Job Details
*Main skill set is epoxy formulation*
The Formulation Chemist provides knowledge for new product development, including synthesis, analysis, formulation, and testing of new products. Responsibilities may include supervision of support level technicians on a day-to-day basis and serving as the day-to-day leader for projects, serving as a liaison with internal and external customers on technical questions and concerns, and working with a team to commercialize new products. The Formulation Chemist leads projects, has knowledge of product lines, applications, and markets and has familiarity with various types of polymer synthesis and coating formulations.
CORE JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
Responsible for performing R&D investigations for new product development, product improvements, and maintenance of existing products through cost saving analyses under the supervision of the Technical Manager
Serves as a key technical team member to advance projects and achieve common goals
Familiarity with epoxy, vinyl ester, unsaturated polyester, and polyurethane chemistries and application testing. Gathers and analyzes data, refines technical approach/strategy and recommends next steps. Communicates results effectively and writes project reports.
Capable of responding to technical questions and concerns from production, research professionals, quality control, customers and other internal and external parties regarding development, application, quality assurance and related programs and services.
Operates, cleans, and calibrates all forms of equipment that require professional judgment and background; also utilizes technical or standard equipment during the course of projects.
May supervise or serve as a lead to lower level technicians or support personnel performing research projects.
Interprets and applies department policies and procedures and applicable laws, rules and regulations; ensures compliance with these areas.
QUALIFICATIONS:
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
Bachelor s or Master s or Ph.D. in Polymer Chemistry, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or equivalent area; Master s degree or Ph.D. preferred.
1-5 years (Bachelor s or Master s) or 0-2 years (Ph.D) of experience within the paint and/or coatings industry; Industrial and marine coatings and tank linings experience preferred.
Background in polymer chemistry and/or polymer physics
Knowledge of polymer structure-property relationships
Experience with polymer synthesis for coating applications preferred
Excellent communication skills with the ability to concisely present information and proposals to all organizational levels.
SKILL REQUIREMENTS:
Prioritization of projects and assigning work
Apply chemistry/physics/coating principles and practices
Perform technical formulation tasks, synthesis a plus
Interpret and apply department policies and procedures and applicable laws, rules, and regulations
Solve technical problems and recommending solutions
Utilize basic project management concepts
Apply commercialization principles and practices
Provide and communicate technical information
Microsoft Office proficiency (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook); and other applicable applications
Experience with some or all of the following: thermal analysis, rheology, IR, GC, EIS, salt fog, QUV instruments