Polymer Research Scientist

Location:
Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra Department: Research & Development / Polymer Materials Employment Type: Full-time About Manastu Space Manastu Space is a Space Safety and Logistics company focused on making space safe, sustainable, and accessible. We develop technologies to address critical challenges such as space debris mitigation and green propulsion, enabling safer satellite operations and long-term sustainability of the space ecosystem. Our work sits at the intersection of advanced engineering, applied research, and mission-critical systems, requiring deep technical capability and long-term thinking. Website: https://www.manastuspace.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/manastu-space/ Email: [email protected] Role Objective Lead scientific research and development to address fundamental challenges in developing and producing polymer and polymer-coated components that ensure safe, reliable, and long-duration storage of hydrogen peroxide-based propellants. The role focuses on understanding and controlling polymer material characteristics at the molecular and structure-property levels to improve shelf life and, consequently, the mission life of hydrogen peroxide-based propulsion systems. You will investigate degradation mechanisms, kinetics, and propellant-material interactions involving polymer seals and coated components, translating scientific insights into stabilisation strategies, compatibility limits, and predictive models for flight-qualified propulsion hardware. Role Overview We are looking for a Polymer Research Scientist to join our growing aerospace organisation in Navi Mumbai, with strong expertise in high-performance engineering polymers, particularly fluoropolymers and polymer coating applications on metal substrates. This role focuses on understanding and controlling the molecular, kinetic, and material-level behaviour of specialty polymers such as fluoropolymers when continuously exposed to hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂)-based propulsion systems under real engineering constraints. You will work at the intersection of chemistry, materials science, and propulsion hardware, contributing to the development of stable, reliable, and flight-ready peroxide-based propulsion systems.





Key Responsibilities
• Define and drive the overall R&D; strategy for polymer materials and coating systems, ensuring alignment with propulsion system requirements and long-term mission objectives.
• Identify key technical risks and lead the development of scalable, high-performance polymers through structured research, cross-functional collaboration, and data-driven decision-making.
• Drive improvements in polymer component quality across the value chain, from raw materials and formulations to processing and final products.
• Establish predictive models for polymer lifetime determination and compatibility with highly oxidising propellant storage systems, linking material interactions to system-level outcomes such as pressure rise and propellant concentration loss.
• Conduct root cause analysis of failures associated with polymer components across different material interfaces and operating conditions, and implement corrective actions.
• Identify, evaluate, and establish novel polymer materials suitable for long-term propellant storage, ensuring compatibility with highly oxidising environments and resistance to degradation.
• Lead the development and implementation of polymer coating strategies for long-term storage of highly oxidising propellants through a molecular-level understanding of polymer-propellant interactions.
• Design and execute experimental programmes to qualify polymeric components under mission-relevant conditions, including propellant exposure, pressure, temperature, material interfaces, and trace contamination levels.
• Enhance the shelf life of polymer components, including coated parts and sealing components, through improvements in raw material formulations and propellant compatibility.




• Collaborate with cross-functional engineering and technical teams to identify challenges and develop effective solutions.
• Document experimental findings and prepare high-quality technical reports and presentations for internal and external stakeholders.
• Lead and mentor junior researchers, providing technical guidance and fostering a collaborative, high-performance team culture.
• Ensure compliance with industry standards and regulations, particularly in aerospace applications. Experience & Background
• PhD in Polymer Science, Polymer Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field, specialising in polymer degradation, high-performance coatings, fluoropolymers, or chemical-resistant materials, with 2–3 years of relevant work experience.
• Proven experience managing complex R&D; projects, with demonstrated problem-solving capabilities in polymer formulation, processing, and testing for high-end applications.
• Ability to work in a timeline-driven, result-oriented, and quick-paced environment.
• Strong background in polymer characterisation techniques such as SEM-EDX, ATR-FTIR, NMR, and other spectroscopic methods.
• Experience in elastomer formulation and modification for critical applications. Ideal Candidate Profile
• Strong theoretical and practical understanding of polymer fundamentals, structure-property relationships, and processing methods.
• Expertise in fluoroelastomers and fluoroplastics, particularly in sealing applications.
• In-depth experience in polymer coatings on metal surfaces for chemical storage, with hands-on knowledge of coating processes.
• Extensive knowledge of establishing polymer shelf life in contact with fuels and related testing methodologies.
• Ability to conduct in-depth literature surveys, develop processes and methods, and establish SOPs.
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot complex technical problems and deliver innovative solutions in polymer science and engineering.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to explain technical challenges and solutions to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

📌 Polymer Research Scientist (Navi Mumbai)
🏢 Manastu Space
📍 Navi Mumbai