Lead Scientist - MOLYKOTE(R) Specialty Lubricants

The Aerospace & Industrial business of DuPont provides high-performance engineering resins, adhesives, and specialty lubricants that enable material systems solutions for some of the world's most demanding applications and operating environments, including aerospace, automotive, mining, and energy production.

The MOLYKOTE® Specialty Lubricants team is seeking an innovative and customer-focused scientist or engineer to support the development and commercialization of advanced lubrication technologies. This role will focus on solid lubricants and anti-friction coatings (AFCs) and will play a key role in helping customers solve wear, friction, and reliability challenges through differentiated tribology solutions.

Working closely with business development, technical service, channel partners, and customers, the successful candidate will translate application needs into innovative product solutions that deliver performance, reliability, and value. This position offers the opportunity to collaborate with regional and global R&D teams to advance new technologies, support product commercialization, and contribute to future innovation pipelines.

The ideal candidate is a self-motivated problem solver with a strong scientific mindset, customer orientation, and the ability to manage multiple priorities while delivering meaningful business results.

What You'll Do

• Lead or contribute to cross-functional product development and commercialization teams.
• Develop and evaluate new and modified lubricant technologies to address customer and market needs.
• Apply scientific methods and data-driven approaches to solve application, quality, and product development challenges.
• Design, execute, and interpret laboratory testing aligned with industry standards and customer requirements.
• Develop expertise in specialty lubrication testing equipment and collaborate with global tribology experts to advance technical capabilities.
• Explore the unique properties of advanced lubricants and low-friction coatings to create differentiated solutions for customers.
• Collaborate with R&D, Technical Service & Development, Business Development, Marketing, Supply Chain, and Manufacturing teams to deliver business objectives.
• Provide technical training and product education to customers, channel partners, and internal stakeholders.
• Engage directly with customers to understand application requirements and translate needs into effective testing and product development strategies.
• Travel within the Americas region to support customers, training activities, and business meetings (approximately 15%).

Required Qualifications

• PhD in Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or another relevant technical discipline.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in product development, applications development, technical service, or related technical roles.
• Ability and willingness to travel throughout the Americas region.
• Experience collaborating with customers to identify technical challenges and develop practical, application-focused solutions.
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently while contributing effectively within multidisciplinary teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in lubrication technologies, specialty coatings, silicones, tribology, or related materials technologies.
• Knowledge of mechanical systems, wear mechanisms, friction behavior, and lubricant performance principles.
• Experience supporting new product development from concept through commercialization.
• Familiarity with scientific experimentation, statistical analysis, and structured problem-solving methodologies.
• Six Sigma Green Belt certification or equivalent continuous improvement experience.
• Active involvement in industry organizations, professional societies, or technical networks related to lubrication, coatings, or materials science.