Senior Scientist; Paint & Coatings Industry; Waterborne Coating Technology

Job Title

Senior Scientist – Waterborne Coating Technology

High Point, NC

$95,000 to $110,000 per year

Day Shift

Paint & Coatings (Manufacturing)

• Bachelor’s Degree (Minimum)
• Master’s Degree (Preferred)

Paint & Coatings Industry experience (Waterborne Coating experience highly preferred)

Must be US Citizen or Green Card Holder (NO EXCEPTIONS)

Axalta Coating Systems is seeking a Waterborne coating formulator to join our Industrial Building Products Technology Group in High Point, NC. The Senior Scientist will advance our fundamental understanding of coatings technology in support of Axalta’s growth initiatives. This includes product design, development, enhancements & modifications to improve coating performance, while also improving efficiency during manufacturing and application. The formulator should be familiar with ingredients used in paints and how these ingredients are manipulated to achieve desired properties.

• Lead small product development projects and customer support initiatives within a collaborative team environment.
• Develop and implement new waterborne coating formulations—from initial customer definition to manufacturing scale‑up and performance optimization.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams including Manufacturing, Product Management, IT, and Sales.
• Propose and support new R&D projects aimed at expanding into traditional and adjacent markets.
• Apply statistical methods to analyze data and solve technical challenges.
• Define project objectives, set milestones, and deliver results within aggressive timelines.

• BS/MS in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Polymer Science, or Coatings is preferred.
• Serious consideration will be given to degreed candidates in other science‑related fields with applicable waterborne coating formulation experience.
• Must have at least 2 years of practical R&D experience or an advanced degree.

• Formulated coatings and adept at utilizing experimental designs and statistical tools to drive decision making.
• Understanding of waterborne coatings technology, including formulation of exterior and interior systems preferred.
• Understanding of spraying, printing, and other coating application processes.
• Ability to develop and/or implement coating characterization testing methods, calibrate & run instrumentation, and interpret results.
• Excellent communication skills (verbal and written), problem solving capabilities and the ability to work both independently and as a part of a team.
• Willingness and ability to travel up to 20% of the time, with possible international travel.
• Ability to occasionally lift and handle 50 lbs.