Chemist - Conversion Coatings (Pre-paint Treatments) (BASF-Chemetall)

BASF SE • New Providence, NJ

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

BASF/Chemetall is seeking a Chemist - Conversion Coatings to join their Technical Service team in New Providence, NJ. This role involves developing new products, product modifications, and test procedures for evaluating these products. The position requires interfacing with Business Development and Manufacturing to introduce new products and resolve customer technical issues. The candidate will also recommend appropriate products for customer operations and provide technical consultation to the Field Sales force and Field Application Engineers. The company specializes in the chemical treatment of metal surfaces, offering tailor-made technology and system solutions for surface treatment across various industries like automotive and aerospace.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in chemistry or chemical engineering is required.
• Minimum of 3 years of industrial experience.
• Prior experience with lab and onsite technical support and guidance to customers.
• Knowledge and understanding of Pre-paint Treatments is required.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Team player
• Safety driven
• Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge and understanding of thin films is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide customer and field technical support, including laboratory and on-site support for line start-ups, troubleshooting, process optimization, and technical problem resolution.
• Support Automotive OEM and key customer initiatives, including RFQs, technical reviews, and customer business meetings.
• Plan, execute, and document operating window definition and optimization, as well as process validation studies in both customer and laboratory environments.
• Evaluate and modify conversion coating products and test procedures to meet customer, regulatory, and performance requirements.
• Interface with Segment, Manufacturing, Sales, and Field Application colleagues to introduce new products and align technical solutions with customer needs.
• Provide technical training and guidance to customers, OEM account managers, field teams, and internal stakeholders.
• Maintain laboratory operations and equipment in compliance with Chemetall/BASF quality systems, safety requirements, and audit expectations (including IATF).
• Support product maintenance activities, including raw material stewardship, specifications, change management, and technology transfer or regional alignment.
• Continuously develop technical expertise through hands-on laboratory work, collaboration with global technical teams, and participation in industry and internal technical forums.
• Demonstrate strong communication, collaboration, and professionalism, including clear technical documentation, customer-facing communication, and informal mentoring of team members.
• Ensure compliance with quality, safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements, including proper use of PPE and adherence to site procedures.

Benefits

• Flexible work arrangements whenever possible
• Highly competitive retirement savings plan with company match and investment options
• Well-being programs that include comprehensive mental health support for you and your household family members
• Family forming benefits (fertility, adoption and surrogacy reimbursement, maternity/parental leave, and more)
• Back-up child and elder care with discount programs for families of all ages and stages
• Mentoring and career development opportunities that allow you to share, learn, and thrive
• Matching gifts program that allows you to deepen the impact of your contributions to qualified charities.
• Employee crisis support for when the unexpected happens
• Access to our BASF wine cellar, employee discounts, and much more!

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level