POLYFORM INTRODUCTION :  

Sculpey - Where creativity takes shape! This is our mantra here at Polyform and we are continually striving to bring innovation, inspiration and creativity to crafters of all ages and skill levels.

Founded in 1967, Polyform Products Inc. encourages creativity with innovative clays, helpful tools, technique tutorials and projects to inspire and excite. Polyform produces and distributes oven-bake clays that stay soft until baked in a home oven. The award-winning family of Sculpey oven-bake clays, manufactured in Elk Grove Village, Illinois, sets the standard for polymer clay and can be used to create beautiful home décor, jewelry, and paper craft embellishments, seasonal and sculpting projects. We supply the tools and you supply the creativity! 

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT CHEMIST

JOB SUMMARY :

As a member of Polyform’s Research & Development team, you will help drive innovation for new products and sustain the highest quality standards for our current ones. These products are loved by people all around the world and your goal is to make them extraordinary! 

RESPONSBILITIES :

• Creative thinking and project execution to develop new products.
• Documenting experiments and communicating progress using project management software.
• Formula management of new & current products.
• Color matching and control of new & current products.
• Prepare lab batch samples for meeting, trade shows etc.
• Develop and validate test methods.
• Ensure quality standards are maintained.
• Collaborate with Marketing on new product development.
• Work on a cross-functional team including Manufacturing, Marketing, Supply Chain and Sales.
• Develop and manage relationships with vendors.
• Train technicians and plant personnel on analytical procedures.
• Develop analytical procedures as necessary for plant & lab use.
• Support Quality teams in quality investigations and resolution.

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS :

• BS in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering
• Minimum five years’ experience, preferably within the plastics, adhesives or paint industries.
• Minimum two years’ experience with color matching.
• Experience with rheology preferred.
• Experience with the product development cycle, ideally in a consumer products organization.
• Proven accomplishments with developing new products and modifying existing formulations.
• Demonstrated ability to share knowledge, collaborate cross- functionally and work toward common goals.
• A desire to stay at the forefront of relevant new technologies.
• Strong computer, analytical and communication skills.

WHAT WE OFFER:

• 401K retirement savings plan with company match
• Medical, dental and vision coverage
• Generous Paid Time Off and 8 paid holidays
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance (100% employer paid)
• We have a casual dress code- jeans and t-shirts? Yes, please!
• Enjoy Fridays off? We have a four-day work week
• Our average tenure is 9.5 years