About the Role

We are looking for a Chemical & Process R&D; Engineer with solid knowledge of Polyurethane (PU) / Memory Foam chemistry to manage raw-material development, chemical formulation, supplier development, quality consistency and process optimization for our memory foam pillow manufacturing facility. The candidate will be responsible for ensuring that the Polyol, Isocyanate and Cooling Gel chemicals used in production consistently meet the required specifications and produce memory foam pillows with uniform quality, density, hardness, resilience, comfort and cooling performance. The role will involve close coordination with production, quality, machinery/automation teams and chemical suppliers, as well as conducting R&D; and trials for new raw materials and alternative suppliers.

Key Responsibilities

1. Raw Material Development & Sourcing Identify, evaluate and develop reliable suppliers for Polyol, Isocyanate, cooling gel and other chemical/raw materials required for memory foam pillow production. Continuously explore new domestic and international suppliers to improve quality, cost, consistency and supply security. Evaluate technical specifications, TDS, SDS/MSDS, COA and other technical documents provided by suppliers. Conduct technical evaluation of new chemicals before introducing them into production. Develop alternative sources for critical raw materials to avoid dependence on a single supplier.

2. Polyol & Isocyanate Formulation / Ratio Control

Understand the chemistry and processing requirements of Polyol and Isocyanate systems used for memory foam production. Determine and maintain the appropriate PolyolIsocyanate mixing ratio based on the required product specifications. Conduct laboratory and production trials to optimize chemical ratios and process parameters. Monitor the impact of chemical ratios on: Foam density, Hardness, Resilience, Compression Characteristics, Cell structure, Expansion, Curing, Surface quality, Dimensional stability, Overall comfort and performance

3. Cooling Gel Chemical R&D;

Evaluate and develop suitable cooling gel chemicals/materials used as a cooling layer or coating in memory foam pillows. Conduct trials with new cooling gel formulations and suppliers. Evaluate cooling performance, adhesion, appearance, flexibility, durability and compatibility with the memory foam surface. Compare different cooling gel materials and recommend the most suitable formulation based on performance and cost. Work on improving the cooling effect and durability of the finished pillow.

4. Research & Development





Conduct R&D; for new chemical formulations, raw materials and suppliers. Develop new grades/specifications of memory foam for different customer and product requirements. Conduct controlled trials for new raw materials before production approval. Record trial parameters, observations and test results systematically. Analyze production trial results and recommend improvements. Develop improved formulations for different products such as sleeping pillows, bolster pillows, wedge pillows, neck pillows and seat cushions. Work on reducing raw-material consumption and production wastage without compromising product quality.

5. Raw Material Quality Control

Establish specifications and acceptance criteria for Polyol, Isocyanate, cooling gel and other critical chemicals. Check incoming raw materials against approved specifications and supplier COAs. Coordinate with the Quality team for sampling and testing. Investigate variations between different batches or suppliers. Monitor important chemical parameters such as viscosity, density, moisture content, reactivity and other relevant parameters depending on the material. Maintain raw-material test records and supplier performance records. Recommend rejection, approval or conditional approval of raw materials based on technical evaluation.

6. Production Process Support

Work closely with the production team to ensure consistent foam quality during manufacturing. Troubleshoot issues such as: Variation in density, Hardness variation, Improper expansion, Poor cell structure, Shrinkage, Surface defects, Incomplete curing, Chemical imbalance, Inconsistent product weight, Batch-to-batch variation Identify whether quality issues are caused by raw materials, formulation, machine parameters, mold conditions, temperature, mixing or processing conditions. Assist in establishing optimum process parameters for different pillow sizes and mold configurations. Coordinate with machinery/automation personnel regarding chemical dispensing, mixing, timing and process parameters.

7. Supplier Technical Evaluation

Conduct technical audits/evaluations of potential chemical suppliers.



Obtain samples from new suppliers and conduct comparative trials against existing approved materials. Prepare supplier comparison reports covering quality, performance, consistency, technical specifications, price and supply reliability. Monitor the performance of approved suppliers on an ongoing basis. Work with suppliers to resolve technical and quality issues. Negotiate technically on formulation, specifications and material requirements with suppliers.

8. Documentation & Quality Systems

Prepare and maintain: Raw Material Specifications Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) Standard Formulations Trial Reports Raw Material Approval Reports Supplier Evaluation Reports Chemical Test Reports Batch Records Process Parameter Sheets Corrective and Preventive Action (CAPA) records Maintain proper documentation of all R&D; trials and formulation changes. Ensure that any change in raw material or formulation is properly tested and approved before regular production.

9. Continuous Improvement

Continuously identify opportunities to: Improve product quality Reduce chemical consumption Reduce production wastage Improve production yield Reduce raw-material cost Improve cooling performance Improve pillow comfort and durability Develop new products Benchmark available raw materials and technologies in the PU/memory foam industry. Keep updated with developments in polyurethane chemistry, memory foam technology, additives, cooling technologies and foam processing.

Required Qualifications

B.E./B.Tech/M.Tech/M.Sc. in Chemical Engineering, Polymer Engineering, Polymer Science, Chemistry, Materials Science or related field. 25 years of relevant experience preferred. Strong practical knowledge of Polyurethane / PU Foam / Memory Foam chemistry. Good understanding of Polyol and Isocyanate systems, chemical ratios and foam formulation. Experience in chemical R&D;, raw-material evaluation and production troubleshooting. Ability to independently conduct trials, analyze results and implement improvements.

Preferred Experience

Candidates with experience in PU foam, flexible foam, memory foam, mattress/pillow manufacturing, polymer manufacturing, chemical formulation or foam-related R&D; will be given preference. Experience in cooling gel, foam additives, catalysts or other specialty chemicals will be an added advantage.

Key Skills

Polyurethane Chemistry | PU Foam | Memory Foam | Polyol | Isocyanate | Chemical Formulation | R&D; | Raw Material Development | Supplier Development | Chemical Testing | Quality Control | Process Optimization | Production Troubleshooting | Product Development

📌 Chemical Process Engineer (Vellore)
🏢 PREM TEXTILES
📍 Vellore