Principal Polymer Scientist

BlueScope is an Australian-born global success story spanning 15 countries. Our team of over 16,500 people is our strength and we want our people to be safe, successful and well. We’re leaders and innovators in transforming steel into smart products and solutions that support society, today and in the future. We’re proud of brands, like COLORBOND ® steel that inspire and protect everything from hospitals to bridges and stadiums.

The Opportunity

The PI&T Team seek a Principal Polymer Scientist to join their technical team at the BlueScope Innovation Labs at Port Kembla. This critical role will drive advancement of BlueScope's strategic technical programme focused on the development and commercialisation of next-generation coatings.

BlueScope’s Product Innovation & Technology (PI&T) team is at the forefront of developing the next generation of steel and coating solutions for Australian and global markets. Bringing together expertise in research, product development, engineering, materials science and customer-led innovation, the PI&T team transforms ideas into commercially successful products that deliver value for customers and support a more sustainable future.

This is a unique opportunity for an experienced formulation chemist, polymer scientist or coating specialist to influence future product development. As Principal Polymer Scientist, you will bring deep technical expertise to a capability area that is at the forefront of coil coating innovation. You will lead a scientific programme investigating radiation-cured coatings, accelerating BlueScope’s understanding of coating performance, weathering and the delivery of enduring value for customers.

What Will You Do?

As a valued leader within the team, you will:

• Lead the scientific investigation of radiation-cured coatings and their durability mechanisms.
• Develop and execute experimental programmes to understand structure-property and process-performance relationships.
• Review scientific literature, design experiments, analyse results and develop new hypotheses to advance technology development.
• Provide technical leadership of the research program, guiding laboratory activities and contributing to strategic project direction.
• Collaborate with internal product development, durability and application teams to accelerate learning and technology readiness.
• Support the development of exclusive and differentiated coating technologies for BlueScope's future portfolio of premium coated products.

More About You

We're looking for a highly capable scientist who combines deep technical expertise with curiosity, innovation and scientific leadership.

• A PhD in Polymer Science, Chemistry, Materials Science or a related discipline.
• Extensive experience in radiation-cured polymers, coatings or formulation chemistry.
• Ideally 5-10 years of industry experience developing or formulating radiation-cured coating systems.
• Demonstrated experience designing and leading scientific research programs.
• Strong experimental design, analytical and problem-solving capability.
• The ability to influence technical stakeholders and work collaboratively across multidisciplinary teams.

Why BlueScope

As we’re creating strength for the future through our people, products and solutions, BlueScope gives you opportunities to innovate, learn and grow with the business, supported by inclusive leadership and a positive, passionate team. At BlueScope, you’ll:​

• Learn and develop as you grow. With opportunities to build skills specific to your role and aspirations, our lifelong learning culture will support your future career pathways.​
• Create innovative solutions. Seek better, smarter ways to solve problems, create sustainable solutions and make things happen.​
• Experience connection and care. Experience a positive, inclusive work environment where we look out for each other’s safety and wellbeing.​
• Deliver work that matters. Every action you take matters in delivering for our customers and strengthening communities for the future. We value what you do. ​

At BlueScope, we offer work-life flexibility through our B-flex program. We’re committed to fostering an inclusive environment where every employee feels respected and valued to be their authentic selves, and welcome people of all backgrounds, skills, experiences and perspectives. We encourage Women and First Nations people to apply. We’re passionate about driving sustainability outcomes that matter to our communities, including action on climate and our 2050 net zero goal.​

Bring your energy and make your mark, as, together, we drive Our Purpose: “We create and inspire smart solutions in steel, to strengthen communities for the future.” ​

Come and discover us at www.bluescope.com/auscareers​

Join us, creating strength for the future.

Applications close Wednesday, 9th September 2026.