R&D Formulation Chemist

Responsibilities

• Collaborate in the development of new product lines, product line extensions and modifications of existing products to minimize customer problems and to assure maximum market penetration and profitability.
• Aid manufacturing in developing failure mode analysis and control plans.
• Aid in establishing a capability for product and materials testing, analysis and evaluation, including appropriate laboratory facilities and test equipment; define test programs and procedures for R&D, as well for manufacturing.
• Assist with performing said methods.
• Interface with customers in support of sales opportunities to establish a clear understanding of the customers' problems, to provide them with cost-effective solutions based on current and new technologies and capabilities.
• Train Sales/Marketing personnel and other technical personnel in the newly developed product line technologies to promote the correct handling, manufacture and application of the Company's products.
• Assist the VP of Innovation in development and recommendation of annual objectives, plans and budgets for research and product development activities.
• Assure that adequate project management and records/documentation of technical information, formulas, process methods and standards are maintained.
• Support patent action and cooperate with patent counsel in obtaining patent protection for the Company's unique processes and products.
• Work with materials, EH&S, manufacturing engineering, and operations to ensure effective transfer of new products/processes to commercial scale. Also, assist with root cause analysis and corrective action for any new/current products/process.
• Provide support to materials group in evaluating alternative raw materials.
• Work with suppliers of chemical precursors and external converters to develop pertinent chemistries and processes, as needed.
• Use a data-driven approach and design of experiments to develop formulations.
• Prototype development (design, build, assembly, and test).
• Analyze the outcomes using modern analytical identification techniques and evaluate performance of prototype structures.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in chemistry.
• 2-7 years of experience in product development, process development, and ability to scaleup in manufacturing.
• Familiarity with various laboratory equipment (FTIR, UV/VIS, GC/LC-MS etc.), bench top mixing equipment and ability to set up testbeds.
• Demonstrated ability to work on product development.
• Strong project management skills with ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate with and lead cross-functional teams.
• A creative and resourceful problem-solver, balancing speed and scientific rigor in a dynamic environment.
• A self-starter, who can work autonomously.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).