Coatings Chemist II

Role details

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.

Responsibilities • 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.

Requirements • 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• 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.

If you'd like to hear more about this opportunity and others we are currently working on, please contact Tory Mack at tmack@cps4jobs.com

JO: 7.31.26TM