Applications Chemist

About the role

The Applications Chemist will design and conduct laboratory studies to evaluate cleaning chemistry, detergent ingredients, and wash additive performance. They will develop test methods and performance protocols to assess cleaning efficacy, residue control, material compatibility, and appliance reliability. Collaboration with engineering teams is essential to understand how detergents and additives interact with appliance systems and wash cycles. The role involves consulting and evaluating coating technologies necessary for appliance products, supporting benchmarking activities, and working with suppliers and external laboratories to evaluate new ingredients, formulations, and technologies.

Responsibilities

• Design and conduct laboratory studies to evaluate cleaning chemistry, detergent ingredients, and wash additive performance.
• Develop test methods and performance protocols to assess cleaning efficacy, residue control, material compatibility, and appliance reliability.
• Collaborate with engineering teams to understand how detergents and additives interact with appliance systems and wash cycles.
• Consult and evaluate coating technologies necessary for appliance products.
• Support benchmarking activities to understand competitive products, technologies, and performance claims.
• Partner with suppliers and external laboratories to evaluate new ingredients, formulations, and technologies.
• Investigate product performance issues and support root cause analysis activities.
• Contribute to sustainability initiatives through evaluation of environmentally responsible ingredients and technologies.
• Support evaluation of appliance coatings, finishes, and appearance-related technologies.
• Participate in cross-functional product development teams to deliver innovative consumer solutions for graphics and all organic and inorganic coatings.
• Direct communications with all potential coating and graphics suppliers to understand new technologies and coating advancements.

Requirements

• PhD in Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science, Colloid Science, or a related technical field.
• Strong understanding of chemistry fundamentals, including surfactants, solution chemistry, polymers, colloids, materials, or related disciplines.
• 3 or more years of demonstrated laboratory experience through academic research, industry experience, internships, or product development projects.
• Experience designing experiments, analyzing data, and drawing technical conclusions.
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, cross-functional environment.
• Passion for learning new technologies and solving complex technical problems.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with surfactants, detergents, cleaning products, personal care products, coatings, polymers, or specialty chemicals.
• Experience using analytical techniques such as HPLC, GC-MS, spectroscopy, microscopy, titration, or related methods.
• Knowledge of consumer product development, formulation science, or materials characterization.
• Experience working with external suppliers, manufacturing partners, or research organizations.
• Understanding of regulatory, sustainability, or product stewardship considerations.

Qualifications

• PhD in Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science, Colloid Science, or a related technical field.
• 3 or more years of demonstrated laboratory experience through academic research, industry experience, internships, or product development projects.
• Strong understanding of chemistry fundamentals, including surfactants, solution chemistry, polymers, colloids, materials, or related disciplines.
• Experience designing experiments, analyzing data, and drawing technical conclusions.
• Passion for learning new technologies and solving complex technical problems.

Benefits

GE Appliances offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support the health, financial security, and well-being of our employees and their families. This includes medical, dental, vision insurance, retirement savings plans, paid time off, and more. We are committed to providing a positive and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and supported.

Schedule

This role is full-time and based in Louisville, KY.

Pay

The salary range for this role is $80,000 - $120,000 annually, commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Our Culture

Our work is centered on our People and Culture as reflected in our Zero Distance philosophy and we recognize the importance of reaffirming our commitment to inclusion and diversity (I&D). This underscores our commitment to fostering an environment where every individual feels valued, connected, and empowered to contribute, while positioning our organization to adapt seamlessly to the evolving needs of our workforce and communities. This reflects our dedication to creating solutions that: Empower colleagues by fostering an environment where all voices are heard, valued, and encouraged to contribute. Strengthen communities where we live and work. Reinforce a culture of belonging, purpose, and engagement. Reflect the diversity of the communities we serve through our workforce, products, and practices. By further embedding Zero Distance into our People and Culture framework, we will continue to build a deeply connected organization. We are cultivating a culture of engagement, belonging, and connection, because while attracting new talent remains a priority, retention is a cornerstone of our strategy.