R&D Scientist

Job Title: R&D Scientist

Job Description

We are seeking a hands-on R&D Scientist to lead the development and commercialization of polyurethane-based foams, gels, and adhesive systems. This role involves taking ownership of product development programs from concept through scale-up and launch. The successful candidate will operate as a technical lead and work cross-functionally with commercial, operations, and quality teams to translate customer needs into scalable products.

Responsibilities

• Own the development of polyurethane-based formulations from concept through commercialization.
• Translate customer and market requirements into differentiated product platforms.
• Lead formulation design, optimization, and validation using structured methodologies such as DoE and statistical tools.
• Partner with commercial teams and customers to support product adoption, trials, and technical positioning.
• Lead scale-up activities and provide hands-on troubleshooting across manufacturing sites.
• Ensure robust transfer from lab to production, including process parameters and quality controls.
• Support product lifecycle management, including continuous improvement and cost optimization.
• Conduct failure analysis and root cause investigations using analytical techniques such as FTIR, GC/MS, thermal, rheology, and mechanical testing.
• Develop structure-property-performance relationships to guide formulation strategy.
• Generate clear, data-driven recommendations to inform technical and business decisions.
• Interface with R&D, Operations, Quality, and Commercial teams globally.
• Track and communicate project progress, risks, and KPIs to leadership.
• Contribute to broader technology strategy and product roadmap development.

Essential Skills

• REQUIRED - 5-10 years of experience in polyurethane formulation and product development, with strong hands-on lab capability.
• REQUIRED - Demonstrated experience taking products from development through commercialization and scale-up.
• Strong foundation in structure-property relationships, materials characterization, and failure analysis.
• Experience with analytical techniques such as FTIR, GC/MS, thermal analysis, rheology, and mechanical testing.
• Proficiency with statistical tools and DoE (e.g., Minitab).
• Experience working in stage-gate or structured NPD environments.

Work Environment

The work environment is collaborative, fast-paced, and highly project-driven, with a strong focus on both new product development and continuous improvement of existing products. The position operates on a typical Monday to Friday schedule, with 8-hour day shifts.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Pittsburgh, PA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $100000.00 - $130000.00/yr.

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance 401k

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Pittsburgh,PA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 9, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.