Polymer Research Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Senior Research Engineer - Thiochemicals
If you're passionate about applying science to real-world challenges and want your work to make a visible impact, this is an opportunity to do exactly that. In this role, you'll explore a wide range of chemistries, applications, and processes while contributing meaningfully to a highly successful and growing business.
Arkema Thiochemicals Division provides organosulfur products (thiols/mercaptans, sulfides, disulfides, polysulfides, sulfonyls) for applications in electronics manufacturing, polymer and monomer processing and manufacturing, agrochemicals, oilfield, petroleum refining, mining, and natural gas odorization.
As a Senior Research Engineer, you will play a key role in developing new applications for our specialty chemical products across diverse markets-including mining, adhesives, cosmetics, and coatings. You'll combine hands-on laboratory work with technical leadership, customer collaboration, and project ownership, all while working closely with a global team of experts in thiochemicals.
What You'll Do
You will lead and contribute across the full innovation lifecycle, balancing scientific depth with commercial impact:
Develop and lead applied research focused on specialty chemicals, materials, and polymers for real-world applications (≈45%)
Partner directly with customers and external collaborators, representing Arkema through technical discussions, trials, and solution development (≈35%)
Scout emerging technologies, propose new research initiatives, and help capture intellectual property aligned with business strategy (≈20%)
Day to day, you'll lead research projects, independently execute laboratory work, and support safe and efficient lab operations, working from broad objectives while exercising significant autonomy.
What Makes You Successful in This Role
We're looking for someone who thrives at the intersection of science, collaboration, and innovation. Key attributes include:
Strong technical expertise paired with scientific curiosity and initiative
Excellent communication, organization, and presentation skills
Ability to rapidly absorb new information, adapt to evolving priorities, and translate insights into action
Comfort working across cultures and organizational levels, including global teams and external partners
You can expect occasional travel (generally less than 30%) and a strong emphasis on health, safety, and environmental responsibility, in line with site HES policies and regulatory requirements.
Qualifications & Experience
Required
Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science, Chemistry or Materials Science with 5+ years of industrial experience
or
M.S. degree with 10+ years of relevant industrial experience
Strong, practical experience applying new chemicals, materials, or polymers
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
A genuine interest in working directly with customers and external collaborators
Preferred / Plus
Knowledge of polymer processing, organic chemistry, or organosulfur chemistry (thiols, mercaptans, sulfides, disulfides, sulfonyls)
Hands-on experience with lab-scale polymer processing (extrusion, compounding, injection molding)
Experience in formulation development
Strong understanding of materials science principles linking processing, application, and performance
Experience influencing and engaging both internal stakeholders and the broader scientific community
Track record of initiating and delivering new projects aligned with business goals
Spanish language fluency
Strong data analysis, documentation, and experimental planning skills
Why Join Us?
You'll work on technically challenging, high-impact projects with real commercial outcomes-supported by a collaborative global team and a culture that values curiosity, ownership, and innovation. If you enjoy turning chemistry into solutions and building strong partnerships along the way, we'd love to hear from you.
Who we are? Arkema is a world leader in Innovative Materials for a Sustainable World with the ambition to become a pure Specialty Materials player.
We thrive as One Arkema, comprised of many businesses and brands including Bostik, ArrMaz, and more! and operating with a global reach in 55 countries with more than 20,700 employees. Each one contributes to positioning Arkema as a recognized leader of specialty chemicals and advanced materials, reporting annual sales of €9.1 billion, of which 3.1% allocated to R&D for 1,800 researchers in 17 R&D centers.
If you pursue excellence, love innovation and are inspired by challenges, we encourage you through www.arkema.com to learn more about our values - Solidarity, Performance, Simplicity, Empowerment, and Inclusion - and how we concentrate on advances in bio-based and recyclable materials, new energies, water management, electronic solutions, lightweight materials and design, home efficiency and insulation.
Changing the world requires the right formula. The right formula consists of our innovative and sustainable materials, and you. Join us to develop the materials of tomorrow and make a difference together. What are you made of?
The legal information below pertains specifically to positions posted in the United States, however we strive for diversity, equity and inclusion in all the countries that we hire.
Arkema Inc. provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Arkema Inc. complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting and hiring.
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