R&D- Chemist II

About the role

The chemist will lead projects focusing on Ancillaries (clear coats & undercoats) for vehicle refinish. This position offers a growth opportunity to work on a cross‑functional team, meeting technical specifications defined by customers in the automotive segment. The role is responsible for new product development and reformulation of existing products as needed. It is based on‑site at Sherwin‑Williams Morikis Global Technology Center, 6745 Miller Road, Brecksville, OH 44141, and is not a hybrid position.

Responsibilities

• Independently lead development projects of moderate to high complexity within the Automotive NPD Ancillary Team, with moderate supervision.
• Develop new products for the refinish market, including but not limited to commercial vehicle refinish.
• Develop new products or modify existing ones as required.
• Apply proven coatings technology to address raw material supply disruptions.
• Ensure timely completion of product development projects.
• Provide technical support to manufacturing and internal stakeholders as needed.
• Identify and implement formula and process adjustments, including relevant test methods, based on experimental findings.
• Design and execute experiments using the scientific method; prepare and test paint samples, analyze data, and determine next steps based on results.
• Collaborate and communicate with team members, marketing, manufacturing, procurement, vendors, and other business partners to ensure successful product commercialization; leverage internal networks when appropriate.
• Follow the PCG Stage‑Gate process for new product development.
• Contribute effectively within a cross‑functional team environment.
• Deliver results using established laboratory practices and professional standards.
• Maintain a safe and organized work area in accordance with all laboratory safety protocols and procedures.

Basic Qualifications

• Must be legally authorized to work in the country for which you are applying (no current or future sponsorship required).
• Bachelor’s degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math field.
• 3 years of coatings formulation experience in an industrial setting.
• Knowledge of structure‑property relationships as they pertain to automotive refinish, OE interior, or aerospace coatings.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree or higher in a science‑related area.
• 5 years of coatings formulation experience.
• 3 years of automotive coatings experience.
• Prior experience formulating and processing pigment dispersions.
• Demonstrated experience utilizing DFSS tools.
• Experience operating paint processing equipment (mills).
• Design for Six Sigma (DFSS) expertise.
• Design of Experiment (DoE) expertise.
• Understanding of Voice of the Customer.
• Project leadership experience.

Travel Requirements

Up to 10 % travel.

Benefits

Sherwin‑Williams offers a wide range of world‑class benefits designed to support health, well‑being, retirement, and daily life. A general description of benefits can be found at www.myswbenefits.com. Specific benefit offerings are available to candidates who are hired as Sherwin‑Williams employees.