Research & Development Chemist

Description

At Custom Laminating Corporation in Mt Bethel, PA, the R&D work you do has real-world stakes — from life-saving fire shelters to advanced building and automotive laminates. We're hiring a Research & Development Chemist. This is a hands-on, lab-forward role where your ideas matter from day one.

We’re a small, tight-knit R&D team embedded alongside our manufacturing operation. That means you’ll see your formulations come to life, and collaborate directly with leadership — no red tape, no layers of bureaucracy, just good science, great colleagues, and work that matters.

Is This You?

You are not seeking a role defined by repetitive protocols or direction at every step. Instead, you bring strong technical expertise, a methodical approach, and the curiosity to ask “why” when a formulation does not perform as expected.

You maintain a well-organized lab and notebook with detailed documentation.You stay informed by reviewing patents, and recognize when emerging chemistries can address longstanding challenges. You are equally comfortable working hands-on in a production environment as you are conducting precise measurements in the lab.

What You’ll Do

This is a hands-on, bench-forward position with real project ownership. On any given week you might be:

• Formulating and testing water-based adhesives and coatings for new multi-layer industrial laminates
• Maintaining a thorough lab notebook
• Recommending materials (films, foils, fabrics, adhesives, reinforcements) to meet customer specs and cost targets
• Troubleshooting process or product challenges alongside the team and external subject matter experts
• Reading the latest developments in polymer chemistry and bringing fresh ideas back to the bench
• Contributing to a safe, clean, and organized lab environment

What You Need to Succeed Here

Non-negotiables:

• Hands-on formulation experience in adhesives, coatings, water-based polymers, or a closely adjacent industry
• A BS/MS in Chemistry, Materials Science, or related field with 3–5 years of industry experience or a Ph. D in a relevant discipline
• Excellent problem-solving, critical thinking, and analytical skills
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Lab safety as a personal standard — not a policy you follow when someone’s watching
• Thorough, consistent documentation habits
• A team-first attitude

Strongly preferred:

• Familiarity with polymer types: acrylics, urethanes, water-based systems
• Experience with laminates, coatings, paints, or converting processes
• Exposure to roll-to-roll manufacturing or converting environments
• Knowledge of flame retardants or silicone-based chemistries
• Familiarity with analytical tools: FTIR, DSC, DMA, AFM
• Understanding of markets we serve: automotive, building & construction, fire protection, and electronics

This role is not for you if:

• Your experience is purely synthesis-based or academic
• You prefer a large team with well-defined lanes
• You’re not genuinely curious about what’s new in your field — continuous learning is a real expectation here, not a slogan

About Custom Laminating Corporation

Custom Laminating Corporation (CLC) is a privately owned company based in Mt. Bethel, Pennsylvania. We make adhesive-based multi-layer laminates for some of the most demanding applications in the world. Our customers include automotive manufacturers, building and construction companies, and industrial clients who require precision, performance, and consistency.

We’re not a big organization. We’re a company where the owner is across the street, the president walks the floor every day, and you are two reporting levels from the top. Decisions happen fast. Ideas get heard. Impact is immediate.

Our facility is clean and safe, that’s not an accident; it’s the culture.

What We Offer

• Company-paid medical, dental, and vision benefits — you keep more of your paycheck
• Profit sharing for every employee, on top of a competitive salary and 401(k)
• Flexible PTO
• A brand-new, beautifully maintained facility in the hills of Mt. Bethel, PA
• Real project ownership from day one on a team small enough that your work is always visible
• Relocation assistance considered for the right candidate

I’m Interested — How Do I Get Started?

If you’ve already built your formulation career in an applied, hands-on environment — and you’re looking for a role where precision, teamwork, and real-world impact all matter — we’d love to hear from you.

Apply here: https://app.jobvite.com/j?cj=on63zfwP&s=myHRpartner

We realize that it takes time and effort to go through our application process, and we thank you for considering Custom Laminating Corporation as a potential employer.

Is this the job for you? If not, feel free to share this link with someone who might be interested.