R&D- Chemist II

Sherwin-Williams • Minneapolis, MN

2d • $80,555 - $101,610 • Onsite

About The Position

The Coil Coating Innovation R&D team seeks a highly motivated Chemist II with a strong technical foundation in coating chemistry and demonstrated experience in formulation development, laboratory experimentation, and cross-functional collaboration. The Chemist II will contribute to next-generation coil coating technologies, maintenance-of-business activities, evaluation of emerging raw materials and technologies, and innovation initiatives aligned with customer and business needs.

The role requires scientific rigor, strong organization, communication, and project management skills. The Chemist II independently executes research projects, analyzes technical challenges, develops solutions, and communicates findings to internal and external stakeholders. The position is based at the Sherwin-Williams Minneapolis R&D Lab and is not remote or hybrid. Travel is 10%.

Requirements

• Must be legally authorized to work in the country of application without current or future sponsorship for an employment visa or permanent residence status.
• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering.
• At least 3 years of coatings-specific formulation experience.
• Experience with project management.
• Familiarity with application and troubleshooting of industrial coatings.
• Understanding of spectral measurement data.
• Computer knowledge for basic inputting, communication, and data analysis.
• Math knowledge.
• Analytical chemistry skills and ability to apply them beyond coatings.
• Experience with Design of Experiment.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree or PhD in a coating-related research area.
• Experience in urethane, epoxy, and acrylic chemistries and their common curing technologies.
• Prior experience in coating physical testing and weather exposure.
• Knowledge of basic polymer physics, including rheology and thermal properties.
• Expertise with structure-property relationships.
• Proficiency in statistics and data analysis.

Responsibilities

• Design, formulate, and evaluate high-performance coil coating systems for targeted market applications.
• Develop and optimize coating formulations to meet performance, cost, sustainability, and manufacturing objectives.
• Evaluate new polymers, resins, pigments, additives, and other raw materials to support innovation and continuous improvement.
• Design and execute laboratory experiments, generate technical data, interpret results, and make scientifically sound recommendations.
• Work under limited supervision, independently design experiments, and write reports with limited review.
• Perform coating characterization, performance testing, and failure analysis using appropriate analytical and physical testing methods.
• Lead or contribute to innovation projects from concept through commercialization, achieving milestones, timelines, and objectives.
• Create technical reports, presentations, and documentation to communicate project progress and results.
• Communicate with other departments and functions, maintain a broad network, and identify available resources.
• Identify opportunities to improve laboratory operations, testing methodologies, and development processes.
• Stay current on industry trends, emerging technologies, competitive products, and regulatory developments affecting coil coatings.
• Maintain accurate laboratory records and comply with safety, security, environmental, and quality standards.

Benefits

• The company describes a wide range of benefits covering retirement, health care, well-being, and commuting; eligibility and specific offerings are available through its candidate benefits information.
• The company describes rewards, benefits, and flexibility intended to support health and well-being.
• The company describes opportunities to learn, develop new skills, and grow professionally.
• The company describes an inclusive team and commitment to its communities.

What This Job Offers

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