Chief Material Scientist - Pre-IPO PEEK Material Enterprise

Shanghai Permanent RMB1,000,000 - RMB1,500,000 per year View Job Description
Our client is seeking a visionary Chief Material Scientist to spearhead R&D innovation and industrialization for our cutting-edge PEEK (poly-ether-ether-ketone) materials. This role demands a strategic thinking with deep technical expertise, a track record of driving breakthroughs in advanced materials, and the ability to bridge academic research with industrial applications.
  • Advanced technology IP owner
  • Fast growing business especially in China Market

About Our Client

Our client is a Pre-IPO company which is fast growing their business in Global PEEK Market. They have strong technology IP and they are hiring a Chief scientist to further guide cross-functional teams to solve complex technical challenges, identify emerging trends in high-growth sectors (e.g., robotics, aerospace, medical devices), and represent the company in global material science forums.

Job Description

  1. Strategic R&D Leadership
    • Lead long-term R&D roadmaps aligned with global material trends, focusing on PEEK-based composites and functionalized materials for high-performance applications.
    • Drive innovation to overcome industrialization bottlenecks (e.g., processing scalability, cost optimization, performance consistency).
    • Collaborate with academic institutions and industry partners to co-develop next-gen materials.
  2. Team & Project Management
    • Mentor and manage a team of material scientists/engineers, fostering a culture of creativity and data-driven decision-making.
    • Oversee end-to-end project execution, from lab-scale prototyping to pilot production and customer validation.
  3. Client & Market Engagement
    • Act as the primary technical liaison for key clients, including robotics, automotive, and medical device manufacturers, to translate their needs into material solutions.
    • Present technical insights at international conferences and industry summits, enhancing the company's reputation as a PEEK material pioneer.
  4. Technical Problem-Solving
    • Tackle critical challenges in material processing, surface modification, and performance enhancement under extreme conditions (e.g., high temperature, corrosion resistance).
    • Develop IP strategies and patent portfolios to protect proprietary technologies.

The Successful Applicant

  • Education: Ph.D. in Materials Science, Polymer Chemistry, or a related field
  • Experience: 15+ years in R&D/industrialization of high-performance polymers, with a focus on PEEK or similar engineering plastics. Proven success in scaling lab technologies to mass production.
  • Technical Expertise:
    • Deep knowledge of polymer synthesis, characterization, and processing techniques (e.g., injection molding, 3D printing).
    • Familiarity with regulatory standards (e.g., ISO, FDA) for medical/aerospace applications.
  • Leadership & Soft Skills:
    • Strategic thinker with the ability to anticipate industry shifts (e.g., lightweighting, sustainability trends).
    • Exceptional communication skills to articulate complex technical concepts to non-experts.
    • Cross-cultural agility for collaborating with global clients and partners.
  • Preferred:
    • Experience in robotics or additive manufacturing material development.
    • Fluency in English and Mandarin for international client interactions.

What's on Offer

  • Impact: Shape the future of PEEK materials in high-growth industries like robotics and electric vehicles.
  • Innovation: Access to state-of-the-art R&D facilities and partnerships with tier 1 universities.
  • Growth: Competitive compensation, equity options, and opportunities for global leadership roles.
Contact
Sheva Fang
Quote job ref
JN-072025-6797023
Phone number
+86 21 6035 3507

Job summary

Function
Engineering & Manufacturing
Specialisation
Engineering Design, R&D and NPI
What is your area of specialisation?
Industrial / Manufacturing
Location
Shanghai
Contract type
Permanent
Consultant name
Sheva Fang
Consultant phone
+86 21 6035 3507
Job Reference
JN-072025-6797023

Diversity & Inclusion at Michael Page

We don't just accept difference - we celebrate it. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply for this role and are committed to building inclusive, diverse workplaces where everyone can thrive. If you require any support or reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know.