Sr. Customer & Application Development Engineer, Coatings

About the role

Help grow our ProxximaTM polyolefin thermoset system business. These resin formulations are based on cyclic C5 monomers and other proprietary monomers and additives. Our catalyst formulations have strong foundations in Nobel Prize-winning technology developed by Professor Robert Grubbs and his research team. This powerful combination produces polymers that have the capability to outperform today’s thermoset composite solutions across a broad set of everyday applications such as wind turbine blades, electric vehicle parts, construction, and anticorrosion coatings.

Responsibilities

• Develop new anti-corrosion coatings and other coating formulations.
• Develop Interpenetrating Polymer Network (IPN) type coatings combining ProxximaTM chemistry with that of epoxy, urethane, aspartic urea, and siloxane, etc., to produce novel hybrid coatings.
• Utilize equipment located in our Baytown facilities to fabricate smooth, defect-free coating samples needed to assess corrosion resistance and other performance parameters mimicking targeted industrial service conditions.
• Provide on-site technical support for customers developing new products using ProxximaTM resins and catalysts.
• Aid customers in application processes (spray, brush, roller, etc.) optimization and, where needed, provide guidance on equipment upgrades.
• Provide technical insights gleaned from the market to help guide new application developments.
• Provide market insights to inform and update business strategy.
• Develop novel technology to strengthen the portfolio of intellectual property.
• Author technical reports and technical publications to share learnings.
• Co-author promotional brochures and technical data sheets highlighting performance benefits.
• Train and mentor less experienced colleagues.

Requirements

B.S., M.S. or PhD in Chemistry, Engineering, Coatings Science, Polymer Science, Materials Science or related degree

5+ years of industrial experience formulating high-performance thermoset coatings

Strong understanding in thermoset coating chemistries (epoxy, urethane, urea, siloxane, radiation curing, etc.)

Strong understanding in coating formulation principles, coating additives, colorants, adhesion promoters, anti-corrosion pigments and additives, inorganic fillers, extenders, rheology modifiers, etc.

Knowledge of coating application methods, airless spray, plural component spray, brushing, roller, etc.

Understanding of polymer structure-property-processing relationship

Knowledge of ASTM, ISO, AMPP coating test methods

Knowledge of statistical experimental design (DOE) and formulation optimization

Knowledge of major thermoset coating markets, applications

Strong interpersonal, analytical and communication skills

Proficient in use of computers and possess excellent administrative and organizational skills

Must be hands on with inclination to be lab based

Knowledgeable of Intellectual property development/assessment/procurement

Knowledge and experience of hybrid coatings of mixed chemistries, polymeric blends, IPN a plus

Knowledge of ROMP (ring opening metathesis polymerization) and p-DCPD (dicyclopentadiene) chemistry a plus

Qualifications

B.S., M.S. or PhD in Chemistry, Engineering, Coatings Science, Polymer Science, Materials Science or related degree

5+ years of industrial experience formulating high-performance thermoset coatings

Skills

• Thermoset coating chemistries (epoxy, urethane, urea, siloxane, radiation curing, etc.)
• Coating formulation principles, coating additives, colorants, adhesion promoters, anti-corrosion pigments and additives, inorganic fillers, extenders, rheology modifiers, etc.
• Coating application methods, airless spray, plural component spray, brushing, roller, etc.
• Polymer structure-property-processing relationship
• ASTM, ISO, AMPP coating test methods
• Statistical experimental design (DOE) and formulation optimization
• Major thermoset coating markets, applications
• Interpersonal, analytical and communication skills
• Computers and administrative skills
• Hands on with inclination to be lab based
• Intellectual property development/assessment/procurement
• Hybrid coatings of mixed chemistries, polymeric blends, IPN
• ROMP (ring opening metathesis polymerization) and p-DCPD (dicyclopentadiene) chemistry

Benefits

Pension Plan: Enrollment is automatic and at no cost to you. The basic benefit is a monthly annuity to be paid to you in retirement for the rest of your life.

Savings Plan: You can contribute between 6% and 20% of your pay and are encouraged to enroll right away. If you contribute at least 6% to your savings plan, the Company will contribute a 7% match.

Workplace Flexibility: We have several programs such as “Flex your Day”, providing ad-hoc flexibility around when and where you work, as well as longer-term programs such as leaves of absence and part-time work.

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans.

Culture of Health: Programs and resources to support your wellbeing.

Employee Health Advisory Program: Provides confidential professional counseling for you and your family, including tools and resources promoting mental health and resiliency at no additional cost to you.

Disability Plan: Income replacement for when you cannot work due to illness or injury occurring on or off the job. Enrollment is automatic and at no cost to you.