Research and Development Chemist

Job Description

Innovate. Formulate. Solve real-world challenges. Epic Resins, a leader in specialty epoxy and urethane thermoset polymer systems since 1958, is seeking a driven and innovative R&D Chemist to join our team in Palmyra, WI. This role offers the opportunity to work hands-on with advanced analytical, physical, and electrical testing equipment while developing custom polymer solutions for a wide range of industries.

If you enjoy problem-solving, working with cutting-edge instrumentation, and bringing new materials from concept to application, this is an exciting opportunity to grow your career.

What You’ll Do:

• Develop and optimize epoxy and urethane thermoset polymer formulations for diverse industrial applications
• Design and execute experiments to evaluate chemical, physical, and electrical properties
• Analyze material performance using advanced laboratory instrumentation
• Support product development from concept through prototyping and small-scale production
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including production, sales, and customers
• Interpret test data and generate clear technical reports and recommendations
• Troubleshoot formulation challenges and improve existing product lines
• Maintain accurate lab documentation in compliance with ISO standards and best practices 

Equipment & Technologies You’ll Work With:

You’ll have access to a full-service R&D lab equipped with industry-leading tools, including:

• Thermal & Material Analysis: DSC, TMA, TGA thermal conductivity analyzers
• Mechanical Testing: Instron universal tester, impact testing, hardness testing
• Rheology & Viscosity: Rheometers and Brookfield viscometers
• Electrical Testing: Impedance analyzers, dielectric testing systems, high resistance meters
• Analytical Chemistry: FTIR microscopy, NMR, MALDI mass spectrometry, Karl Fischer titration
• Environmental Testing: Temperature and humidity cycling chambers
• Processing & Prototyping: Meter-mix dispense systems, acoustic mixers, vacuum systems, 3D printing

This role provides exposure to both fundamental chemistry and real-world application testing, making it ideal for someone who enjoys both lab work and applied product development.

What We're Looking For:

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Hands-on experience with polymers, coatings, adhesives, or related chemistry is preferred
• Ability to design experiments and interpret complex data sets
• Detail-oriented with strong documentation skills
• Effective communication and teamwork abilities
omfortable working in both laboratory and pilot-scale manufacturing environments

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Polymer Science, Chemical Engineering, or related field (required)
• 2+ years of R&D or laboratory experience preferred (entry-level candidates with strong internships encouraged to apply)
• Experience with epoxy or urethane systems is a plus

Schedule:

• Full-time, Monday–Friday
• Day shift

Compensation & Benefits:

• Competitive salary, based on experience 
• 401k Matching (25% up to 15% of wages) - After 90 days from hire
• Medical (Epic Resins pays up to $1,500 of deductibles), Dental, Vision, School Tuition
• Monthly fuel reimbursement of $150
• Paid time off: starting after the first year worked, 10 days
• Referral program
• Performance-based bonus

Why Join Epic Resins?

• Work with advanced analytical and testing equipment that is rarely found in one lab
• Be part of a company with decades of innovation in polymer chemistry
• See your work move from concept to real-world application
• Collaborative, hands-on environment with meaningful technical challenges