Associate Downstream Processing Scientist Jobs in Virginia

Nylon Lead R&D Scientist (Polymer Chemistry & Process Technology Focus)

Position Summary

The Nylon Lead R&D Scientist serves as a technical leader driving polymer chemistry innovation and process technology advancement for nylon (polyamide) systems. This role is responsible for developing deep molecular-level understanding and translating it into robust, scalable process solutions that improve manufacturing performance, product quality, and cost competitiveness.

Secondary responsibilities include new product development (NPD) and commercialization aligned with business strategy, with a strong emphasis on accelerating research cycles through advanced data analytics and AI-enabled experimentation.

Core Responsibilities

1. Polymer Chemistry Leadership (Primary Focus)

• Lead design and execution of polyamide synthesis reactions, including batch and continuous polymerization systems.
• Develop deep understanding of structure–property relationships to tailor polymer performance for target applications.
• Apply advanced analytical techniques (e.g., rheology, DSC, GPC, IR, NMR) to characterize materials and guide decision-making.
• Drive innovation in polymer modification, copolymerization, and additive incorporation to enable differentiated products.
• Serve as subject matter expert in polyamide chemistry, organic chemistry, and analytical chemistry across the organization.

2. Process Technology & Scale-Up (Primary Focus)

• Lead development and optimization of polymerization and downstream processing technologies (extrusion, compounding, molding).
• Translate laboratory discoveries into pilot and commercial-scale processes, ensuring consistency, yield, and cost efficiency.
• Provide technical leadership in process modeling, troubleshooting, and process improvement initiatives.
• Partner with plant, engineering, and production teams to:
• Improve conversion efficiency, throughput, and energy intensity
• Resolve process limitations and variability
• Enable reliable and repeatable manufacturing performance
• Apply statistical tools (Six Sigma, DOE) to drive process robustness and variability reduction.

3. AI-Enabled Experimental Design & Research Acceleration (Key Differentiator)

• Leverage artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning tools to:
• Design optimized Designs of Experiments (DOE)
• Identify critical variables and interactions faster than traditional approaches
• Predict polymer properties and process outcomes
• Develop and deploy data-driven experimentation frameworks to reduce research cycle time and increase success rates.
• Integrate experimental data, process data, and analytical results into predictive models that guide decision-making.
• Continuously improve R&D efficiency through:
• Automated data analysis workflows
• Digital lab tools and experiment tracking systems
• Demonstrated history of using advanced analytics or AI methods to accelerate root cause analysis and experimental iteration cycles (aligned with structured DOE approaches observed internally).

4. New Product Development & Commercialization (Secondary Focus)

• Lead development of new nylon materials and applications, from concept through commercialization.
• Partner with marketing, commercial, and customer teams to translate voice-of-customer (VOC) into technical solutions.
• Drive Stage-Gate execution for NPD projects, including:
• Feasibility studies
• Pilot validation
• Scale-up and commercialization
• Deliver differentiated products aligned with market needs and profitability targets.

5. Technical Leadership & Collaboration

• Lead cross-functional teams across R&D, Process Engineering, Manufacturing, and Commercial organizations.
• Mentor and develop scientists and engineers in polymer science and process technology disciplines.
• Serve as a technical advisor for complex problem solving, including customer issues and plant challenges.
• Contribute to intellectual property development, including patents and trade secrets.

Basic Qualifications

• Ph.D. (preferred) or Master’s degree in Polymer Chemistry, Polymer Science, Materials Science, or Chemical Engineering.
• 5+ years of experience in polymer R&D, with emphasis on polyamide (nylon) systems.
• Demonstrated experience in:
• Polymer synthesis and characterization
• Process development and scale-up
• Commercialization of new materials

Preferred Qualifications

• Deep expertise in polyamide chemistry and polymerization processes.
• Experience with polymer processing technologies (extrusion, compounding, molding).
• Proven track record of leading successful R&D projects and delivering commercial outcomes.
• Experience integrating AI/ML, advanced analytics, or digital tools into R&D workflows.
• Six Sigma or statistical modeling experience for DOE and process optimization.
• Strong communication and leadership skills with ability to influence stakeholders.

Success Profile

The ideal candidate will:

• Lead with polymer chemistry depth and process technology rigor
• Translate science into scalable, reliable manufacturing solutions
• Use AI-driven experimentation to accelerate innovation cycles
• Deliver measurable business impact through both process improvements and new product commercialization

The base salary range for this role is: $95,000 to $142,600 annually.