Sr. R&D Scientist

About the role

NIC is seeking an experienced Sr. R&D Scientist to lead execution of high-performance coatings and advanced material development programs from concept through qualification, scale-up, and commercialization support. This is a balanced hands-on and program-driving role. You will perform experimental work, direct technician-supported lab execution, and build the technical body of evidence needed to advance projects through phase-gate review. You’ll work closely with the Director of R&D and cross-functional partners in manufacturing, quality, EH&S, supply chain, and sales to deliver products that exceed performance, cost, timeline, and operational requirements. Be part of a best-in-class organization and R&D team commercializing products that outperform the competition on this planet and beyond. Own rapid 0-to-1 development of high-impact solutions. Work in a high-standard environment where evidence drives decisions and accountability is valued. Build your career in the beautiful Rogue Valley with good work-life balance and excellent compensation.

Responsibilities

• Lead execution of coating formulation and materials development programs using NIC core technologies in a world class lab, assisted by cutting edge software tools and a world-class characterization suite.
• Drive projects from concept through lab validation, phase-gate review, qualification, scale-up, manufacturing implementation, and early commercialization support.
• Design experimental plans to solve formulation, materials, and process challenges.
• Perform hands-on laboratory work, including formulation, application, testing, and data interpretation.
• Direct and leverage technician support for sample preparation, testing, data collection, and lab throughput.
• Build the technical body of evidence used to assess readiness for program progression.
• Help define milestones, maintain project timelines, and drive cross-functional follow-through.
• Prepare technical updates, gate-review content, and supporting documentation for development decisions.
• Partner with manufacturing and process engineering to ensure products are scalable, repeatable, and practical for production.
• Identify technical, manufacturability, quality, safety, cost, and timeline risks early and drive mitigation plans.
• Support supplier and vendor qualification, material evaluations, and commercialization activities.
• Support raw material selection, cost-performance optimization, and SDS-related technical inputs.
• Incorporate regulatory and product stewardship inputs into development planning and phase-gate progression.
• Help refine laboratory methods, development workflows, and technical best practices.

Requirements

• Advanced degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Physics, Materials Science, Polymer Science, or a related technical field.
• 5+ years of relevant industry experience in coatings formulation, coatings development, materials development, process development, or related chemical product development.
• Demonstrated success leading technical development work in an industrial R&D environment.
• Strong knowledge of coating chemistry, formulation design, cure mechanisms, pigment and filler interactions, and performance-property relationships.
• Strong understanding of formulation and process engineering and the realities of scaling products from lab to manufacturing.
• Experience with scale-up, plant trials, production implementation, qualification, or manufacturing troubleshooting.
• Experience driving projects through a phase-gate, stage-gate, or similar structured development process.
• Experience preparing technical evidence packages, milestone updates, and gate-review materials.
• Experience coordinating work across technicians, manufacturing, suppliers, vendors, or other cross-functional stakeholders.
• Ability to design experiments, interpret data, and solve technical problems with limited oversight.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organization, prioritization, and documentation habits.
• Ability to work on site.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States and meet applicable export-control requirements, including qualification as a U.S. Person.

Qualifications

• Experience with powder coatings, liquid coatings, protective coatings, specialty finishes, or other formulated industrial products.
• Experience directing or mentoring technicians, associates, or junior scientists.
• Experience with supplier qualification, raw material commercialization, or vendor management.
• Experience with analytical methods such as FTIR, DSC, TGA, GPC/SEC, rheology, particle size analysis, GC, HPLC, or microscopy.
• Experience using DOE, statistical analysis, validation, or manufacturing readiness activities.
• Experience with customer-facing technical support,