R&D Chemist

BDC Brands - a veteran- and family-owned home improvement products manufacturer - is seeking a hands-on, Senior Formulation Chemist, individual contributor responsible for developing high-performance waterborne clear coatings incorporating functional additive technologies to improve clarity, durability, and optical performance. This role is execution-driven-focused on formulation, testing, troubleshooting, and scale-up support.

The Technical Director sets R&D strategy; this position drives the technical execution that enables speed-to-market and competitive differentiation. Success in this role directly impacts revenue, profitability, and BDC's market position.

Key Responsibilities (but not limited to):

Research & Formulation

• Independently develop and optimize waterborne, environmentally friendly clear coating formulations aligned with performance and commercial targets.
• Evaluate and integrate functional additives that influence optical/spectral behavior while maintaining clarity/low haze.
• Investigate and qualify new or alternate raw materials to support performance, cost, and supply continuity goals.
• Generate repeatable formulation math and batch procedures to support lab efficiency and manufacturing scale-up.

Testing & Analysis

• Design and execute experiments to improve product durability, clarity, performance and manufacturability.
• Develop and validate clear-coating test methods (haze/clarity, gloss, adhesion, abrasion, chemical resistance, water resistance, accelerated weathering).
• Interpret internal and third-party data and translate findings into recommendations and next steps.

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Documentation

• Partner with Production, Quality, and Supply Chain to ensure smooth lab-to-manufacturing transfer and troubleshoot scale-up issues.
• Maintain accurate formulation records, stability data, and test documentation.
• Present technical summaries and project updates to leadership and cross-functional teams.

Laboratory & Safety Management

• Follow and model all laboratory safety requirements, PPE usage, and chemical-handling procedures.
• Maintain a clean, organized, audit-ready lab environment.

Continuous Improvement & Innovation

• Track industry trends, new raw materials, and emerging additive technologies.
• Recommend workflow, testing, or formulation improvements that increase speed or product performance.

Additional Responsibilities

BDC is a fast-moving, collaborative company. This position may occasionally take on additional projects or responsibilities to support the company's priorities.

Ideal Candidate Profile:

• Commit to EXCELLENCE:
  Deliver high-quality formulations and documentation that consistently meet performance and manufacturing standards.
• Be TENACIOUS (Figure It Out):
  Persist through formulation challenges and proactively solve problems with urgency and ownership.
• Exhibit a COMPETITIVE SPIRIT:
  Drive innovation that positions BDC ahead of market competitors in performance and technology.
• DO More with LESS:
  Use resources efficiently and identify cost-saving or time-saving opportunities in materials and workflows.
• Lead by Example (Integrity & Accountability):
  Demonstrate professional communication, scientific rigor, and strict adherence to safety.
• Be a CHANGE Leader:
  Embrace new technologies and methods, champion continuous improvement, and adapt quickly to evolving project needs.

Qualifications:

Required

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or related field.
• 7+ years of formulation experience in coatings or sealants, preferred; strong preference for waterborne clear coatings and exterior durability.
• Demonstrated ability to deliver formulations from bench to pilot to production.
• Strong understanding of additive selection, formulation stability, and common coating failure modes.
• Effective written and verbal communication.
• Must be able to work full-time on-site in Brooksville, FL.

Preferred

• Experience with optical/spectral functional additives or dispersion technologies.
• Ability to interpret UV-Vis-NIR data or collaborate with third-party labs for optical correlation.

Physical Demands:

• Ability to stand for extended periods in a laboratory setting.
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds occasionally.
• Manual dexterity to handle chemicals, lab tools, and testing equipment.

Compensation & Benefits:

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
• Full benefits: health, dental, vision, life insurance.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Paid time off and holidays.
• Collaborative, values-driven environment with opportunities to grow.