Senior Coatings Chemist, Industrial Formulation; Epoxy/PU/Alkyd | Sheboygan, WI
Listed on 2026-05-16
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Engineering
Research Scientist, Process Engineer, Quality Engineering, Chemical Engineer
Overview
Pave Talent is hiring on behalf of our client, a 100+ year old, family-owned industrial paint and coatings manufacturer ranked among the top 25 paint companies in North America. With approximately 115 employees across two labs and two manufacturing sites, this company formulates across a wide portfolio: epoxies (solvent-based and water-based), polyurethanes, alkyds, acrylics, UV-cure, and electron beam systems. They manufacture their own catalysts in-house.
Color science and precision color matching are central to the business model. The lab in Sheboygan, WI is the center of excellence for R&D with a strategic push into custom OEM formulations and corrosion protection. This is a senior, hands-on role with ownership of formulation work and mentorship responsibilities, reporting to the VP of Technology and Research Operations.
The role offers visibility from day one, direct interaction with customers, and influence over the technical direction of the lab. The company culture emphasizes curiosity, mentorship, and practical decision-making at executive levels.
Responsibilities- Lead formulation development and modification across the full chemistry portfolio: epoxies, polyurethanes, alkyds, acrylics, UV-cure, and E-beam systems
- Drive new product development from concept through commercialization, including technology transfer between Sheboygan and Cedartown
- Solve customer-specific formulation challenges for industrial OEM, transportation, and fleet applications
- Perform and interpret advanced analytical testing: FTIR, rheometer, tensiometer, goniometer, weatherometer, color spectrophotometer
- Apply color science and colorimetry to formulation work (core to the business)
- Mentor and develop junior chemists and technicians on a project basis
- Partner directly with customers on technical requirements, including site visits and customer calls
- Contribute to Stage Gate process, continuous improvement, and Six Sigma initiatives
- 10+ years of formulation experience at an industrial paint or coatings manufacturer (e.g., Sherwin-Williams, PPG, Axalta, Carboline, Valspar, BASF, Akzo Nobel)
- Deep expertise in at least one core chemistry: epoxies, polyurethanes, alkyds, acrylics, or UV/E-beam systems
- Bachelor's degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, polymer science, coatings, or related field
- Hands-on experience with analytical instrumentation: FTIR, rheometer, color spectrophotometer, weatherometer
- Strong foundation in color science and color matching
- Demonstrated history of mentoring junior chemists or technicians
- Collaborative working style: a partner, not a commander
- Master's or Ph.D. in chemistry, polymer science, or coatings
- Lean or Six Sigma certification (Green Belt or higher)
- Experience with DOE and statistical software (JMP, Minitab, or Matlab)
- Background in industrial OEM, transportation, fleet, or corrosion-protection coatings
- Customer-facing technical experience (site visits, spec reviews, technical support)
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