Illinois Tool Works

Chemist (R&D)

Illinois Tool Works • $70K — $95K *
Houston, TX 77084In-Person
Manufacturing & Automotive
5 - 7 years of experience
Reposted 1 week ago
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Master's degree or higher in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering, Ph.D. preferred.
  • 6-8 years of experience in product formulation, preferably in consumer-packaged goods.
  • Familiarity with surfactant, silicone, solvent, and polymer chemistry.
  • Proficient in physical/chemical characterization of surfaces.
  • Demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

  • Translate customer needs into effective product designs and innovation strategies.
  • Identify and complete major technical programs to advance new technologies.
  • Collaborate with suppliers and teams to create differentiated product solutions.
  • Lead formula development and manage technical aspects of projects.
  • Conduct laboratory evaluations and generate comprehensive reports.
  • Monitor competitive innovations through patent searches.
  • Support scale-up and commercialization of formulations in manufacturing.

Benefits

  • Work in a fast-paced innovative environment.
  • Minimal business travel required (<10%).
  • Opportunities for collaboration in cross-functional teams.
  • Commitment to diversity and equal opportunity in the workplace.
Full Job Description
Job Description:

Summary:

The ideal candidate will bring a blend of technical and formulation expertise in aftermarket car care product development and strategy. Under the technical collaboration and/or direction of an R&D Leadership, the candidate will develop multiple projects in a fast-paced innovative environment. They are responsible for research, development, technical evaluation and testing of the formulations. This position requires a creative individual with a passion for technical learning and curiosity. The Senior Lead Chemist will spend approximately 50% of their daily activity working at the lab bench to create new products and solve complex technical problems to support the ITW Global Brand's business strategies.

Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Translates customer needs/consumer paint points into effective product designs and customer-driven innovation strategies by partnering with Marketing & Technical Service/Application Engineering.
  • Identifies, plans, recommends and completes major technical programs leading to innovative applications or extensions of existing and new technologies that have significant impact on the organization.
  • Collaborate with various raw material suppliers/cross functional teams to research, develop and create differentiated products and solutions using surfactants, silicone fluid and its derivatives, polymers, and solvents.
  • Lead formula development & manage technical aspects of assigned projects within ITW's stage-gate process in conjunction with a project manager.
  • Clearly identify project goals, product design requirements, technical approach, test strategy, and conduct laboratory evaluations, comparison testing and issue final comprehensive reports.
  • Conduct patent searches to monitor competitive innovations and generate intellectual property in own area of development in the form of patents, formulation know-how, and trade secrets.
  • Support the scale-up of formulations from lab scale to mid- and full-size manufacturing batches. Coordinate and work with internal departments on the technology transfer for scale-up, and commercialization, and determine the appropriate design and product specifications to maximize ease of manufacturing and customer applications. Knowledge of ISO practice/requirements for manufacturing scaleups will be added advantage.
  • Provide short- and long-term support for current products to maintain ITW's reputation for quality and performance by qualifying alternative sources of raw materials and validating performance.
  • Manage multiple projects/tasks independently and as part of a team and fully utilize analytical laboratory equipment.
  • Understand, follow and stay abreast of important safety, health, environmental, quality and regulatory requirements affecting this industry.
  • Minimal business travel required (< 10%)
  • Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related discipline; Master's degree or higher preferred.
  • 3-5 years of hands-on formulation and product development experience, preferably in consumer-packaged goods, automotive care, coatings, or related applied chemistry industries.


Additional qualifications to help you succeed in the role:
  • Strong understanding of formulation chemistry, ideally including surfactants, silicones, polymers, solvents, or related functional systems.
  • Experience in physical and chemical characterization of surfaces.
  • Demonstrated ability to independently design and execute formulation experiments and interpret technical data.
  • Experience with product performance testing, stability evaluation, and comparative benchmarking.
  • Ability to manage multiple concurrent projects in a dynamic, fast-paced R&D environment.
  • Strong problem-solving skills with a structured, data-driven approach to technical decision-making.
  • Effective collaborator with experience working in cross-functional, product development teams.
  • Strong communication skills with the ability to clearly articulate technical results, insights, and recommendations to diverse stakeholders.
  • High attention to detail, strong ownership mindset, and demonstrated ability to deliver consistent experimental execution.


About Illinois Tool Works

ITW is an industrial manufacturing company that specializes in the fields of industrial machinery, engineering, operations, sales, marketing, finance, and accounting. It's in deep-sea oil rigs, aerospace technology, bridges and wind turbines, healthcare, the spaces in which they live and work, the cars they drive, and the mobile devices they rely on. It was founded in 1912 and headquartered in Glenview Nas, Illinois.

Illinois Tool Works Careers

Join the dynamic team at Illinois Tool Works (ITW), a global leader in diversified manufacturing, where innovation and excellence drive us forward. ITW offers unparalleled job opportunities, fostering a culture of growth and leadership in the industry.

Work You’ll Do

At Illinois Tool Works, you will be part of a professional community that thrives on creativity and innovation. Our employees are equipped with the skills needed to succeed and are provided with endless opportunities for professional growth. Engage in work that matters, with projects that transform industries and enhance futures.

Explore Career Paths

Whether you're seeking an internship, a graduate opportunity, or a seasoned professional position, ITW offers a range of career paths across various departments. Our team benefits from a supportive and diverse working environment where every member’s contribution is valued.

Innovate and Lead

Join a team where innovation leads to revolutionary solutions in industries worldwide. At ITW, you will work alongside industry experts to develop new ideas and strategies that keep us at the forefront of technological advancements. Your career at ITW will be marked by a continuous journey of growth and leadership.

Develop Your Skills

With ITW’s commitment to professional development and diversity training, you will enhance your skills through targeted training programs and workshops. These opportunities not only boost your career but also ensure you stay competitive in the job market.

Be Part of Our Culture

ITW is dedicated to building a culture that respects and embraces diversity, encourages innovation, and fosters leadership. Our team is our greatest asset, and we believe in providing them with the benefits and resources they need to succeed both professionally and personally.

Networking and Professional Growth

Expand your professional network through ITW’s global presence and collaborative work environment. Engage with professionals across different sectors, gaining insights that can lead to significant career advancements. Our networking events and professional groups help you connect with key industry leaders and peers.

Join Our Team

Search for open positions that match your skills and interests on the ITW Careers page. We are looking for passionate, curious, and solution-driven team players who are ready to take their career to the next level.

Stay Connected

Keep up to date with the latest industry trends, company news, and career tips by following our careers blog. Personalize your experience by subscribing to job alert emails, tailored to your preferences and career goals. Explore the opportunities at Illinois Tool Works today and discover how your expertise can help shape the future of our company and the industries we serve. Join us in our mission to achieve excellence through innovation and leadership.
Learn more about Illinois Tool Works
Size
45,000 employees
Market Cap
$68.1 billion
Industry
Manufacturing & Automotive
Net Income
$2.1 billion
Founded
1912
5 Year Trend
+1.2%
Revenue
$12.5 billion
NASDAQ
ITW
* Ladders Estimates

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