Formulation Assistant Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

MAST is seeking a Chemist II to support the development, optimization, scale-up, and production of advanced coatings, elastomers, adhesives, sealants, absorbers, conductive materials, and other polymer-based systems. This role serves as a key technical resource supporting formulation development, manufacturing process stability, customer qualification efforts, and new business growth across the EMI-Fire portfolio.

The successful candidate will collaborate closely with Engineering, Operations, Quality, Supply Chain, Sales, Program Management, and customers to develop repeatable material solutions, troubleshoot manufacturing challenges, support qualification programs, and accelerate new product introductions.

This position will primarily support MAST Technologies while also providing technical chemistry support to Swift, Spira, and other EMI-Fire businesses as needed.

About MAST: MAST, an EMI-Fire business, develops advanced materials and engineered solutions for aerospace, defense, industrial, and emerging technology applications. Our products are designed to perform in demanding environments where material performance, reliability, and manufacturability are critical. Through collaboration across MAST, Swift, Spira, and other EMI-Fire businesses, we deliver innovative solutions that accelerate qualification, production readiness, and mission success.

Key Responsibilities

Formulation Development & Material Innovation

• Develop, modify, and optimize formulations for coatings, elastomers, adhesives, sealants, absorbers, conductive materials, and specialty polymer systems.
• Design and execute laboratory experiments and Design of Experiments (DOE) to support product development and process optimization.
• Evaluate raw materials, fillers, additives, pigments, conductive agents, and specialty chemistries for performance, manufacturability, and cost improvement opportunities.
• Conduct formulation studies to improve material performance, cure behavior, adhesion, durability, environmental resistance, and processability.
• Support the transition of products from laboratory development through pilot and production scale-up.
• Perform physical, mechanical, thermal, and chemical testing to evaluate product performance.
• Analyze test results and prepare technical reports, recommendations, and development documentation.
• Coordinate external laboratory testing and qualification activities as required.
• Maintain formulation records, technical documentation, and development files to ensure traceability and protect internal technical knowledge.

Production Support & Process Stability

• Provide technical support to manufacturing operations to improve process consistency, yield, and product quality.
• Investigate formulation, material, and processing-related nonconformances.
• Lead or support root cause investigations, NCR/MRB activities, CAPA efforts, and corrective actions.
• Establish and document manufacturing and application process parameters to improve repeatability and product performance.
• Evaluate material variability and its impact on manufacturing consistency and customer requirements.
• Drive data-based improvements to reduce scrap, rework, and process variation.
• Support validation and implementation of manufacturing process improvements.

Customer Qualification & Application Support

• Support customer qualification programs through application trials, coupon testing, prototype builds, sample preparation, and validation activities.
• Develop technical data packages and supporting documentation for customer evaluations and approvals.
• Collaborate directly with customers to understand performance requirements and resolve application challenges.
• Provide technical recommendations regarding material selection, processing requirements, and product performance.
• Generate repeatable test data and application guidance to accelerate customer qualification timelines.

Cross-Functional Business Support

• Partner with Sales, Engineering, Program Management, Operations, and Supply Chain during quotation, proposal, development, and commercialization activities.
• Assist with material selection and identify development requirements for new business opportunities.
• Support Supply Chain in evaluating suppliers, raw materials, and alternative sources based on performance, availability, cost, and risk.
• Provide technical input regarding development scope, project risk, and commercialization strategies.
• Participate in customer meetings, technical reviews, supplier discussions, and program gate reviews.
• Serve as the primary chemistry subject matter expert supporting MAST and other EMI-Fire businesses.

Continuous Improvement

• Identify opportunities to reduce material costs, improve yields, and optimize manufacturing processes.
• Maintain awareness of emerging technologies, materials, and industry trends.
• Recommend laboratory equipment, testing capabilities, and capital investments that support business growth.
• Support a culture of safety, accountability, continuous improvement, and customer focus.
• Perform other duties and projects as assigned.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Polymer Science, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related technical discipline required.
• Master's degree preferred.

Experience

• 3–5 years of experience supporting coatings, polymers, elastomers, adhesives, sealants, composites, absorbers, or specialty materials.

Preferred Experience

• Formulation development of coatings, elastomers, adhesives, sealants, absorbers, or specialty polymer systems.
• Aerospace, defense, industrial manufacturing, or advanced materials environments.
• Manufacturing scale-up, process optimization, and troubleshooting.
• Customer qualification programs, application trials, and validation activities.
• Design of Experiments (DOE) and statistical analysis methods.

Skills

• Strong understanding of polymer chemistry and formulation science.
• Knowledge of coating technologies, rheology, curing mechanisms, and material processing.
• Hands-on laboratory and manufacturing experience.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to interpret technical data and develop practical solutions.
• Effective written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
• Experience with laboratory testing equipment and analytical techniques.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance preferred.

Benefits:

At MAST, we recognize how important your career and benefits are to you and your family. We offer a full suite of benefits, including medical, dental, vision, short and long-term disability coverage, accident insurance, critical illness insurance, basic and supplemental life insurance, employee assistance plan, retirement savings and matching, and other developmental opportunities. We are committed to supporting the way you live and work.

MAST is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to complete the application process may contact Human Resources.

This position requires access to information subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Employment is contingent upon the applicant being a “U.S. person” as defined by ITAR (22 CFR §120.15), which includes U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, refugees, or asylees, as required by U.S. export control laws.