Senior Synthetic Chemist – C.A.S.E. & Thermoset Intermediates

This is a onsite role in Chicago. Relocation assistance is available.

We are a leading specialty chemical manufacturer that designs, custom-synthesizes, and produces high-performance chemical intermediates, silicone surfactants, and functional polymer additives. Serving global customers across the Coatings, Adhesives, Sealants, Elastomers (C.A.S.E.), and Polyurethane markets, our technical teams turn complex synthetic chemistry into scalable, commercial solutions.

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Synthetic Organic / Organosilicone Chemist to lead the development, synthesis, and scale-up of novel silicone surfactants and organo-modified siloxanes. In this role, you will focus on combining silicone backbones with organic chemistries—specifically alkoxylates (EO/PO polyethers), esters, and amides—to create high-performance cell stabilizers, wetting agents, and flow additives for thermoset polyurethane and C.A.S.E. applications.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, synthesize, and scale up organo-modified silicone surfactants and silicone polyethers from lab bench to commercial manufacturing.
• Perform custom synthesis utilizing hydrosilylation, alkoxylation (ethoxylation/propoxylation), esterification, and amidation reactions.
• Develop specialty additives tailored for thermoset systems, focusing on polyurethane foam stabilization, surface tension reduction, and C.A.S.E. wetting/leveling.
• Characterize finished products and monitor reaction kinetics using analytical techniques (NMR, FTIR, GC-MS, Viscometry, and Surface Tension Analysis).
• Work closely with Process Development and Plant Operations to optimize reaction yields, ensure safe batch manufacturing, and solve scale-up challenges.
• Provide technical support for customer applications by correlating chemical structures with surfactant performance in liquid and cured polymer systems.

Qualifications

• Education: B.S., M.S., or Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry, Polymer Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience: 3+ years of industrial R&D experience in organic synthesis, surfactant chemistry, or organosilicone product development.
• Core Chemistry Expertise: Direct hands-on experience with organo-modified silicones, silicone polyethers, and alkoxylation (EO/PO). Familiarity with ester and amide modifications is a strong plus.
• Application Knowledge: Strong understanding of polyurethane thermosets (rigid/flexible foam cell stabilization) or C.A.S.E. surface additives.
• Technical Skills: Hands-on experience with hydrosilylation reactions, air-sensitive chemical handling, scale-up parameters, and surfactant characterization techniques.