[Skip to main content](#main-content) [OpenNash Jobs](https://jobs.opennash.com/) [Hiring report](/reports/hiring/) · [All Illinois Tool Works jobs](https://jobs.opennash.com/companies/illinois-tool-works/) · [Search jobs](/search/) Illinois Tool Works · El Dorado Hills, CA # Scientist El Dorado Hills, California, United States of America Full-time $91,080 - $136,620 annually Research & Science Listed on Illinois Tool Works’s official careers site. Posted September 10, 2026. Check that it is still open and apply there. [Apply on Illinois Tool Works’s careers site →](https://careers.itw.com/us/en/job/ITWITWUSJR9994EXTERNALENUS/Scientist) [OpenNash Jobs](https://jobs.opennash.com/) / [Illinois Tool Works](https://jobs.opennash.com/companies/illinois-tool-works/) / Scientist ## Job description ### Job Description Key Responsibilities: Lead and execute R&D projects focused on the development and characterization of polymeric foams, including structure-property-performance relationships. Design, synthesize, and optimize polymer formulations for electronic-grade materials with applications in semiconductor devices. Develop and scale up manufacturing processes for polymer materials, ensuring compatibility with semiconductor fabrication standards (e.g., cleanroom protocols, low outgassing). Collaborate cross-functionally with materials scientists, process engineers, and product development teams to translate research into scalable commercial solutions. Evaluate new raw materials, additives, and processing aids to enhance foam properties, thermal stability, dielectric performance, and mechanical strength. Use analytical tools (e.g., DSC, TGA, FTIR, SEM, rheometry) to assess polymer and foam behavior under various process and environmental conditions. Stay abreast of emerging trends and technologies in polymer science, semiconductor materials, and advanced manufacturing. Prepare technical reports, patents, and present findings to internal stakeholders and at external scientific forums. ### Qualifications Ph.D. in Polymer Science, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field. M.S. with extensive industrial experience will also be considered. 5+ years of experience in polymer foam development, semiconductor materials, or related process development roles. Experience in colloidal chemistry or electrochemistry is desirable Strong knowledge of polymer engineering principles, including foaming mechanisms (physical and chemical), polymer morphology, and rheology. Experience tuning foam structure–property relationships such as density, cell size, mechanical strength, and thermal behavior Hands-on experience with semiconductor-compatible polymer materials, including low-k dielectrics, photoresists, or encapsulants, is highly desirable. Proficiency in experimental design, data analysis, and process optimization (DOE, Six Sigma, etc.). Strong problem-solving skills, project management abilities, and an innovation-driven mindset. Experience with material characterization tools such as FTIR, DSC, TGA, rheology, SEC, and microscopy - Knowledge of Design of Experiments (DOE) and statistical process optimization methods Exposure to high-performance or industrial-scale manufacturing environments - Excellent written and verbal communication skills. ### Preferred Qualifications Experience with cleanroom operations and microfabrication processes. Experience with polymer foams, including systems such as polyurethane (PU), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), epoxy foams, or related cellular materials - Knowledge of foam processing technologies (e.g., foaming chemistry, gas generation systems, stabilization mechanisms, or microstructure control) Experience tuning foam structure–property relationships such as density, cell size, mechanical strength, and thermal behavior - Familiarity with coatings, adhesives, elastomers, or specialty polymer systems Experience with material characterization tools such as FTIR, DSC, TGA, rheology, SEC, and microscopy - Knowledge of Design of Experiments (DOE) and statistical process optimization methods Exposure to high-performance or industrial-scale manufacturing environments What We Offer: A dynamic and collaborative R&D environment. Opportunities for professional growth and leadership. Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits. Access to cutting-edge lab facilities and resources. ### Compensation Information $91,080 - $136,620 annually ITW is an equal opportunity employer. We value our colleagues’ unique perspectives, experiences and ideas and create workplaces where everyone can develop their careers and perform to their full potential. As an equal employment opportunity employer, ITW is committed to equal employment opportunity and fair treatment for employees, beginning with the hiring process and continuing through all aspects of the employment relationship. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected Veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. ## Responsibilities polymer foam development, semiconductor materials, polymer characterization, process optimization, design of experiments, material characterization, analytical tools, rheology, ftir, dsc, tga, sem, rheometry, electrochemistry, colloidal chemistry, low-k dielectrics, photoresists, encapsulants, six sigma, statistical process optimization, cleanroom protocols, low outgassing standards, problem solving, microfabrication processes, polyurethane foams, polyvinyl alcohol foams, epoxy foams, foam processing technologies, microscopy, Senior Scientist, Senior Research Scientist, Senior Staff Scientist, Principal Research Scientist, Research Scientist, Principal Scientist, Associate Scientist, Research Associate - Biology II, Research Scientist & Data Analyst, Imaging Scientist ## At a glance - Posted by the employer: Sep 10, 2026 - First seen by OpenNash: Oct 11, 2026 - Last checked: Oct 18, 2026 - Listed for: 38 days - Location: El Dorado Hills, California, United States of America - Employment type: Full-time - Pay: $91,080 - $136,620 annually[Apply on Illinois Tool Works’s careers site →](https://careers.itw.com/us/en/job/ITWITWUSJR9994EXTERNALENUS/Scientist) ## More jobs at Illinois Tool Works ### [Manufacturing Operator 1 (Weekend Day)](https://jobs.opennash.com/companies/illinois-tool-works/jobs/7c409e8d1a95799e504a/) El Dorado Hills, California, United States of America ### [Analytical Chemist](https://jobs.opennash.com/companies/illinois-tool-works/jobs/154e6ba7bf5b254d75ab/) Burlington, Massachusetts, United States of America ### [Chemist](https://jobs.opennash.com/companies/illinois-tool-works/jobs/9c4d51883109a15470fc/) Danvers, Massachusetts, United States of America ### [Chemist](https://jobs.opennash.com/companies/illinois-tool-works/jobs/886b585c44eab7a84525/) Houston, Texas, United States of America ### [Global R&D Manager - Wipers](https://jobs.opennash.com/companies/illinois-tool-works/jobs/b2f6c9c73c531524df20/) Kernersville, North Carolina, United States of America ## Similar jobs at other companies ### [Scientist III, Data Scientist, Bioprocess Digital Twin](https://jobs.opennash.com/companies/thermo-fisher-scientific/jobs/75eda90db7dc37e1f8e3/) Thermo Fisher Scientific · Grand Island, New York, United States of America ### [Principal Scientist - Clinical and Scientist Affairs](https://jobs.opennash.com/companies/estee-lauder/jobs/43565c1b8fd39effa929/) The Estée Lauder Companies · Melville, NY, US, United States ### [Fermentation Scientist](https://jobs.opennash.com/companies/cargill/jobs/15aa6e6161e0f11a6004/) Cargill · Plymouth, Minnesota ### [Food Scientist](https://jobs.opennash.com/companies/cargill/jobs/9bc21217428a766ce73f/) Cargill · Wichita, Kansas ### [Senior Applied Scientist](https://jobs.opennash.com/companies/oracle/jobs/f8ed9ff14b05042cc65f/) Oracle · United States OpenNash lists jobs from employers’ own careers sites and does not handle applications. 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