CHEMIST II

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.