Job Description
Principal Scientist, Global Refrigerant Program Leader
Thermal Management & Sustainable Refrigerants
Make an Impact on the Future of Sustainable Cooling
Arkema is seeking a Global Refrigerant Program Leader to drive the development and global adoption of next‑generation, sustainable refrigerants. In this highly visible leadership role, you will shape technology strategy, influence global standards, and collaborate with customers and partners to accelerate innovation in thermal management.
This position offers a unique opportunity to combine deep technical expertise with global leadership, impacting product development, customer solutions, and Arkema’s external reputation in the refrigerants industry.
Reporting & Organizational Context
- Reports directly to the Global R&D Director, Fluorochemicals (France)
- Functional reporting line to the R&D Director, Downstream / Applications (King of Prussia, PA)
- Part of the U.S. subsidiary of a large, multinational chemical company with a strong commitment to safety and sustainability
Your Role at a Glance
As the Global Refrigerant Program Leader, you will:
- Lead the thermal management technology platform on a global scale
- Drive the development and commercialization of sustainable refrigerant solutions
- Serve as Arkema’s technical voice with customers, partners, and industry organizations
- Spend approximately one‑third of your time in external-facing leadership, representing Arkema in trade associations and conferences
Key Responsibilities
Technology & Strategy Leadership
- Define and execute Arkema’s global technical strategy for refrigerants, aligned with sustainability and growth objectives
- Develop and implement technology, product, and project roadmaps in partnership with Business Development and Marketing
- Coordinate global R&D activities across regions to ensure alignment, execution excellence, and speed to market
Innovation & Intellectual Property
- Initiate, protect, and defend new and existing intellectual property, working closely with the legal team
- Drive innovation through both internal research and external collaborations
Customer & Industry Engagement
- Act as the primary technical interface with key OEM customers, co‑suppliers, and partners
- Demonstrate the value of Arkema refrigerants within customer operations and applications
- Represent Arkema in key industry committees, trade associations, and national/international technical conferences
Cross‑Functional Collaboration
- Lead the thermal management platform in close coordination with the Business Manager
- Partner with Marketing to identify new project opportunities and align global resources accordingly
Safety & Operational Excellence
- Champion Arkema’s strong safety culture, ensuring safe practices across all technical and operational activities
Required Qualifications
- Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical field with 10–15 years of industrial experience in refrigeration and fluid chemistry
or a Master’s degree with equivalent industrial experience
- Proven experience in thermal management, HVACR, or related industries
- Strong knowledge of thermodynamics and modern computational engineering tools such as ASPEN, REFPROP, or equivalent
- Experience working in a global, matrixed organization is strongly preferred
What Sets You Apart
Technical & Business Impact
- Demonstrated track record of new product commercialization, driven through close customer interaction
- Successful leadership of complex, cross‑functional projects from concept to market
Communication & Influence
- Excellent written and oral communication skills, including technical presentations and conference speaking
- Strong interpersonal skills with a collaborative, networking mindset
- Ability to influence across cultures, functions, and seniority levels
Leadership & Mindset
- Self‑starter with exceptional time management, project leadership, and decision‑making skills
- Proven commitment to strong safety practices and responsible innovation
Why Join Arkema?
Building on its unique set of expertise in materials science, Arkema offers a portfolio of first-class technologies to address ever-growing demand for new and sustainable materials. With the ambition to become in 2024 a pure player in Specialty Materials, the Group is structured into three highly innovative segments dedicated to Specialty Materials - Adhesive Solutions, Advanced Materials, and Coating Solutions. Arkema offers cutting-edge technological solutions to meet the challenges of, among other things, new energies, access to water, recycling, urbanization and mobility, and fosters a permanent dialogue with all its stakeholders. The Group reported sales of $10.6 billion in 2021, and operates in 55 countries with 20,500 employees.
How this role will have an impact:
- Be at the forefront of sustainable refrigerant innovation with global impact
- Gain high visibility across R&D, business leadership, and the broader industry
- Work within a safety‑driven, values‑based organization that invests in people, technology, and long‑term growth
- Collaborate with global experts while shaping the future of thermal management solutions
