Chemist I

Sumitomo Bakelite High Performance Plastics (SBHPP) is a pioneer in high performance plastics and the #1 world leader in phenolic chemistry. The SBHPP global organization is committed to exceeding our customers’ expectations in material performance, customer service, technical expertise, and product quality. Our companies include Durez Corporation, Durez Canada Company LTD, Promerus, LLC, Sumitomo Bakelite N.A., and Sumitomo Plastics America, Inc. Look to us first to see what’s next!

 Our world class product portfolio includes:

Resins: We are a recognized leader in high-performance, specialty phenolic resins. Our extensive portfolio of products is engineered to meet the most rigorous requirements across the wide range of markets we serve. Our extensive research, development and pilot production capabilities allow us to engineer custom-designed products to perfectly match our customer’s needs. 

Thermoset Molding Compounds: We produce a wide range of phenolic molding compounds from general purpose to engineered fiber reinforced grades, as well as a variety of other thermoset materials featuring epoxy, diallyl, phthalate, and silicone resin systems.

Long Fiber Composites: We manufacture long fiber reinforced thermoset composites that fill a niche between conventional short fiber molding compounds and prepegs in a variety of industries. These materials offer solutions for large structural parts that are better suited for mass-production. 

High Performance Polymers: Promerus, LLC is involved in the development of a novel platform of polymers based on cyclic olefins that are polymerized using a propriety class of organometallic catalysts. Application areas include the semiconductor, optoelectronic and electronic packaging markets. Ongoing development and commercial activities with multiple Fortune 500 companies in the micro-electronics and semi-conductor industries is the primary business focus.

If you are as enthusiastic about class leading polymer, resin and molding compound technologies as we are, we want to hear from you!

We are seeking a Chemist for our Niagara Falls, NY R&D location. Starting annual salary ranging from $57,000-$67,000, Medical, dental, vision coverage, 401K with 50% of first 6%, time off bank and other benefits at hire. Ability for advancement.

General Purpose:

The Chemist will utilize strong technical expertise to develop and provide competitive solutions, including development of new products or improvement of existing ones, that satisfy the business and customer needs related to phenolic resin chemistry.  Engage in the process from idea conception to product commercialization in support of the company’s strategic direction.   

Essential Functions:

Responsibilities that are requirements in order to perform the job:

• With supervision, utilize technical and application knowledge to create competitive solutions to customer and market needs
• Responsible for synthesis, processing and/or characterization of monomers, polymers, and additives to support the development of materials for end use applications
• Develops short-term work plans and discusses/finalizes on a regular basis with supervisor as appropriate
• With input from supervisor, plan and conduct multiple projects to meet milestones and development targets
• Track experimental details accurately and maintain up-to-date laboratory notebooks
• Write technical papers and reports and prepare standards and specifications for processes, products, and tests
• Coordinate with supervisor, write and contribute to invention records as appropriate
• Use communication skills to discuss, align and present developments and information with and to internal stakeholders and customers
• Present innovations and new developments via publications and presentations
• Develop areas of expertise related to phenol formaldehyde based chemistries for which peers seek guidance
• Utilize best practices with a focus on safe operations and regulatory compliance
• Demonstrates commitment, dependability and respect with regular attendance and punctuality

Supportive Functions: 

In addition to performance of the essential functions, this position may be required to perform a combination of supportive functions based on business needs:

• Provide technical support to other business units and departments as needed
• Maintain awareness of how the position supports the Quality Management System and participates in quality related activities such as audits and quality improvement teams as necessary

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

The individual must possess the following knowledge, skills and abilities and be able to explain and demonstrate that he or she can perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation:

• Proficiency in MS Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Good attention to detail and keen observation skills, maintaining thorough and accurate records
• Use scientific rules and methods to solve problems
• Use mathematics to solve problems
• Identify complex problems and review related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions
• Conduct tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance
• Must be able to verbally communicate to convey information effectively
• Must be able to communicate effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience
• Must be able to manage one's own time and the time of others
• Give full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times
• Use logic and reason to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems
• Understand the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making
• Determine causes of failures and troubleshoot/decide what to do about it
• Determine how a system or product should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.  Identify actions needed to improve or correct performance relative to goals.
• Analyze needs and product requirements to create a design

Education/Experience Guidelines:

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Polymer Science or related discipline is required.
• 1-3 years of related experience, including research and laboratory work, is preferred.
• Experience with resin chemistries (including phenolic, epoxy, urethanes, etc.) is preferred.

Physical Demands:

These physical demands are representative of the physical requirements necessary for an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job.  Reasonable accommodation can be made to enable people with disabilities to perform the described essential functions:

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close, distance and color vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. While performing the duties of the job, the employee is regularly required to sit, walk and stand, use hands to handle or feel, reach with hands and arms, and talk or hear.  The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl.  The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.                                             

Work Environment:

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. On occasion, the employee will be exposed to wet/humid conditions (non-weather), fumes or airborne particles, outdoor weather, extreme heat/cold (non-weather), toxic or caustic chemicals, risk of electrical shock, working near moving mechanical parts, working in precarious places, and working with explosives.