Overview:
This position plays a crucial role in driving research, development, and optimization of composite materials. This position is responsible for leading and managing several projects and collaborating with cross-functional teams to innovate, design, and implement cutting-edge composite solutions. Your expertise will contribute directly to the success of our projects and the advancement of our company’s position as a market leader in the composite industry. This role involves the formulation, testing, and optimization of advanced materials used in high-performance applications such as aerospace, automotive, marine, etc. You will play a key role in R&D efforts, process development, and quality assurance, contributing to innovative product solutions and technical problem-solving.
Key Responsibilities:
- Conduct formulation and testing of composite materials, including resins, adhesives, and fiber reinforcements.
- Develop and optimize chemical processes for composite manufacturing
- Perform chemical and physical property testing
- Collaborate with R&D teams to create innovative composite solutions based on customer or market requirements.
- Analyze raw materials and finished products to ensure conformance to specifications and quality standards.
- Investigate and troubleshoot formulation or production issues through root cause analysis.
- Maintain detailed laboratory records, technical reports, and documentation in compliance with internal standards.
- Ensure safe handling and disposal of chemicals, maintaining compliance with EHS regulations.
- Collaborate with suppliers and external labs on material evaluations and analytical support.
- Stay updated on new materials, technologies, and industry trends to support innovation.
- Support product lifecycle management, including improvements to existing formulations.
- Assist in regulatory submissions and maintain compliance with applicable regulations.
- Train and mentor junior chemists or lab technicians in procedures and best practices.
- Present technical findings or recommendations to vendors, customers or to management.
- Spearhead research projects focused on developing novel composite materials.
- Design and formulate composite materials with enhanced mechanical, thermal, and chemical properties.
- Conduct in-depth analyses of material properties and make data-driven recommendations for improvements.
- Work closely with Technical Director and operators to ensure the practical application and manufacturability of developed composites.
- Assist/Support Operations manager in fulfilling Dura Technologies reporting requirements to government agencies. Including AQMD, CARB, Storm water, Hazardous Waste disposal, and ISO.
- Assist in management of formulas through database as well as QA (ISO, ECC etc.)
- Mentor Jr. chemists, and/or Lab Technician by providing guidance and fostering a collaborative and innovative research environment.
- Collaborate with other departments such as Sales, manufacturing, sales support, customers and quality assurance to ensure seamless integration of composite materials into final products.
- Stay abreast of the latest developments in composite material science and related technologies.
- Identify opportunities for innovation and improvement in current processes and materials.
- Other duties as assigned by Management
- Create and maintain up to date all SDS/TDS for all of our products
- Able to operate various lab equipment, such as Instron, QUV weathering tester, etc.
Qualifications:
- Experience with paints, coatings and composites
- Proven track record of leading successful research projects and bringing innovative products to market.
- Ability to write professional, coherent reports on lab work or production evaluations
- Physically able to work in a laboratory and production environment
- Inquisitive mind-set to develop root cause analysis and reverse engineering
- Strong leadership and team management skills.
- Excellent communication and collaboration abilities.
- Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
- 2–5 years of relevant industry experience in composites, polymers, or materials development, preferred.
- Familiarity with mechanical testing methods (e.g., tensile, flexural, impact testing).
- Knowledge of chemical safety and regulatory compliance (e.g., OSHA, REACH, RoHS).
- Detail-oriented with strong documentation and reporting skills.
- Ability to interpret technical data and translate findings into actionable insights.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a cross-functional team environment.
Must be able to work in various working conditions such as extreme hot or cold and various chemical smells in the factory.
Classification: Exempt – Full TIme
Pay
In accordance with California’s labor code, the expected salary range for this position is between $85,000 to $100,000 annually. A new hire’s actual pay will be determined based on experience, skillset, geographic location, and other job-related factors.
