Polymer Scientist

Job Description

At Nel, you will work at the forefront of hydrogen innovation - helping solve complex materials science challenges that directly impact electrolyzer performance, durability, and cost. In this role, you will combine deep technical expertise with hands-on experimentation, contributing to the next generation of polymer and membrane technologies.

You will collaborate across R&D, engineering, and external research partners, playing a key role in translating scientific insight into practical solutions. This is an opportunity to make a tangible impact on the green energy transition while working in a highly skilled, collaborative team environment.

Your role

As a Polymer / Membrane Scientist, you will serve as a subject matter expert in ion exchange materials within R&D programs. You will contribute expertise in measurement methods and degradation mechanisms while acting as a key liaison between Nel and external researchers and suppliers.

What You Will do

• Work closely with Materials Scientists and Chemical Engineers to develop advanced electrodes that drive electrolyzer cost reduction and efficiency improvements
• Characterize polymer materials using methods such as:
  • Acid/base titration
  • Water uptake and swelling analysis
  • Conductivity measurements
  • Mechanical property testing
• Collaborate with external partners including national labs, universities, and component suppliers to develop and characterize materials and components
• Apply engineering fundamentals to solve practical problems and develop robust component specifications aligned with product requirements
• Communicate progress, risks, and results clearly to technical teams, project management, and senior leadership
• Stay current with industry trends in membrane and ionomer technologies
• Use data analysis to identify improvement opportunities and recommend next steps
• Contribute to special projects as required

What We Are Looking For

We're looking for a technically strong and curious scientist who is both hands-on and collaborative, with a passion for solving complex materials challenges. You bring a structured and analytical approach, a high level of ownership, and strong attention to detail. You're comfortable working independently while also collaborating across disciplines, and you communicate clearly with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

• MS or PhD in Chemistry with a focus on polymeric materials, or equivalent
• 0-7 years of relevant experience (depending on degree level)
• Strong understanding of material and mechanical properties of coatings, polymer membranes, and backing polymers
• Experience with verification and characterization methods such as microscopy, SEM, XPS, etc.
• Excellent analytical and experimental skills
• Ability to work independently, design experiments, interpret results, and identify next steps
• Proven problem-solving ability in addressing technical challenges
• Experience working in multidisciplinary environments with strong interpersonal and professional judgment skills
• Strong organizational skills, including documentation, record keeping, and follow-through

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.

What We Can Offer

• An opportunity to work in a company in strong growth and a leading position in the market.
• A visible role with many exciting interfaces, internally and externally
• The opportunity to work in a global company that contributes to the green transition.
• A dynamic and highly professional working environment consisting of competent and committed colleagues.

Nel Hydrogen provides comprehensive health and insurance benefits for its employees as well as a short-term incentive program. The Company offers competitive paid vacation time, sick leave, and holidays.

If you are driven by personal initiative combined with loyalty and commitment to your team and the ability to convert complex issues into simple solutions, then we want to talk to you. Join a company that is on the cutting edge of new energy innovations, with an energized, progressive culture.

The Company has a published Code of Conduct that all employees are expected to follow.

Visas

• Nel will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the United States. This is not a position for which sponsorship will be provided.
• Individuals with temporary visas such as E, F-1, H-1, H-2, L, B, J, or TN or who need sponsorship for work authorization now or in the future, are not eligible for hire.

We are an equal opportunity employer-M/F/Disabled/Veteran and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. All employment is decided based on qualifications, merit, and business need. Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws: FederalEnglish.pdf)

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, so don't wait to apply! If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us at [email protected].