R&D Specialist III - Paint & Coatings

R&D Specialist III - Paint & Coatings

Date: Feb 5, 2026

Location: Columbus, OH, US, 43211

About Akzo Nobel

Since 1792, we’ve been supplying the innovative paints and coatings that help to color people’s lives and protect what matters most. Our world class portfolio of brands – including Dulux, International, Sikkens and Interpon – is trusted by customers around the globe. We’re active in more than 150 countries and use our expertise to sustain and enhance the fabric of everyday life.

Because we believe every surface is an opportunity. It’s what you’d expect from a pioneering and long-established paints company that’s dedicated to providing sustainable solutions and preserving the best of what we have today – while creating an even better tomorrow. Let’s paint the future together.

• The R&D Specialist III supports the goals of the business as directed by a project lead or manager. This position will oversee the work on technical work streams such as new product introduction, raw material changes, product testing, and root cause analysis.
• The R&D Specialist III performs each essential duty safely, satisfactorily, and in a timely manner.
• Manage the assigned Lab Work Request (LWR) projects to include timeline and planning on a weekly to monthly timescale.
• Modify formulations based on customer application conditions in order to achieve the desired application performance and film properties.
• Design test methods to replicate end use along with determining a root cause of product field performance problems.
• Participate and/or contribute expertise with cross-functional initiatives.
• Summarize testing results and recommend next steps for formula changes or development.
• Consistently provide input on project progression, making the necessary changes to keep all project(s) on planned target delivery dates.
• Prepare detailed project reports for presentation to internal and external stakeholders.
• Analyze and resolve work issues/concerns and assist co-workers with problem solving.
• Travel as needed for product launches and/or customer support.

• Bachelor of Science degree with 2-5 years’ experience in research and development in a laboratory setting, preferably with a Chemistry, Materials Science, or Chemical engineering degree.
• Excellent background in chemistry/polymers.
• Excellent verbal and written communication.
• Available to travel, as necessary.

• Set an example of safe use of common materials and equipment in the lab; able to instruct others on the same use
• Demonstrate a continuous improvement mindset toward working safely and innovation
• Take full ownership of assigned projects to deliver on commitments
• Works independently without direct supervision while also being invested in team goals
• Own personal and career development; proactively seeks development opportunities
• Approach each day as an opportunity to discover and grow

Salary range for this role is: $70,000 to $80,000. This is the range that we in good faith anticipate relying on when setting wages for this position. We may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range. This salary range may also be modified in the future.

• Benefits beginning Day 1
• 401K retirement savings with 6% company match
• Annual bonus 5% Short Term Incentive
• Medical insurance with HSA.Dental, Vision, Life, AD&D benefits
• Generous vacation (3 weeks), personal (1 week) and holiday (11 days) pay
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Active Diversity and Inclusion Networks
• Employee referral bonus

At Akzo Nobel we are highly committed to ensuring an inclusive and respectful workplace where all employees can be their best self. We strive to embrace diversity in a context of tolerance. Our talent acquisition process plays an integral part in this journey, as setting the foundations for a diverse environment. For this reason we train and educate on the implications of our Unconscious Bias in order for our TA and hiring managers to be mindful of them and take corrective actions when applicable.

In our organization, all qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age or disability.