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Materials Engineer - Scientist

Zephyrhills, Florida, United States

Make a SPLASH with Latham, The Pool Company!

At Latham, The Pool Company, we don’t just make swimming pools; we create opportunities for backyard dreams to come true. As the leading manufacturer in North America, Australia, and New Zealand, we are committed to delivering innovation, quality, and sustainability in everything we do.

We believe in building an environment where everyone can thrive. That is why we offer:

  • A culture of integrity, collaboration, and respect.
  • Comprehensive benefits for you and your family.
  • Opportunities for growth, mentorship, and skill development.

A little about the position:

Job Summary

The Material Scientist will lead the development, characterization, and optimization of materials used across the company’s product portfolio. This role blends hands‑on laboratory work with deep scientific analysis to advance composite performance, improve manufacturability, and support customer‑driven innovation. The scientist will collaborate closely with R&D, production, quality, and commercial teams to translate material science insights into scalable, high‑value solutions.

Some of What You Will Do:

  • Research and select alternative composite material and processes for fiberglass pool structural applications. 
  • Investigate structure–property relationships to improve mechanical, thermal, and chemical performance. 
  • Develop new resin chemistries aligned with market needs, sustainability goals, and regulatory requirements. 
  • Stay up to date with advancements in composite material engineering technology and manufacturing techniques, seek opportunities to innovate and improve existing designs and processes. 
  • Lead material characterization, testing and material specification development. 
  • Interpretate ASTM Testing Specifications and define in-house tests that are aligned with the ASTM specification. 
  • Define and maintain detailed material specifications and evaluation processes and generate detailed reports on test results. 
  • Develop predictive protocol, define correlation of material and process with product failure mode and life span. 
  • Drive experimental design and alternative process to improve manufacturing quality and productivity. 
  • Scale up the laboratory prototyping to production at all manufacturing facilities.  
  • Interface with manufacturing engineering and production technician to improve process, troubleshoot issues and facilitate operations across all manufacturing plants. 
  • Coordinate with supplier, external and in house test labs. 
  • Lead material selection, evaluation, and development in other business units. 
  • Other duties as assigned. 

What You Bring to the Table: (Qualifications)

  • Master’s degree in Material Science, Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science or Composites and 4+ years of experience or a Ph.D. and 2+ years of experience 
  • Good research background with focus on materials such as fiber reinforced composites, polymers (Epoxy, Polyester & Polyurethane), nanomaterials, thermoset resins, recycled materials and hybrid composites   
  • Understanding of fiber–matrix interactions, interface chemistry, and failure mechanisms 
  • Experience evaluating adhesion, chemical resistance, and environmental sustainability 
  • Material characterization techniques- Mechanical testing, QUV, rheology, blister test, FTIR, XRD, DSC, and DMA 
  • Knowledge of epoxy curing mechanisms, toughening agents, diluents, and adhesion promoters,  
  • Understanding of polyester synthesis, styrene reactivity, cure kinetics and polymerization mechanisms 
  • Ability to tailor mechanical and chemical resistance properties through formulation 
  • Knowledge of fiberglass/epoxy composite material, damage mechanics, and manufacturing processes (Open molding, Resin transfer molding, and compression molding etc.)  
  • Experience with fiber reinforced composite material, resin system, additive technology (3D printing) and process. 
  • Familiarity with statistical design of experiments (DOE) and data analysis tools 

Why Join Latham? At Latham, we invest in your well-being, growth, and success. Our comprehensive benefits package supports you and your family with:

  • Medical, dental, and vision coverage
  • 24/7 telehealth and wellness resources
  • Personalized benefits advocacy and support
  • Expert second opinions and access to leading specialists
  • 401(k) with a 50% company match up to 6%, and financial protection benefits
  • Flexible PTO and 11 paid holidays
  • Mental health, family care, and financial wellness resources

 Join a team that's invested in your well-being, your future, and your success. 

Some Important Information for you:

Position Title: Materials Engineer - Scientist
Location: Zephyrhills, Florida
Employment Type: On-site
Status: Full-time
Salary Range: $90,000 - $110,000 Our compensation reflects the cost of labor across US geographic markets.  Starting pay for this role will vary based on multiple factors, including location, knowledge, skills, education, and experience. Pay ranges may be modified in the future.

Bonus:  Target bonus of 10% of base pay

 

 Latham, The Pool Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status. Latham, The Pool Company is a Drug-Free Workplace Employer. All offers of employment are subject to applicable pre-employment requirements.

 

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Latham Group, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. We provide fair and equal treatment to job applicants regardless of race, color, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, age, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, familial status, disability, genetic information, veteran or military status, or any other status protected by law.

