wind, transportation, marine, electronics, mining, petrochemical, and other industrial OEM & MRO applications. 

SUMMARY 

Our Research & Development team is key to driving innovation and business growth. As a Staff Chemist, you’ll develop and commercialize epoxy-based adhesive and coating technologies in a fast-paced environment, combining hands-on lab work, project leadership, and cross-functional collaboration to deliver high-impact, customer-focused solutions for a Fortune 200 industry leader. 

ITW’S BUSINESS MODEL & CULTURE: 

• We have an environment shaped by our decentralized, entrepreneurial culture that brings our exciting ideas to life.  Our people thrive in our “flexibility within the framework” approach. 

• We are committed to providing you with growth and development opportunities that maximize your unique potential. 

• Our culture empowers you to think and act like a business owner – we want your entrepreneurial spirit to thrive! 

• Be a part of One ITW/One Team, where everyone’s contribution matters in our quest to achieve our full potential. 

• We live by our Core Values: Simplicity, Shared Risk, Integrity, Trust, Respect 

YOU MIGHT LIKE THIS JOB IF YOU ARE/HAVE… 

• Are an entrepreneurial self-starter. You take initiative and ownership of your surroundings and constantly seek to find ways to improve. 

• Thrive in a fast-paced environment that keeps you on your toes – you love a good challenge and stay calm under pressure. 

• Have a passion for innovation and creating new technologies to solve customer pain points and market applicability. 

• Are resilient. You enjoy finding solutions to complex challenges and do so with poise and resolve. 

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Lead formulation and development of new adhesive and coating products.

• Drive projects through stage-gate innovation process from concept to commercialization.

• Design experiments, interpret results, and deliver technical reports.

• Scale formulations from lab to production and support manufacturing transfer. 

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (manufacturing, marketing, sales).

• Conduct patent searches and contribute to intellectual property development.

• Support existing products through raw material qualification and performance validation.

• Ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements.

• Promote, support, and adhere to all safety, environmental, and quality policies and procedures. 

QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS & COMPETENCIES: 

• PhD or advanced degree in Polymer or Organic Chemistry (preferred).

• Minimum 5+ years of industrial R&D experience.

• Proven experience in epoxy-based adhesives and coatings development.

• Track record of successful product commercialization.

• Experience with analytical and testing techniques (DSC, DMA, FTIR, rheology, GC-MS).

• Strong understanding of structure–property relationships.

• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.

• Hands-on formulation expertise.

• Ability to manage multiple projects independently.

• Strong communication and collaboration skills.

• Entrepreneurial mindset with a results-driven approach.

• Travel: Approximately 10–15% for customer and technical support.