Polymer Reaction Engineer

Company: International Flavors and Fragrances
Location: Wilmington
Posted on: June 1, 2025

Job Description:

Job SummaryThe Polymer Reaction Engineer position at IFF's Nutrition & Biosciences Process R&D in Wilmington, Delaware, is an excellent opportunity for an engineering professional with a background in polymer engineering and specialized chemical reactions. This role is part of IFF's innovative Designed Enzymatic Biomaterials (DEB) technology, which uses advanced biotechnology to create unique, structurally diverse polysaccharides for various applications and products in home care, personal care, fabric care, and industrial markets.

The selected candidate will contribute to the development of new capabilities in reaction engineering and process development of functionalized polymers, fostering innovation and supporting team excellence. From the excitement of initial discovery to the detailed work involved in scaling up processes, from assisting with pilot production to the critical phase of transferring technology to manufacturing plants, this position offers a challenging and rewarding career path for a dedicated and knowledgeable engineer. It promises professional growth opportunities, continuous learning, and the chance to make a significant impact in the field of biotechnology.Job Responsibilities:

• Conduct experiments and advance projects by designing, developing, and optimizing polymer derivatization processes as an individual contributor.
• Perform experimental research and implement scale-up and scale-down methodologies, exploring innovative technical concepts to generate new derivatized polymers for various applications.
• Execute scale-up and pilot-scale campaigns for polymer derivatization processes, including the design and analysis of experiments, to produce representative materials for regulatory and commercialization purposes.
• Evaluate the technical and economic feasibility of polymer derivatives and chemistries, focusing on engineering design, development, and process optimization to promote value-added outcomes.
• Solve complex engineering problems by conducting in-depth evaluations of various factors to identify root causes and provide technical guidance and expertise in troubleshooting polymer derivatization process issues.
• Handle hazardous chemicals with care, conduct thorough hazard analyses, and ensure process safety and accurate documentation.
• Collaborate with functional group leaders and team members to efficiently execute project objectives, document experiments, deliver technical presentations, and generate progress, technical, legal, and regulatory reports.
• Enhance professional expertise through scientific literature and network contacts, and identify shortcomings in existing research procedures and systems, proposing solutions to address them.Job Required & Preferred Skills:We value hands-on experience and academic achievement in equal measures and are excited to welcome a new member who shares our passion for excellence and innovation in the field.Required Skills:
  • Knowledgeable in polymer engineering, including the chemistry, scale-up, and reaction engineering of polymer reactions, with a balanced understanding of both chemistry and material aspects.
  • Familiar with heat transfer calculations, reaction kinetics, mass transfer, thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, polymer characterization, and statistical analysis, enabling effective design and optimization of polymer reactions.
  • Good understanding of organic chemistry, polymer chemistry, reaction mechanisms, chemical transformations, solvent handling, process optimization techniques, and process safety.
  • Experience in the safe handling and management of hazardous chemicals, ensuring compliance with safety regulations and protocols.
  • Communication: Excellent written and verbal skills for technical reporting and collaboration.
  • Teamwork: Works effectively within interdisciplinary teams, contributing to complex projects.
  • Some travel may be required ( 20%).
  • The position is a lab role, which requires on-site 5x a week in Wilmington, DE.Preferred Skills:
    • Experience in scaling up polymer-based organic reactions to various levels, including benchtop and pilot scales.
    • Familiar in handling pressurized and exothermic reactions from a chemical engineering perspective
    • Experience in a research and development (R&D) environment.
    • Proficient in applying design of experiments (DOE) and conducting statistical analysis.
    • Knowledge in analytical chemistry and familiarity with analytical tools.
    • Programming or automation & process control experience is a plus.Education: (one of the three required)
      • Ph.D. degree in relevant Engineering disciplines.
      • Master's degree in relevant Engineering disciplines & 3+ years industry experience.
      • Bachelor's degree in relevant Engineering disciplines & 6+ years industry experience.We are a global leader in taste, scent, and nutrition, offering our customers a broader range of natural solutions and accelerating our growth strategy. At IFF, we believe that your uniqueness unleashes our potential. We value the diverse mosaic of the ethnicity, national origin, race, age, sex, or veteran status. We strive for an inclusive workplace that allows each of our colleagues to bring their authentic self to work regardless of their religion, gender identity & expression, sexual orientation, or disability.Visit to learn more

Keywords: International Flavors and Fragrances, Vineland , Polymer Reaction Engineer, Engineering , Wilmington, New Jersey