Technical Service Representative II, R&D

Overview

Technical Service Representative II, R&D based in Ashtabula, Ohio. Reports to the Coatings Technical Service Manager – Americas and works closely with the Manager with responsibility to provide direct technical support to our Coatings Business by interfacing and building relationships with customers to define and convert opportunities or to resolve customer complaints and issues.

• Complies with safety rules and regulations, attends safety meetings and training. Also, inspects work area for hazards/deficiencies and reports injury/illness and/or environmental incidents.
• Design, plan and execute project elements in the laboratory, as well as in customers’ plants and laboratories, as appropriate, to meet customer requirements and expectations.
• Complete benchwork necessary to convert opportunities or to resolve issues.
• Provide effective and timely communication and recordkeeping at every stage of a project. This will include progress reports, updates, call reports, electronic laboratory notebook, and project milestones reached or missed.
• Active support of, and participation in, all appropriate ISO 9000 Business Management System and Health Safety and Environmental aspects.
• Comply fully with the quality nonconformance process for handling customer complaints and the Quality Management System, including resolution of customer complaints through 8D Root Cause Analysis and other methodologies.
• Determine specification requirements for materials used in or result from research and development.
• Travel – provide on-site customer support as deemed necessary by the Technical Service Manager, Coatings or Business Director, Coatings.
• Participate, when necessary, in the planning process, including fiscal year tactical plan, budgetary expenses, project objectives, timeliness, and guidelines for the development of technologies to address market specific needs.
• Establish safe chemical hygiene practices and procedures as it relates to the additives systems employed.
• Communicate technology in terms of value-added features and benefits as they support project objectives. Prepare exhibits, specimens and presentations that illustrate key characteristics.
• Perform all other tasks assigned by Supervisor or Manager. Perform other duties from time to time as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree in BS/BA in an appropriate field of science or engineering (Chemist or Chem. Eng. preferred), and 3+ years’ experience in pigment dispersions, paint technology, or coatings applications or commensurate experience.
• Direct colorant and/or paint formulation experience, or specific base chemistry experience i.e. water, solvent, 1K, 2K, epoxy, urethane, acrylic, enamel, alkyd, etc.
• Academic background in coatings chemistry, polymer chemistry, surfactant/additive technology, or rheology is desirable
• Demonstrated ability for problem solving and the capacity to handle several projects simultaneously are critical.
• A basic commercial understanding of business and customer priorities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills required.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Proven computer skills in Microsoft Word, Excel and Power Point. Ability to generate and work with Excel models while simultaneously implementing new business enterprise systems. Power BI knowledge is preferred.
• Works well in a close team environment.
• Experience with business ERP a plus.

• We offer a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, life insurance, paid vacation, and 401K.

Ashtabula, OH

Vibrantz is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local fair employment practices laws. Vibrantz strictly prohibits and does not tolerate discrimination against employees, applicants, or any other covered persons because of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, ethnicity, sex, gender, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.