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Synthetic Industrial Chemist

Leidos


Job Location:

Wharton, NJ - USA

Yearly Salary: USD 59150 - 106925
Posted: 29 September 2026 (Yesterday)
Application Deadline: 27 December 2026
Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

The Defense Sector at Leidos currently has an opening for a Synthetic Chemist to work at our Picatinny Arsenal NJ site.


In this role you will bridge the gap between innovative research and practical application by conducting the design synthesis scale-up and characterization of novel materials with a strong focus on advanced polymer systems.


Primary Responsibilities.

Design and execute novel synthetic approaches to develop new materials with a particular focus on polymers macromolecules and functional binders.

Conduct process optimization formulation and scale-up studies to transition bench-scale polymer and material synthesis into pilot-scale or large-scale production.

Perform ongoing literature searches and patent reviews to maintain deep awareness of the latest industrial ingredients polymerization processes and material science techniques.

Develop alternate more efficient and environmentally sustainable methods for the synthesis and processing of existing materials.

Characterize polymers and synthetic materials utilizing state-of-the-art analytical physical and mechanical testing techniques (e.g. GPC/SEC DSC TGA FTIR NMR and rheology).

Translate research into actionable data by preparing technical reports standard operating procedures (SOPs) publications and presentations.

Formulate novel research ideas and actively contribute to technical proposals for future R&D initiatives.


Basic Qualifications.

BS/MS in Organic or Polymer Chemistry with 26 years of relevant experience in an industrial R&D or manufacturing environment.

Demonstrated experience in organic and/or polymer synthesis (e.g. free radical condensation ring-opening polymerization) or advanced materials development.

Hands-on experience with analytical and physical characterization methods for polymers and organic molecules including chromatographic (HPLC GPC) and spectroscopic (NMR FTIR) techniques.

Strong research mindset with a proven ability to design experiments troubleshoot synthetic pathways and document findings systematically.

Ability to collaborate effectively in a multidisciplinary team-based environment

US Citizenship required.

Preferred Qualifications.

M.S. or higher degree in Polymer or Organic Chemistry.

Experience in the defense sector or knowledge of energetic materials polymer-bonded explosives (PBXs) or specialized binders is a significant plus.

Familiarity with pilot-plant operations chemical safety protocols (HAZOP) or scale-up engineering principles

If youre looking for comfort keep scrolling. At Leidos we outthink outbuild and outpace the status quo because the mission demands it. Were not hiring followers. Were recruiting the ones who disrupt provoke and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. Were already at step 30 and moving faster than anyone else dares.

Original Posting:
September 21 2026

For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.

Pay Range:
Pay Range $59150.00 - $106925.00

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline onlyand not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job education experience knowledge skills and abilities as well as internal equity alignment with market data applicable bargaining agreement (if any) or other law.


Required Experience:

IC


About Company

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Leidos is an innovation company rapidly addressing the world's most vexing challenges in national security and health. Our 47,000 employees collaborate to create smarter technology solutions for customers in these critical markets.

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