Product Development Scientist*

Our client needs a highly motivated and innovative Scientist to join their New Product Development team.  Will also develop new formulations, optimize manufacturing processes, and validate product performance from the lab to pilot-scale production.  Their main focus will be in area’s of Polyethylene (PE) separators, Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) materials, Silica-filled rubber separators, autoclaved vulcanized rubber separators. Prefer Lead-acid systems Li-Ion a plus.

Responsibilities:

---Optimize manufacturing processes including extrusion, pore formation, and coating technologies to enhance separator permeability, mechanical strength, and electrical resistance.

---Utilize Design of Experiments (DOE) to structure and execute comprehensive testing protocols to evaluate separator-level attributes (surface chemistry, wetability, pore structure) and their impact on cell performance.

---Lead programs for incremental product and quality improvement using tools; DOE, problem solving tools such as root cause analysis and EVOP (evolutionary optimization)

---Evaluate separator performance focusing on ER, acid displacement, dendrite suppression, and oxidation stability.

---Utilize advanced analytical equipment (FIB-SEM, CT scanning, mercury porosimetry) to analyze material microstructure and failure mechanisms.

---Collaborate with cross-functional teams (Manufacturing, Sales, Quality) to transfer new products from the laboratory into pilot-scale and commercial production.

Requirements:

---BS degree required, advanced  degree preferred; Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science, or related field.

---5 + years in R&D focused on polymers, porous membranes, or separator technology.

---Polyethylene (PE) separators, Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) materials, Silica-filled rubber separators, autoclaved vulcanized rubber separators.

---Strong understanding of polymer physics, surface chemistry, and electrochemical transport mechanisms in porous materials.

---Hands-on capability with extrusion, polymer compounding, and coating technologies.

---Expertise with material characterization tools: SEM, DSC, TGA, Porosimetry, Tensile testers ICP.

---Travel domestically and Internationally to internal plants, customers and conferences.