Research Chemist

We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented scientist to drive chemical synthesis and material development efforts from benchtop experimentation through pilot-scale production. This role blends hands-on organic and polymer synthesis, inorganic and sol-gel chemistry, advanced material characterization, and process optimization to develop next‑generation materials for automotive, aerospace, and defense applications within a collaborative team environment.  This role involves working with other scientists and presenting results to team members and customers.

•    Execute complex chemical reactions and polymerizations, including organic, polymer, sol gel, and organometallic synthesis.
•    Develop, optimize and scale material processing techniques to produce high-performance functional polymers, coatings and composites.
•    Operate and maintain a suite of analytical tools, including DSC, TGA, FTIR, UV-Vis, rheometer, and SEM, to interpret data and guide experimental iterations.
•    Document experimental procedures, analyze results, and present technical findings to Project Managers and stakeholders.
•    Manage laboratory operations, including equipment calibration, chemical inventory, and maintaining a rigorous standard of lab cleanliness and organization.

•    Bachelor’s and a minimum of 3 years of experience or master’s degree in chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related technical field.
•    A strong fundamental understanding of organic and polymer chemistry, supplemented by knowledge of inorganic chemistry and physics.
•    Demonstrated hands-on experience in wet chemistry and/or polymer synthesis in a research environment
•    Experience with formulation, compounding or scale-up of commercial-grade materials (coatings, adhesives, elastomers, composites).
•    Demonstrated ability to perform thermal, optical, and chemical analysis.
•    Strong data analysis and organizational skills; proficiency with spreadsheet and data processing/analysis tools
•    Excellent technical communication skills, including clear written documentation and presentation of experimental results

•    Adherence to standard operating procedures and safety protocols for handling hazardous chemicals and operating synthesis equipment.
•    Ability to work on-site at the Malibu facility for 40 hours per week.

• Pay Range: $105,700 - $132,150
• Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location (California). The range displayed on each job posting reflects the target range for new hire salaries for the position. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range during the hiring process.

• Benefits: HRL offers a generous and very competitive total compensation and benefits package. Our Regular/Full Time benefits include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401K match, gym facilities, PTO, Sick time, upward mobility, and an exciting and challenging work environment.
• For more information about our company benefit offerings please visit: https://www.hrl.com/careers/benefits

Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that some people are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single desired qualification. At HRL, we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

We are proud to be an EEO/AA employer M/F/D/V. We maintain a drug-free workplace and perform pre-employment substance abuse testing. 

If you would like more information about Equal Employment Opportunity as an applicant under the law, please go to Employees & Job Applicants | U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission

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