Job SummaryThe Senior Product Development Chemist is an autonomous technical contributor responsible for product-level formulation decisions within Ultimate Linings' Research & Development function. This role leads formulation strategy and chemistry decisions for assigned product families, balancing product performance, manufacturability, quality, cost, and technical risk. The Sr Chemist serves as a subject matter expert for specific chemistry and provides advanced technical support for product development, field performance, manufacturing investigations, raw material evaluations, and continuous improvement initiatives. This role acts as a technical authority across R&D and Operations while maintaining rigorous documentation, compliance, and quality standards.
Key ResponsibilitiesProduct Formulation Authority- Lead formulation strategy and chemistry decisions for assigned product families or development platforms.
- Make technical product decisions that balance performance, manufacturability, quality expectations, cost, and risk.
- Serve as a subject matter expert for specific chemistries, coating systems, raw material classes, or product technologies.
- Define formulation direction, evaluate technical options, and recommend product-level changes based on data, testing, and business needs.
- Ensure formulation decisions are aligned with performance requirements, application expectations, regulatory considerations, and manufacturing capabilities.
- Advanced Technical Problem Solving
- Support complex investigations related to product performance, field issues, manufacturing concerns, or application variability.
- Evaluate new raw materials, chemistry approaches, formulation pathways, and performance improvement opportunities.
- Analyze technical data, identify root causes or risk factors, and recommend corrective or preventive actions.
- Influence long-term technical direction within R&D by identifying opportunities for product improvement, innovation, and process stability.
- Translate complex formulation or performance findings into practical guidance for laboratory, production, quality, and technical teams.
- Technical Leadership & Knowledge Sharing
- Provide technical guidance to Chemists, Technologists, and cross-functional team members on formulation, testing, and performance-related matters.
- Support continuous improvement of laboratory methods, testing protocols, documentation practices, and technical decision-making processes.
- Maintain rigorous documentation and compliance standards for formulation work, technical evaluations, investigations, and product decisions.
- Share technical knowledge through project reviews, internal discussions, training support, and mentoring within the R&D environment.
- Promote technical accountability, sound scientific judgment, and consistent application of R&D standards across assigned work.
QualificationsEducationMinimum Required:- BS degree in Chemistry, Polymer Science, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related technical field.
Preferred:- Advanced degree (MS or PhD) in Chemistry, Polymer Science, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or related technical field.
ExperienceMinimum Required:- At least 5 years of related work experience in coatings, polymers, or product development environments.
Preferred:- 7+ years related work experience in coatings, polymers, or product development environments.
Job Specific SkillsMinimum Required:- Thorough understanding of chemical tests and processes.
- Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software to draft laboratory reports.
- Proficient with or the ability to quickly learn software and applications used for chemical tests and analysis.
- Ability to communicate complex technical information clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.
Preferred:- Excellent management and leadership skills
- Strong technical documentation, reporting, and compliance discipline in support of ISO and internal quality standards.
Working ConditionsThe following working conditions are present or expected on a regular basis:
- Normal laboratory R&D and applications development environment
- Normal office environment
- Travel may be required.
- Manual dexterity is required to use desktop computers and peripherals.
- Ability to wear a respirator required occasionally.
- Ability to handle full 5-gallon pails & drums of raw materials.
