About the Role
We are currently seeking a Senior Materials Scientist – Polymer Chemistry and Surface Science with a strong foundation in polymer chemistry, coatings, and surface science to join our innovative team. The ideal candidate will bring both scientific depth and a product-oriented mindset to help drive the development of novel materials for use in diverse application spaces. In this role, you will engage in hands-on research, from fundamental studies through early-stage prototype development, applying your expertise with a focus on driving the technical direction and strategic thinking behind developing new contamination-resistant coatings for use within the Electronics, Packaging Venting, and Automotive markets.
This position will be located at our facility in Elkton, Maryland, with the possibility of a hybrid work arrangement, depending upon the responsibilities of the role and business needs.
Pay and Benefits:
- $135,000 - 180,000 per year
- Roles above $150k are eligible for the variable pay program each fiscal year, based on defined business performance metrics.
- Factors considered in extending an offer within this pay range include (but not limited to) education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities.
- Medical, Dental and Vision benefits effective on Day 1 of employment! We offer a comprehensive total rewards package, including competitive benefits. More details are available at www.gore.com/careers/benefits
Responsibilities
- Conduct applied research in polymer chemistry, surface science, and coating technologies to enable material solutions aligned with Gore’s strategic innovation priorities
- Lead or support the development and optimization of coatings for porous and functional substrates with consideration for performance, durability, and manufacturability
- Apply hypothesis-driven, data-informed experimentation to evaluate and improve material formulations and processes
- Create and maintain IP strategy aligned with thematic material strategy that includes on-going assessment of competitive differentiation, IP landscape, internal and external scientific state of the art
- Contribute to the advancement of Complementary Materials Platform (CMP’s) broader capabilities, integrating scientific insight with business strategy
- Work across cross-functional teams to ensure research outputs are relevant, scalable, and transferable into product development environments. Bring a business-oriented mindset to scientific work, focusing on delivering customer-relevant value
- Challenge conventional thinking—both within the technical community and broader organizational contexts—to drive innovation and differentiation
- Support technology down-selection efforts and prototype early-stage material concepts
- Establish and maintain strong relationships with external partners, including suppliers, academic collaborators, and technology providers
- Provide mentorship to other scientists in the areas of material development, assessment and IP. Foster an inclusive and collaborative team culture that encourages curiosity, agility, and mutual accountability
Required Qualifications
- Advanced technical degree (physics, chemistry, material science, or engineering) with a minimum of 7 years of industrial experience or a minimum of 10 years of industrial experience with a Bachelor of Science (physics, chemistry, material science, or engineering)
- Hands-on experience with coating development and surface treatments, particularly for porous or functional materials
- Experience generating or contributing to intellectual property and technology strategy
- Successful track record of managing complex technical projects (ambiguous, multi-disciplinary, sometimes global/cross-regional)
- Proven track record of successfully developing mechanistic understanding through a combination of techniques related to behavior and performance of materials
- Effective communication skills with experience sharing insights across cross-functional and international teams
- Demonstrated agility in working within a fast-paced, exploratory, and iterative R&D environment
- Ability to travel up to 10%
Desired Qualifications
- Ph.D. in polymer science, chemical engineering, surface science, or related field
- Familiarity with polymer processing techniques and structure–property-performance relationships
- Knowledge of new product development (NPD) processes and experience supporting product innovation pipelines
This position offers a hybrid work arrangement in the country from which the Associate is employed. Eligibility is dependent on the responsibilities of the role and business needs, and the Associate must agree to comply with Gore’s work arrangement policies.
What We Offer
Our success is based on the capability and creativity of our Associates, and we are proud to offer a comprehensive and competitive total rewards program that supports your everyday and helps you build your tomorrow.
We provide benefits that offer choice and flexibility and promote overall well-being. And in keeping with our belief that every Associate should share in the collective success of the enterprise; we provide a distinctive Associate Stock Ownership Plan in each country as well as potential opportunities for “profit-sharing”. Learn more at gore.com/careers/benefits
Gore is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, national origin, ancestry, age, status as a qualified individual with a disability, genetic information, pregnancy status, medical condition, marital status, sexual orientation, status as a protected veteran, gender identity and expression, and any other characteristic protected by applicable laws and regulations.
Gore is committed to a drug-free workplace. All employment is contingent upon successful completion of drug and background screening. Gore will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, e.g., arrest and conviction records, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable laws,
Gore requires all applicants to be eligible to work within the United States. Gore generally will not sponsor visas unless otherwise noted on the position description.
Our Talent Acquisition Team welcomes your questions at gore.com/careers/contact
