Coatings Chemist II

Base Salary: $80,000-$120,000

Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, life insurance, PTO, and 401(k)

Join an established R&D team developing innovative water- and solvent-based coating formulations for a wide range of industrial applications. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced formulation chemist who enjoys owning projects from concept through commercialization while working independently in a hands‑on laboratory environment.

• Develop and optimize water- and solvent-based coating formulations to meet product performance requirements.
• Formulate new products and improve existing formulations for a variety of coating applications.
• Analyze technical challenges and determine appropriate methods and experimental approaches.
• Evaluate raw materials, including polymers, additives, solvents, and other coating components.
• Conduct feasibility studies, proof-of-concept work, and product development research.
• Scale formulations from laboratory development through manufacturing and commercialization.
• Establish testing methods and evaluate chemical, physical, performance, and stability properties.
• Interpret test data and provide technical recommendations.
• Prepare product samples for customer evaluation and approval.
• Support cost reduction initiatives and continuous product improvements.
• Research emerging technologies, competitive products, and industry trends.
• Provide technical support and troubleshooting during scale‑up and production.
• Prepare detailed technical reports documenting procedures, results, and conclusions.
• Maintain laboratory equipment, testing instruments, chemical inventory, and laboratory supplies.
• Assist with laboratory equipment selection and purchasing.
• Support SDS management and regulatory documentation.
• Follow laboratory and plant safety procedures while maintaining an organized work environment.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams and participate in continuous improvement and LEAN initiatives.

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry or a related scientific field.
• 15+ years of R&D formulation experience with water-based and/or solvent-based coatings (candidates with 5-10 years of strong formulation experience may also be considered).
• Hands‑on coatings formulation experience.
• Analytical laboratory experience, including FTIR.
• Excellent laboratory documentation, organization, and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Familiarity with QMS, DOE methodologies, and SPC.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Strong problem‑solving and troubleshooting skills.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
• Self‑starter with a strong sense of ownership and accountability.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and work effectively in a fast‑paced environment.

• Polymer chemistry experience.
• Experience with 1K and 2K coating systems.
• Experience evaluating or purchasing laboratory equipment.
• Experience supporting product scale‑up and commercialization.
• Commutable to Walled Lake, Michigan.