R&D- Chemist II

Sherwin-Williams • Minneapolis, MN

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Coil Coating Innovation R&D team is seeking 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 successful candidate 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 calls for scientific rigor, organizational, 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 involves contact with employees and access to confidential or proprietary information and other valuable items. The company states that criminal-history review is necessary to protect its business, operations, reputation, staff, and business relationships.

This position is based at the Sherwin-Williams Minneapolis R&D Lab at 312 11th Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55415, and is not remote or hybrid. Travel is 10%. The position reports to the R&D Lab; no specific reporting title is provided.

Requirements

• Must be legally authorized to work in the country of application without now 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 data entry, communication, and data analysis.
• Math knowledge.
• Analytical chemistry knowledge and ability to apply it beyond coatings.
• Experience with Design of Experiment.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree or PhD in a coating-related research area.
• Experience with urethane, epoxy, and acrylic coatings and their common curing technologies.
• Prior experience in coating physical testing and weather exposure.
• Prior knowledge of basic polymer physics, such as 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 for innovation and continuous improvement.
• Design and conduct 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, meeting milestones, timelines, and objectives.
• Prepare technical reports, presentations, and documentation to communicate project progress and results.
• Communicate with other departments and functions, drawing on a broad network of resources.
• Identify opportunities to improve laboratory operations, testing methods, 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

• Health benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs).
• Disability coverage.
• Security benefits.
• Retirement and savings benefits.
• Time away from work package, including personal leave, paid parental leave, medical leave, vacation, and holidays.
• Performance-based bonus, subject to the terms of the applicable company plans.

What This Job Offers

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