Product Development Scientist*, Johnson City

Scientist For New Product Development

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 areas 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.