Industrial Product Development Chemist - Experienced

Location: Cheswick

The Industrial Product Development Chemist will serve as an individual contributor within a technical team of 6-10 associates, supporting the development of primers and topcoats for light industrial applications. This role combines hands-on laboratory work with formulation design, testing, and data analysis, while also providing manufacturing and field support, including monitoring scale-up batches at production sites.

This position reports directly to the Technical Manager for Industrial Coatings within the Science & Technology Team.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize primers and topcoats for light industrial applications
• Perform hands-on laboratory formulation, testing, and evaluation of coatings
• Design and execute experiments (DOE) to improve product performance, quality, and cost
• Analyze and interpret data to drive formulation decisions and product improvements
• Support manufacturing scale-up, including overseeing production batches and troubleshooting issues
• Provide technical support to field teams and manufacturing sites
• Evaluate coatings for performance characteristics such as corrosion resistance, durability, adhesion, and finish quality
• Apply coatings using various techniques including spray, brush, and roll, based on customer requirements
• Collaborate cross-functionally with R&D, manufacturing, operations, and commercial teams
• Ensure adherence to safety standards and best laboratory/manufacturing practices
• Manage multiple projects and priorities to deliver results on time and in full
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives focused on efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and product quality

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or related field
• 5-10 years of experience in formulation, product development, or materials R&D
• Strong understanding of experimental design, data analysis, and laboratory best practices
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Strong communication and collaboration skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with coatings formulation, application, and performance testing
• Familiarity with waterborne and solvent borne systems, including:
• Alkyd
• Urethane
• Acrylic
• Epoxy
• Experience with 1K and 2K coating technologies
• Knowledge of industrial coatings performance requirements, including corrosion resistance, durability, and environmental exposure
• Experience supporting manufacturing scale-up and production environments

Work Environment & Details

• On-site, full-time position
• Hands-on lab and manufacturing environment with close collaboration across teams

Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. without employment-based visa sponsorship (now or in the future). This includes H-1B, L-1, TN, O-1, E-3, H-1B1, F-1, J-1, OPT, CPT or any other employment-based visas).

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
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