Polymer Synthetic Chemist

6d6 days ago

Hexcel Corporation

Decatur, US · Full-time · $120,000 – $160,000

About this role

Hexcel is the industry leader in manufacturing advanced composite materials, including carbon fiber, woven reinforcements, resins, prepregs, honeycombs, and additive manufactured parts. With strong investment in research and development and a culture of continuous improvement, join the Hexcel team. Become a part of the “strength within” as a Polymer Synthetic Chemist in Decatur, AL.

Work as a key member of the PAN precursor/carbon fiber research team to advance performance and reduce costs of carbon fiber products. Develop and apply laboratory synthetic routes, formulation, and characterization methods for polyacrylonitrile precursor and carbon fiber. Evaluate scale-up feasibility from bench to pilot plant to industrial scale.

Maintain knowledge of plant manufacturing processes and participate on teams to solve plant problems or upgrade capabilities. Ensure all laboratory practices comply with safety protocols and environmental regulations. Analyze, interpret, and document experimental results in monthly reports.

Maintain awareness of the technical literature in the field and recommend new work based on knowledge of literature and competitive situation. Clearly communicate findings to internal and external stakeholders. Contribute to innovation in a global leader in advanced composites technology.

Requirements

PhD in Organic Chemistry, Polymer Science, or other highly related field with demonstrated technical mastery of molecular design and synthesis of polymeric materials
Minimum of 5 years of industrial research experience focused on polymer chemistry; experience with synthetic fiber spinning, polyacrylonitrile, and/or carbon fiber highly preferred
Demonstrated track record of technical curiosity, hands-on experimental work, and ability to translate data into actionable insights leading to innovation and solutions to complex problems
Ability to translate laboratory-scale insights to pilot and commercial scale; direct experience conducting trials in laboratory, pilot plant, and plant environments highly desirable
Deep understanding of fundamental physical/chemical properties and structure-property relationships; ability to conduct complex chemical experiments
Strong project management skills with demonstrated ability to work both as an individual contributor and as a cross-functional team member managing multiple projects
Ability to elucidate chemical mechanisms and working knowledge of advanced analytical techniques

Responsibilities

Work as key member of PAN precursor/carbon fiber research team to advance performance and reduce costs of carbon fiber products
Develop and apply laboratory synthetic routes, formulation, and characterization methods to sustain chemical advances for polyacrylonitrile precursor and carbon fiber
Evaluate scale-up feasibility of developed chemistry from bench to pilot plant to industrial scale
Maintain knowledge of plant manufacturing processes and participate on teams to solve plant problems or upgrade plant capabilities
Maintain awareness of the technical literature in the field and recommend new work based on knowledge of this literature and/or competitive situation
Analyze, interpret, and document experimental results in monthly reports and clearly communicate findings to internal and external stakeholders
Ensure all laboratory practices comply with safety protocols and environmental regulations