Research Chemist and Polymer Materials Scientist

Do you enjoy being hands-on in research?

Are you interested in working with new thermoplastics and polymer systems?

Join our Baker Hughes Completions & Well Intervention Organization and Partner with the Best!

Baker Hughes Incorporated has an opening for a Research Chemist and Polymer Materials Scientist in Houston, Texas. As a leader in the oilfield services industry, Baker Hughes offers opportunities for qualified people who want to grow in our high-performance organization. Our leading technologies and our ability to apply them safely and effectively create value for our customers and our shareholders. Baker Hughes is an Equal Employment Affirmative Action Employer. 

About this job

We are seeking a hands-on Research Chemist and Polymer Materials Scientist to develop advanced polymer materials for demanding energy applications. This role focuses on the development, processing, testing, and qualification of high-performance thermoplastics, polyurethanes, foams, and other engineered polymer systems.

The successful candidate will work directly in the laboratory to formulate materials, build and process samples, design experiments, develop test methods, investigate failures, and translate material concepts into practical product solutions. This position is ideal for someone who enjoys solving open-ended R&D challenges and is motivated by creating new materials rather than simply characterizing existing ones.

Fuel Your Passion!

As a Research Chemist and Polymer Materials Scientist, you will:

• Lead the development of new polymer materials, formulations, and processing methods for challenging engineering applications.
• Develop and optimize thermoplastic and thermoset materials, with emphasis on PEEK, PPS, polyurethanes, foams, porous materials, and related polymer systems.
• Design, execute, and analyze laboratory experiments to understand material performance and guide formulation improvements.
• Personally prepare, process, and test experimental materials and prototype samples.
• Develop creative approaches for making and evaluating materials when established methods, fixtures, or equipment do not exist.
• Perform material characterization and property evaluation using appropriate analytical, thermal, mechanical, and chemical testing techniques.
• Support material compatibility studies, accelerated aging programs, and qualification testing for demanding operating environments.
• Conduct material failure analysis and root-cause investigations to identify degradation mechanisms and recommend corrective actions.
• Partner with product development, manufacturing, and engineering teams to transition materials from concept through qualification and implementation.
• Document and communicate technical findings, recommendations, and development plans.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Chemistry, Polymer Science, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of three years of experience in similar field.
• Strong background in polymer chemistry, materials science, and structure-property relationships.
• Demonstrated experience developing, formulating, or testing polymeric materials.
• Hands-on laboratory experience with material preparation, processing, and experimental testing.
• Ability to independently design experiments, interpret data, and solve complex technical problems.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree in Chemistry, Polymer Science, Materials Science, or Chemical Engineering.
• Deep expertise in high-performance thermoplastics and/or polyurethane chemistry.
• Experience with PEEK, PPS, polyurethane elastomers, polymer foams, porous materials, or powder-based processing methods.
• Experience with compaction, sintering, curing, foaming, or related material-processing technologies.
• Experience with compatibility testing, reliability assessment, accelerated aging, and failure analysis.
• Experience supporting products used in high-temperature, high-pressure, or chemically aggressive environments.

Work in a way that works for you

We recognize that everyone is different and that the way in which people want to work and deliver at their best is different for everyone.

Working with us

Our people are at the heart of what we do at Baker Hughes. We know we are better when all of our people are developed, engaged and able to bring their whole authentic selves to work. We invest in the health and well-being of our workforce, train and reward talent and develop leaders at all levels to bring out the best in each other.

Working for you

Our inventions have revolutionized energy for over a century. But to keep going forward tomorrow, we know we have to push the boundaries today. We prioritize rewarding those who embrace change with a package that reflects how much we value their input.

Join us, and you can expect:

• Contemporary work-life balance policies and wellbeing activities
• Comprehensive private medical care options
• Safety net of life insurance and disability programs
• Tailored financial programs
• Additional elected or voluntary benefits

You will be eligible to participate in Company-sponsored benefit programs, including health & welfare programs and the Thrift Plan (401k). You will have a choice of coverage options that best suit your needs. Coverage options and contribution amounts are related to your benefit elections, base salary level, and specific requirements of each of these plans.

This position is eligible for our comprehensive and competitive benefits package, which can be found here, and is further eligible for additional forms of compensation such as bonuses subject to the terms of the applicable benefit plans or policies.

This position requires valid work authorization in the country of employment. The employer is unable to sponsor work authorization for this role at any time.

You will be eligible to participate in Company-sponsored benefit programs, including health & welfare programs and the Thrift Plan (401k). You will have a choice of coverage options that best suit your needs. Coverage options and contribution amounts are related to your benefit elections, base salary level, and specific requirements of each of these plans.

This position is eligible for our comprehensive and competitive benefits package, which can be found here, and is further eligible for additional forms of compensation such as bonuses subject to the terms of the applicable benefit plans or policies.