Formulation Chemist

About the role

We are seeking an experienced Formulation Chemist to lead the development of advanced coating technologies and drive innovation across a diverse portfolio of specialty coating products. This position plays a critical role in bringing new products from concept through commercialization while providing technical expertise to manufacturing, quality, regulatory, and customer-facing teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead the formulation, development, optimization, and testing of high-performance coating systems for demanding industrial and recreational applications.
• Design and execute laboratory studies to evaluate coating performance including adhesion, durability, chemical resistance, corrosion protection, weatherability, and overall application characteristics.
• Drive new product development initiatives from concept and proof-of-concept through pilot production, scale-up, and commercial launch.
• Analyze experimental results and translate findings into actionable recommendations, technical reports, and presentations.
• Provide technical support to manufacturing operations by investigating process improvements, troubleshooting production challenges, and ensuring product consistency.
• Partner closely with cross-functional teams including Operations, Quality, Regulatory, Supply Chain, and Commercial teams to deliver innovative solutions that meet customer and market requirements.
• Identify opportunities for raw material innovation, formulation optimization, cost reduction, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Monitor industry trends, emerging technologies, competitive products, and evolving regulatory requirements to support strategic product development efforts.
• Serve as a technical resource and mentor for junior scientists and laboratory personnel, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and safety.
• Maintain accurate laboratory records and ensure compliance with internal quality systems and applicable regulatory standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Polymer Science, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related technical discipline. Advanced degree preferred.
• 5+ years of experience in coatings formulation, product development, or applied chemistry within specialty chemicals, industrial coatings, protective coatings, materials, or related industries.
• Strong understanding of resin technologies including epoxy, polyurethane, acrylic, alkyd, and other high-performance coating systems.
• Experience supporting pilot production, manufacturing scale-up, and commercialization activities.
• Proven ability to independently manage projects and deliver results in a cross-functional environment.
• Excellent analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including technical documentation and customer-facing presentations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Coatings Formulation
• Product Development & Commercialization
• Analytical Chemistry
• Materials Characterization
• Research & Development
• Process Improvement
• Root Cause Analysis
• Manufacturing Support
• Technical Problem Solving
• Project Leadership
• Continuous Improvement
• Regulatory & Quality Compliance