Polymer Chemistry

Actalent • Saint Louis, MO • 12h ago

Polymer Chemist

Job Description

We are seeking two skilled Polymer Chemists to join our expanding R&D team. As part of our growing product portfolio, this role focuses on short-term, customer-driven R&D projects, turning customer challenges into practical solutions. You will work closely with production to troubleshoot and refine formulas, ensuring manufacturability and supply chain compatibility. This position requires direct customer interaction, including on-site visits, and strong interpersonal skills. Additionally, you will engage in technical writing and conference presentations, making this a highly cross-functional role that involves collaboration with nearly every department.

Responsibilities

Lead the planning and execution of tests and experiments for new product development.

Perform polymer synthesis and other chemical and physical laboratory tests to develop and refine formulations.

Oversee and participate in experimental design, operations support, test methods development, technology transfers, scale-up processes, and technical support.

Manage project timelines and resources to ensure timely completion of milestones.

Coordinate cross-functional teams as project manager.

Propose changes to products and services to achieve cost reductions and increase sales.

Participate in scale-up and Design Review sessions.

Provide technical support to the Commercial Group, including customer visits and providing samples, reports, and current information.

Monitor quality issues from sales/service, customers, and other sources.

Regularly report and review task and project status with management.

Ensure commercial/technical alignment with company strategies and growth objectives.

Assist in preparing reports on technical problems for corrective product modifications and manufacturing process changes.

Assist in maintaining ISO/TS 16949:2002 certification.

Make authoritative decisions impacting scientific activities.

Contribute to creating a safe and healthy working environment by following health and safety instructions.

Essential Skills

Degree in chemistry, polymer, chemical engineering, or related discipline (BS, Masters, or PhD).

2+ years of related industry experience in polymer synthesis, creating coatings, resins, etc.

Excellent English communication skills, both written and verbal.

Ability to work collaboratively in an international business environment.

Experience with coating technology, polymer synthesis, and formulation.

Understanding of process engineering.

Knowledge and understanding of lean six sigma practices.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

Preferably from a chemical specific to polymers (resins, paints, coatings).

Personable and professional demeanor for client interaction.

Experience in running own projects in an R&D setting.

Driven and self-motivated individual.

Flexible, proactive, and self-disciplined.

Sensitive to cultural differences.

Good interpersonal skills and result orientation.

Ability to perform multiple tasks simultaneously.

Demonstrates and fosters safe working behavior.

Work Environment

This role provides full ownership of projects with a high degree of independence, akin to PhD-level roles in larger organizations. The work is investigative and hands-on, combining technical problem-solving with end-to-end project management. The team is small, collaborative, and personable, encouraging frequent interaction across labs despite not being physically co-located. The environment is informal and supportive.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Saint Louis, MO.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $38.00 - $42.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: - Medical, dental & vision - Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital - 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available - Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) - Short and long-term disability - Health Spending Account (HSA) - Transportation benefits - Employee Assistance Program - Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Saint Louis,MO.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Mar 19, 2026.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through:

Hiring diverse talent

Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection

Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes

Ensuring growth opportunities for our people

Actalent is an equal opportunity employer.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we've helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC-with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000+ extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day.

Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.

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