Polymer Science Phd Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Senior Polymer Chemist - Thermoset Resin Development

Broomfield, Colorado | On-site

Opportunity Summary

Join an early-stage advanced manufacturing company developing next-generation production technologies for aerospace, defense, and other high-performance industries. The team is building automated manufacturing systems that combine additive manufacturing, process controls, and materials science to produce complex composite structures at scale. As the first dedicated materials hire, you will take ownership of polymer and thermoset resin development from formulation through production. This is a highly hands-on role focused on translating material chemistry into reliable manufacturing processes. You will work closely with engineering leadership to develop resin systems, optimize material performance, and establish the foundation for future materials development across the organization.

About Us

We are a venture-backed pre-seed startup focused on advancing the manufacturing of high-performance composite components. Our team is developing scalable production technologies that address critical supply chain challenges while enabling new capabilities in aerospace, defense, and industrial markets. The company combines expertise in materials science, automation, hardware development, and manufacturing to bring advanced materials from the laboratory into production environments.

Job Duties

• Lead the development and optimization of thermoset resin formulations for advanced manufacturing applications
• Design and refine polymer chemistries to achieve targeted processing, curing, thermal, and mechanical performance requirements
• Develop and improve material mixing, handling, and processing procedures to ensure repeatability and consistency
• Characterize material behavior using rheological, thermal, and mechanical testing methods
• Evaluate cure kinetics, viscosity profiles, filler interactions, and overall resin performance
• Scale formulations from laboratory development through pilot and production-level manufacturing
• Partner with mechanical, manufacturing, software, and process engineers to optimize material-process integration
• Establish quality control procedures, material specifications, and validation methodologies
• Identify, evaluate, and qualify raw material suppliers and new material systems
• Maintain detailed technical documentation, experimental records, and process data
• Support intellectual property development and long-term materials strategy
• Investigate and solve manufacturing, processing, and performance-related material challenges

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Materials Science, Polymer Science, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or a related field
• 4+ years of experience developing thermoset resin systems, polymer formulations, or composite materials
• Strong understanding of polymer chemistry, curing mechanisms, and formulation development
• Experience working with filled resin systems, additives, reinforcement materials, and viscosity modification techniques
• Hands-on experience with material mixing, processing, degassing, and rheological control
• Familiarity with analytical and characterization methods such as DSC, TGA, DMA, tensile testing, and microscopy
• Experience transitioning materials from research environments into manufacturing or production settings
• Ability to independently design experiments and analyze technical data
• Strong communication skills and comfort working within multidisciplinary engineering teams

Preferred Experience

• PhD in Materials Science, Polymer Science, Chemistry, or a related discipline
• Experience developing epoxy, phenolic, cyanate ester, or other high-performance thermoset systems
• Background in aerospace, defense, or other high-reliability industries
• Experience with composite manufacturing processes and reinforced material systems
• Familiarity with additive manufacturing, paste extrusion, or advanced manufacturing technologies
• Knowledge of high-temperature materials, thermal protection systems, or ablative materials
• Experience supporting new product introduction or manufacturing scale-up efforts
• Prior experience as an early technical hire within a startup environment

Why Join Us

• Establish the company's materials development function
• Work directly with founders and engineering leadership on core technology development
• Own critical decisions around resin chemistry, formulation strategy, and manufacturing scale-up
• Help solve important manufacturing and supply chain challenges in aerospace and defense
• Receive meaningful equity ownership in an early-stage venture
• Collaborate with a highly technical, hands-on team building breakthrough manufacturing capabilities
• Gain broad exposure across materials development, hardware systems, manufacturing, and product strategy

Compensation Details

$120,000 - $170,000