Product Development Lead

With more than 8.000 employees, the ALTANA Group achieved sales of over 3 billion euros in 2024. ECKART, a company of ALTANA AG, is one of the leading manufacturers of pigments for various industries such as paints and coatings, printing, plastics, aerated concrete and cosmetics. The company offers a wide range of aluminium, gold bronze, stainless steel, zinc and synthetic pearlescent effect pigments as well as finished metallic printing inks.

ECKART also produces metal powders for functional applications such as 3D printing and thermal fillers. To enable growth in our current markets and new business development opportunities in adjacent markets by developing new, improved and innovative metallic effect pigments. Initiate and lead development projects related to coating/encapsulation solvent‑exchange, pelletizing, and application of metallic effect pigments for optical and functional applications following an APQP methodology.

• Accountable for the successful execution of projects, including lab work and documentation of experimental findings. Follow stage‑gate process, to bring new solutions to the market. Execute project plans within timelines and analyze test results. Support generation of IP through active participation in patent filing process.
• Ensure that developments meet CTQs and market expectations as well as internal requirements (performance, application and cost as well as technical feasibility and the manufacturability of the product). Communicate the results to Technical Marketing and Sales. Solicit and document internal/external customer feedback and provide relevant information to stakeholders.
• Design experiments targeted toward developing a stronger chemical and physical understanding of process variables and how production parameters impact product quality. Support the scale‑up of new R&D products to production.
• Support the definition of a short‑, mid‑ and long‑term development pipeline. Conduct research and keep abreast of trends and technologies in various markets.
• Implement appropriate application testing as part of the development process.

• Minimum Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Physics, Material Science or Chemical Engineering. Master’s degree or PhD preferred.
• Minimum of 5+ years’ R&D or Technical Service experience. Experience with New Business Development is a plus.
• Experience with encapsulation of pigments and surface science is desirable.
• Experience in Specialty Chemicals Industry with application, formulation and market knowledge of effect pigments in Coatings applications desirable.
• Strong customer focus.
• Fosters teamwork among staff and between functional areas.
• Proven and effective problem‑solving and research skills.
• Ability to work independently without significant management oversight and exercise sound judgment.
• Ability to manage and execute multiple projects (on time, on budget, on spec).
• Excellent oral and written communication skills with demonstrated ability to interact effectively with individuals at all levels in the organization.
• Strong organizational, planning, and presentation skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (PowerPoint, Word, Excel, etc.) as well as SAP, Salesforce, scientific databases and Minitab.
• Willingness to travel as needed.

ALTANA AG and its subsidiaries is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a protected veteran, among other things, or status as a qualified individual with disability.