Sr. Product Development Chemist

We are seeking a seasoned Product Development Chemist with expertise in polymer chemistry, particularly in designing advanced coatings systems for challenging substrates such as metals and low surface energy surfaces. In this senior-level role, you will lead the development and optimization of high-performance formulations for industrial, consumer, and specialty applications.

This position demands a blend of creative formulation skills, strategic thinking, and a in depth understanding of polymer science, adhesion mechanisms, and surface chemistry. You will play a key role in driving innovation, mentoring junior staff, and guiding products from concept to commercialization

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, formulation, and evaluation of coatings, adhesives, and specialty films using polymers such as PU, PET, VAc, Acrylic, PVF, and PVDF

• Develop and optimize adhesion systems for hard-to-bond substrates including polyethylene, polypropylene, and metallic surfaces
• Direct technical experiments, trials, and performance testing to validate new materials and processes
• Collaborate cross-functionally with quality, production, and commercial teams to ensure successful product launches
• Conduct root cause analysis and apply structured problem-solving methodologies (FMEA, DMAIC, control plans)
• Apply advanced Design of Experiments (DOE) to optimize formulations and scale-up processes
• Manage scale-up activities from bench to pilot and full production, including documentation and training
• Ensure compliance with regulatory standards (REACH, RoHS, FDA) and maintain comprehensive technical documentation
• Serve as a technical liaison with customers and partners, providing formulation expertise and troubleshooting support
• Utilize instrumentation (FTIR, Instron, microscopy) and external testing resources to characterize material performance
• Lead multiple concurrent development projects, balancing priorities and resources across departments
• Communicate proactively with stakeholders and demonstrate leadership in problem-solving and decision-making

Requirements

• Educational Background: B.S. or M.S. in Chemistry, Polymer Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience: 8+ years of experience in product development with strong focus on formulation and adhesion science.
• Technical Expertise: Proven expertise in working with various resin systems and relevant additives
• Analytical Skills: Familiarity with coating and adhesive test methods and surface characterization techniques
• Communication Skills: Strong written and verbal communication skills with ability to convey complex technical results.
• Travel: Willingness to travel up to 25%. Travel varies based on project cycles.
• Physical: Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer. Must be able to lift 15 pounds at times.

Preferred Qualifications

• Formulation: Demonstrated success in formulating and compounding functional coatings and adhesives
• Adhesion: Experience with pressure-sensitive and thermally activated adhesives.
• Metallization: Familiarity with metallization techniques and metallized thin film
• Surface Pretreatment: Background in surface pretreatment technologies (e.g., plasma, corona, flame) and adhesion promoting chemistries.
• Adaptability: Comfortable working in a fast-paced R&D or production environment.

Perks & Benefits

• Competitive compensation
• Full benefits package including health, dental, and vision
• Opportunity to lead innovation in materials science
• Supportive team culture that values creativity, knowledge-sharing, and experimentation