We are seeking an experienced and driven Sr. Scientist - Coatings Regulatory & Technology to join our largest plant operations in Newburgh, IN.
The Sr. Scientist 6 Coatings Regulatory & Technology performs coating development activities for all Warrick products. An expectation of this role is to own regulatory compliance (FDA / food contact / global) for coatings and packaging materials and provide technical leadership in coating development, performance, and customer application.
The primary purpose of this role is twofold:
Own regulatory compliance (FDA / food contact / global) for coatings and packaging materials. Provide technical leadership in coating development, performance, and customer application
This position reports directly to Research and Development Manager.
What9s in it for you!
To support our teams and their families beyond the workplace, we provide an outstanding benefits package effective day one of employment!
Industry leading compensation program.
401K options that begin vesting day 1.
First-rate vacation plan for valuable work-life balance.
Relocation assistance for new team members.
The role is accountable for:
- Regulatory qualification and certification of all Warrick supplied products,
- Technical guidance and decision-making on coating selection, performance, and failure modes
- Integration of regulatory requirements into product development and manufacturing
Additionally, the position serves as:
- A senior technical authority for coatings, coating application and packaging systems
- A key interface with customers, suppliers, and Industry Organizations
- A leader of Advanced Engineering coating programs and testing capabilities
Major Activities / Key Challenges
Regulatory & Compliance Leadership
- Full accountability for FDA and food-contact regulatory compliance (U.S., EU, global) programs
- Conduct raw material reviews and determine testing requirements
- Issue certification letters to customers (FDA, FCN, EU, Prop 65, etc.)
- Lead FDA audits and regulatory training,
- Track emerging global regulations via industry organizations
Technical Leadership 6 Coatings
- Act as subject matter expert for:
- Pre-treatment,
- Coating chemistry,
- Coating application,
- Performance, failure modes, and process sensitivities
- Define coating design rules and selection criteria
- Solve complex customer or production-related technical issues
Product & Process Development
- Lead coating development programs (e.g., BPA-NI, sustainability initiatives)
- Support conversion projects and customer qualifications
- Ensure compatibility across:
- Manufacturing
- Forming/filling
- Regulatory requirements
Project & Portfolio Leadership
- Lead and prioritize coating-related AE projects aligned with business strategy
- Support TTI, customer, and supplier-driven development programs
- Manage risks, deliverables, and cross-functional coordination
External Interface
- Serve as senior technical contact for:
- Customers (qualification, troubleshooting)
- Suppliers (coating development, scale-up)
- Industry organizations.
- Represent the organization in technical and regulatory discussions
Intellectual Property & Strategy
- Manage Warrick IP strategy and execution
- Coordinate with legal on patent filings, office actions, and portfolio optimization
Key Challenges
- Balancing innovation vs regulatory constraints
- Managing global regulatory uncertainty (FDA vs EU divergence)
- Maintaining technical credibility with customers and suppliers
- Preventing loss of critical tacit knowledge during transition
- Integrating regulatory requirements early in development
Essential Knowledge & Skills / Education
Technical Expertise
- Advanced knowledge of coatings chemistry, surface treatments, and metal substrates
- Knowledge of coating application processes to metal substrate
- Strong understanding of food-contact regulations (FDA, EU, Global)
- Knowledge of testing methods, qualification protocols, and compliance systems
- Knowledge of customers package forming processes
Core Competencies
- Ability to interpret complex regulations and translate into technical actions
- Strong problem-solving and root cause analysis capability
- Ability to work independently with high accountability
- Strategic thinking and decision-making
Leadership & Interpersonal Skills
- Strong communication skills (technical + executive level)
- Ability to influence across functions and external stakeholders
- Proven capability to mentor and develop technical talent
- Ability to interface with customers, suppliers, and regulatory bodies
Education
- Ph.D. or M.S. in Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering or related field (preferred)
Major Customers/Suppliers
- Advanced Engineering (AE) and Customer and Product Quality Assurance (CPQA) Teams
- Warrick Operations and Process Technology Teams
- Coating Suppliers (PPG, AkzoNobel, Sherwin-Williams, etc.)
- Key Packaging Customers (Crown, Ball, Ardagh, Silgan, etc.)
- Industry organizations.
Basic / Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor9s or Master9s degree in Science or Engineering (Chemistry preferred)
- 10+ years of experience in coatings, packaging, or related field
- Demonstrated experience with FDA or food-contact regulations
- Proven ability to lead technical programs and cross-functional projects
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Experience in customer and supplier interactions
FINANCIAL INDICATORS
Impact:
- High impact on:
- Product qualification and revenue continuity
- Customer approvals and retention
- Risk mitigation (regulatory and liability)
Scope:
- Global / Multi-region (US + EU regulatory scope)
