Application Development Chemist – Flame Retardants

Position Summary

The Application Development Chemist – Flame Retardants plays a critical role in supporting growth across our flame retardants portfolio by generating application data, developing technical insights, and delivering customer-focused solutions. This position supports existing customer applications, helps identify opportunities in new and emerging markets, and collaborates closely with cross-functional teams including R&D, manufacturing, marketing, and commercial partners. The role reports to the Global Manager of Application Development.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and execute laboratory experiments to demonstrate the performance and value of new and existing flame-retardant products.
• Build deep technical knowledge of the products, applications, and end-use markets supported by the flame retardants portfolio.
• Apply project management discipline to larger-scope development projects, including planning, execution, and communication of results.
• Provide technical support to help resolve product performance issues and processing challenges for internal and external customers.
• Develop, specify, and validate test methods to meet customer needs, and train technicians on new or updated procedures as needed.
• Operate and support the maintenance of flame-retardant testing equipment, including LOI and cone calorimeter capabilities, to generate performance data and support customer projects.
• Generate technical data and prepare clear reports, presentations, and summaries to support global customers, internal stakeholders, and marketing initiatives.
• Collaborate with manufacturing teams to support process optimization, troubleshooting, and root cause investigations.
• Maintain product specifications, technical data sheets, and other application-support documentation.
• Work safely at all times and actively promote a strong safety culture through disciplined laboratory practices and continuous improvement.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Polymer Science, Materials Science, or a related technical discipline.
• 5–10 years of relevant industry experience in application development, technical service, product development, or laboratory-based technical support.
• Demonstrated project management skills, including the ability to prioritize work, manage timelines, and drive projects to completion.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present technical information clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.

Preferred Qualifications

• Customer-facing experience and the ability to collaborate effectively with commercial, manufacturing, and technical teams are strongly preferred.
• Experience with PVC, polymer modifiers, flame retardants, wire & cable, or related materials and applications is preferred.
• Hands-on experience with flammability testing, compounding, or related polymer testing methods.
• Hands-on experience with the maintenance, calibration, and troubleshooting of laboratory and analytical testing equipment.
• Experience interpreting test results and translating technical findings into customer-relevant recommendations.
• Experience working in a global, cross-functional environment with R&D, manufacturing, and commercial teams.