Segan Industries is a materials science and applied chemistry company in Burlingame, California. We develop and manufacture functional materials, sensing chemistries, and applied chemical technologies for life science, food safety, consumer, commercial, and industrial products.
Our technologies include microencapsulation, novel polymer chemistry and compounding, thermochromic and photochromic systems, glow-in-the-dark materials, specialty pigments, sensors and indicators.
We are seeking a skilled and adaptable hands-on candidate to work directly with company senior leadership to apply innovative chemistry and polymer platforms to the development of new products and markets. The candidate will be extensively cross-trained in the fields of injection molding and extrusion, formulation and microencapsulation, sample preparation, and technical communications.
The ideal candidate must have a BS in organic chemistry, polymer chemistry, chemical engineering, polymer science, biophysics, materials science, bioengineering, or a related technical field, ideally with at least 1–2 years of relevant industry experience. We are looking for a highly motivated, technically competent problem solver who is hands-on, detail-oriented, and adaptable. The candidate will work across a range of challenging development projects.
Key Responsibilities
· Hands-on preparation of R&D samples and testing utilizing laboratory and manufacturing equipment.
· Assist with formulation trials, microencapsulation, functional chemistry development, polymer processing, and application testing.
· Rapidly learn and assist with mixing, dispersion, chemical handling, microencapsulation, application screening, testing, extrusion, injection molding, and customer application trials.
· Document formulations, process conditions, sample histories, test results, observations, and next-step action items.
· Maintain organized project records using Google Docs, Google Sheets, Excel, PowerPoint, image files, and shared folders.
· Track customer sample requests, follow-up items, project status, and development timelines.
· Assist in preparing technical summaries, sample notes, data tables, presentations, and customer updates as needed.
· Assist with supplier research, scientific literature searches, AI-assisted technical research, and market/application research.
· Communicate clearly with company leadership, production, R&D, and sales.
Qualifications
· Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science, Polymer Chemistry, Materials Science, Plastics Engineering, Biophysics, or a related technical field.
· Minimum 1–2 years of industry experience, or exceptionally relevant internship experience, in applied R&D, product development, chemical, polymer, materials, formulation, microencapsulation, manufacturing, or process-development work.
· Strong hands-on laboratory or technical sample-preparation, fabrication, and equipment skills.
· Strong documentation, organization, written communication, and follow-through.
· Ability to shift priorities and work effectively in a fast-moving small-company environment.
· Experience operating, maintaining, or troubleshooting laboratory, processing, or technical equipment.
· Proficiency with Google Docs, Google Sheets, Excel, PowerPoint, online research tools, and AI-assisted search.
· Photography, website editing, graphics, or technical content experience is a plus.
· Must be able to work on-site in Burlingame, California.
Personal Qualities
A successful candidate should be highly motivated, practical, technically competent, organized, reliable, detail-oriented, flexible, proactive, and a proven problem solver. They should be an excellent communicator, adapt to rapid change, and enjoy innovation.
Pay: $32.00 - $35.00 per hour
Benefits:
Work Location: In person
