Polymer Product Development Expert

About Baytown

With a population of more than 77,000, Baytown, Texas, is located in the Gulf Coast region of the United States, just east of Houston, the nation's fourth largest city. Those who live and work in Baytown will find an area rich in history, as well as opportunities for outdoor activities due to its proximity to scenic waterways, namely Galveston Bay, the San Jacinto River and Buffalo Bayou.

Founded in 1919, Exxon Mobil's Baytown Complex is located on approximately 3,400 acres along the Houston Ship Channel, about 25 miles east of Houston. Employing a workforce of more than 8,500, it is comprised of four manufacturing sites, including one in nearby Mont Belvieu, and a global technology center. These include the Baytown Refinery, one of the largest refineries in the United States, and the Baytown Olefins Plant, one of the largest ethylene plants in the world.

Its scope of products includes fuels, lube oils, and chemical compounds used in a diverse range of products, from auto battery cases, diapers and tire inner tubes to pharmaceutical uses, food packaging, trash bags and more.

The Baytown area sites are highly integrated, which makes the plants and products more efficient as we develop technologies to make cleaner fuels and work together to operate more safely and reliably.

Learn more about what we do in Baytown here.

You will contribute to the growth of our polyolefin elastomer and polypropylene businesses as an experienced polymer product development professional. In this role, you will lead the development of new polyolefin products for global deployment, supporting ongoing market development activities.

This role will require independent problem‑solving skills, close collaboration with other functions (marketing, manufacturing, and sales), and regular interaction with other market‑facing teams within Product Technology. A primary responsibility will be to serve as an integrated project team lead progressing new product developments through our staged‑gate process.

This position is based in‑person at the Baytown Technology and Engineering Complex in Baytown, TX. This role includes approximately 10‑20% travel, which may occasionally occur on short notice.

• Lead integrated product development project teams to develop new polyolefin elastomer and polypropylene products using a staged‑gate process
• Work closely with other key functions such as manufacturing, sales, and marketing
• Communicate and share new grades opportunities with the Polypropylene, Vistamaxx
  
  TM, and Exact
  
  TM Business
• Support intellectual property (IP) strategy and contribute to IP‑related activities
• Represent Exxon Mobil in interactions with key external partners, academic collaborators, and industry forums
• Provide technical leadership and ensure quality assurance for research and application deliverables
• Leverage depth and/or breadth of experience to identify cross‑functional business opportunities
• Participate in internal networks to share expertise and strengthen organizational competency
• Mentor and support development of early‑career colleagues

Skills and Qualifications

• PhD in Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science, Materials Science & Engineering, Chemistry, or a related field
• Strong expertise in polymer structure‑property relationships, polymer synthesis, polymer additive chemistry, and polymer physical property testing/method development
• Solid understanding of polymer characterization techniques
• Experience with common polyolefin conversion techniques such as injection molding, fiber spinning, blown/cast film, extrusion, and compounding (preferred)
• Demonstrated proficiency in statistics, analytical problem‑solving, and hands‑on laboratory experimentation
• Highly organized, computer‑proficient, and effective in both written and verbal communication
• Strong interpersonal skills; self‑motivated and collaborative team player
• Familiarity with polyolefin elastomer and polypropylene manufacturing processes is a plus

Preferred Qualifications /

Experience:

• Excellent communication skills, problem‑solving skills, and adaptability
• Strong project management and organization skills with the…