Industrial Product Development Chemist; Entry Level

Position: Industrial Product Development Chemist (Entry Level)
Location: Cheswick

The Industrial Product Development Chemist (Entry Level) will be part of the Industrial Coatings Science & Technology Team and serve as an individual contributor within a collaborative team of 6-10 associates. This role supports the development of primers and topcoats for light industrial applications and combines hands-on laboratory work with formulation design, testing, and data analysis. The position also includes exposure to manufacturing scale-up and field support activities.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and formulate primers and topcoats for light industrial applications
• Conduct hands-on laboratory work, including formulation, testing, and performance evaluation
• Design and execute experiments (DOE) to optimize product performance and cost
• Analyze and interpret data to support formulation improvements and technical decisions
• Support manufacturing scale-up, including monitoring batches at production sites
• Provide technical support to field and production teams
• Evaluate coatings performance, including corrosion resistance, adhesion, durability, and finish quality
• Apply coatings using various methods such as spray, brush, and roll
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including R&D, manufacturing, and operations
• Ensure adherence to safety standards and best practices in all lab and plant environments
• Manage multiple projects and priorities to deliver results on time and in full
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives focused on quality, efficiency, and cost reduction

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or related field
• 0-3 years of experience in formulation, product development, or materials R&D
• Strong understanding of laboratory practices, experimental design, and data analysis
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Effective written and verbal communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with coatings formulation, application, and 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 testing
• Exposure to manufacturing processes or scale-up activities

Work Environment & Details

• On-site, full-time position
• 1-2 year term assignment, with potential for extension based on performance and business needs
• Hands-on lab and manufacturing environment with cross-functional collaboration

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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