Director of Materials Science

Purple

. Lead, hire, and develop a team of Materials Scientists and Technicians, including project planning, mentorship, performance management, and career development .

Posted 10/17/2026full-timeDraper • Utah • United StatesLeadWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in Materials Science and Polymer Engineering, with a strong focus on team leadership, project management, and the development of innovative materials solutions. Proficient in laboratory safety, experimental design, and technical communication to effectively collaborate with cross-functional teams and stakeholders.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Master's Degree In Materials SciencePeople Leadership ExperiencePolymer Characterization TechniquesDesign Of Experiments ProficiencyLaboratory Safety Program Management

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Polymer Structure KnowledgeMechanical TestingStatistical Analysis SoftwareThermogravimetric Analysis (TGA)Fourier-Transform Infrared (FTIR) SpectroscopyRheological TestingMelt Flow Processing (MFI)Benchtop Injection MoldingExperimental DesignPatent Development

Soft Skills

Technical WritingExecutive-Level CommunicationMentorshipPerformance ManagementCollaboration

Tools & Technologies

MinitabMicrosoft Office SuiteMixing EquipmentPersonal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Industry Keywords

Chemical HygieneLaboratory SafetyStage Gate ProcessHyper-Elastic Polymer GelIntellectual Property Management

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead, hire, and develop a team of Materials Scientists and Technicians, including project planning, mentorship, performance management, and career development
Define team roles, structure, and career paths as the function grows
Shape the multi-year materials science roadmap aligned with product, cost, and growth goals
Manage multiple projects and prioritize work according to organizational goals
Lead hands-on laboratory investigations into Hyper-Elastic Polymer Gel modifications and improvements
Conduct literature research, DOE-based blending and formulation planning, and mechanical and physical testing
Own Chemical Hygiene and Laboratory Safety programs and laboratory notebook/report structures
Set standards for experimental design, analytical methods, documentation, and data integrity
Transfer new formulations from laboratory to full-scale production with Manufacturing
Partner on scale-up, process validation, and yield improvement
Serve as subject matter expert on HEP and polymer materials
Liaise with Production, Quality, Engineering, Product Development, Supply Chain, and Marketing
Publish internal reports and present findings to senior leadership and the Board of Directors when required
Build and protect materials intellectual property with Legal, including invention disclosures and patent filings
Manage partnerships with suppliers, universities, and contract laboratories
Travel occasionally to corporate and vendor sites and technical conferences

Requirements

What you’ll need

Master's degree in Materials Science, Chemistry, Polymer Science and Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or other relevant scientific area with 8-10 years' experience in relevant fields
3+ years of people leadership of scientists and/or technicians, including hiring, performance management, mentorship, and professional development
Extensive knowledge of polymer structure, physical chemistry, and polymer characterization techniques
Strong technical writing and presentation skills for communicating advanced scientific concepts to a variety of audiences
Executive-level communication skills, with the ability to translate complex technical findings into clear business recommendations for senior leadership, the Board of Directors, and non-technical stakeholders
Proficiency with design of experiments and statistical analysis software (Minitab or equivalent)
Proficient with Microsoft Office products (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams)
Experience with oil-extended elastomer gels and rheological testing
Track record developing novel, patentable solutions to technical problems
Significant exposure to a Stage Gate process for implementation of new materials into production
Extensive knowledge of thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), thermomechanical analysis (TMA), melt flow processing (MFI), rheology (ODR/ESR), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and benchtop injection molding
Experience establishing or overseeing laboratory safety and chemical hygiene programs
Experience building or scaling a technical team
Ability to work with mixing equipment/respirator for raw materials addition
Ability to use personal protective equipment (PPE) in laboratory environments with chemical exposure

Benefits

Comp & perks

Medical, Dental, Vision
401(k) Match
Flexible PTO
Earn a Mattress
Purple Swag
Amazing Purple Products
Annual employee appreciation events