Chemist

WHY JOIN SCHNELLER

At Schneller, we're committed to quality products and a safe, supportive workplace. We value people who take pride in their work, look out for their teammates, and are eager to grow. If you're ready to get your hands on meaningful work in a stable manufacturing environment, we'd love to hear from you.

Position Summary

Schneller is seeking a highly motivated Chemist to join our Research & Development team. This role will support the development of next-generation decorative laminates, non-textile flooring, and thermoplastic materials for aircraft interior applications.

The Chemist will play a key role in advancing innovation in polymer chemistry, coatings, and film technologies while ensuring products meet OEM and FAA/EASA flame, smoke, and toxicity requirements. This position is ideal for someone who enjoys hands-on formulation work, product development, and bringing new materials from concept through commercialization.

The successful candidate will have 3-10 years of experience in chemistry, polymer science, product development, and bench-scale formulation. Experience with small-scale polymer formulation and scale-up to pilot-plant quantities is highly preferred.

Essential Responsibilities

• Demonstrate Schneller values and support the organization's commitment to quality products and processes.
• Lead New Product Development projects as the primary technical and project management resource, guiding products through the stage-gate process from concept to commercial launch.
• Partner with Product Development Engineers and Chemists to develop new polymers and formulations that support product innovation.
• Develop, test, and evaluate new materials to enhance Schneller products and create market advantages.
• Support process development activities, including extrusion, printing, lamination, thermoforming, and coating.
• Evaluate current development equipment and facilities and identify opportunities for future improvements through capital investment projects.
• Stay current on technical advancements in polymer development and related fields.
• Perform technical analysis of test samples and prepare reports on findings.
• Maintain and standardize laboratory processes and test methods.
• Collaborate with chemists, engineers, operations staff, designers, and suppliers to integrate new materials and processes.
• Maintain inventory and ensure proper storage and disposal of laboratory chemicals and materials.
• Coordinate laboratory priorities, preparations, testing, and daily tasks.
• Provide occasional support for research or production testing and trials outside of standard business hours.

Work Experience

• 3-10 years of experience in a chemical discipline within a manufacturing environment, with a strong focus on laboratory or pilot-scale development and commercialization of new products and formulations.
• Hands-on experience in chemical laboratories, including bench-scale experimentation, small-scale polymer synthesis, and scale-up to pilot-plant operations.
• Graduate work may be considered as relevant work experience.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry, Polymer Science, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Polymer Engineering, or a closely related physical science or engineering discipline.
• Strong interest in hands-on polymer research and product development.
• Ability to manage multiple development projects in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
• Demonstrated leadership skills or leadership potential.
• Proficiency with software such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and ERP systems.
• General knowledge of physical testing methods and procedures.
• Experience with test method development is a plus.
• Ability to generate, interpret, and analyze data according to scientific standards.
• To conform with U.S. export regulations, including ITAR 120.15 and EAR Part 772, candidates for this role must be eligible for any required authorizations from the U.S. government.

Physical Requirements

Candidates must be able to perform the following physical demands with or without reasonable accommodation:

• Operate test equipment and machinery while standing for extended periods, up to 8 hours.
• Work in a laboratory environment, including occasional light lifting, frequent fine motor skills to manipulate equipment controls and sample materials, and frequent standing.
• Sit for extended periods while using a computer and other office equipment.
• Walk throughout office and industrial environments as needed.
• Lift up to 30 pounds occasionally.
• Perform occasional bending and climbing.
• Use fine motor skills frequently.

Physical activity frequency:

Sitting - Frequently; Standing - Constantly; Walking - Frequently; Lifting up to 30 lbs. - Occasionally; Bending - Occasionally; Climbing - Occasionally; Fine Motor Skills - Frequently.