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CRIMINAL HISTORY

Prior to conducting a background investigation, the Company will provide you with a release form that complies with the Fair Credit Reporting Act and any applicable state and/or local law, if required.

All Applicants must not include any information about arrests or criminal accusations that did not result in a conviction, nor any convictions that were sealed, eradicated, erased, restricted, annulled, expunged, or vacated, or convictions that resulted in referral to a diversion program when responding to these questions.

Applicants in the following cities and/or states must not answer any of the questions below: Los Angeles, California; San Diego, California; San Francisco, California; District of Columbia; Gainesville, Florida; Chicago, Illinois; Cook County, Illinois; Des Moines, Iowa; Waterloo, Iowa; Baltimore, Maryland; Montgomery County, Maryland; Prince Georges County, Maryland; Columbia, Missouri; Kansas City, Missouri; St. Louis, Missouri; Buffalo, New York; New York City, New York; Rochester, New York; Suffolk County, New York; Westchester County, New York; Portland, Oregon; Lehigh County, Pennsylvania; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Austin, Texas; DeSoto, Texas; Seattle, Washington; Spokane, Washington; Madison, Wisconsin; California, Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin.

All Other Applicants: Only answer questions as instructed below.

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New York applicants (other than those in Buffalo, New York City Rochester, Suffolk County and Westchester County who should not respond at all): Do not include actions or proceedings that resolved by an order adjourning the action in contemplation of dismissal. Also, do not include convictions that were resolved through youthful offender adjudication.

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Virginia applicants: Do not include charges that are related to the possession of marijuana.

NOTE: Answering "yes" to any of these questions does not constitute an automatic bar to employment. The Company will consider the nature of the crime, its seriousness, the substantial relation to the position's functions and qualifications, the number of occurrences, the applicant's age at the time of the crime, the time elapsed since the crime, the applicant's work and educational history, employment references and recommendations, and the business necessity of any exclusion when required by law.

 

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APPLICANT'S STATEMENT AND ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

I understand that the Company is committed to providing equal opportunity in all employment practices, including, but not limited to, selection, hiring, promotion, transfer, and compensation to all qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, age, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, familial status, disability, genetic information, veteran or military status, or any other category protected by federal, state, or local law.

I authorize the Company to inquire with any current or former employers, professional, work, educational and personal references listed in the application, or any other individuals I may name concerning my work experience. I further authorize the Company to conduct background investigations to include criminal background checks, motor vehicle reports, and other consumer reports that may contain pertinent information related to my candidacy for the position desired. I agree to complete any other notices or consent forms required in order for the Company to obtain this information. I understand the Company complies with the Fair Credit Reporting Act ("FCRA") and that should employment be denied based upon my background report(s), that I will be provided with a copy the relevant report, applicable eligibility standards, and a Summary of Rights Under the FCRA, and any applicable state law equivalent.

I understand that the Company reserves the right, to the extent permitted by law, to require drug and alcohol screening tests of an applicant or an employee either prior to beginning employment or anytime during employment. I agree to consent to such testing and sign any separately required authorization forms related to the testing and disclosure of the results to the Company. I further understand that if I am employed by the Company, I may be required, when job related and consistent with the Company's business needs, to undergo a medical examination.

I certify that I have received a copy of the position description for the job desired. I understand that this employment application and any other Company documents provided during the application process are not promises of employment. I understand that should I accept employment with the Company, that employment is at-will. Employment can be terminated at any time, with or without notice, by myself or the Company to the extent permitted by state law.

I certify that the information given by me on this application and during the interview process is true and complete in all respects, and I agree that if the information is found to be false, misleading, or unsatisfactory in any respect (in the Company's judgment) that I will be disqualified from consideration for employment or subject to immediate dismissal if discovered after I am hired.

I understand this application will be considered active for a maximum of 45 days. If I wish to be considered for employment after that time, I understand that I must reapply. I further understand that separate applications are required for each position for which I wish to be considered.

UNDER MARYLAND LAW, AN EMPLOYER MAY NOT REQUIRE OR DEMAND, AS A CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT, PROSPECTIVE EMPLOYMENT, OR CONTINUED EMPLOYMENT, THAT AN INDIVIDUAL SUBMIT TO OR TAKE A POLYGRAPH EXAMINATION OR SIMILAR TEST. AN EMPLOYER WHO VIOLATES THIS LAW IS GUILTY OF A MISDEMEANOR AND SUBJECT TO A FINE NOT EXCEEDING $100.

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

 

 

 

Latham Custom EEOC Questions

We invite applicants to share their demographic background. If you choose to complete this survey, your responses may be used to identify areas of improvement in our hiring process.

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