Chemist

ITW•Houston, TX

About The Position

The R&D Formulation Chemist will develop aftermarket car care products and support product strategy under the technical collaboration and/or direction of an R&D manager. The role involves research, development, technical evaluation, and stability testing of formulations in a fast-paced, innovative environment. At least 50% of daily activity will be spent at the laboratory bench creating products and solving technical problems in support of ITW Global Brand business strategies. The chemist will develop and optimize formulations, collaborate with raw material suppliers and cross-functional teams, and help translate technical capabilities into validated product benefits and consumer-facing messaging. The role also supports project delivery through the new product introduction process, manufacturing scale-up and commercialization, and ongoing quality and performance of current products. The position requires hands-on laboratory work, management of multiple tasks and research lab technician activities, and adherence to applicable safety, environmental, quality, and regulatory requirements. Minimal business travel is required (less than 10%).

Requirements

Master’s degree or higher in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering, completed or verified before starting.
At least five years of hands-on formulation and product development experience, preferably in consumer-packaged goods, automotive care, coatings, or related applied chemistry industries.
Ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced, innovative environment.
Ability to work independently and contribute as a team member.
Strong problem-solving skills and a logical approach to scientific problems.
Detail-oriented, flexible, innovative, and self-motivated approach.
Ability to perform tasks correctly and consistently.
Willingness to collaborate and work in cross-functional teams.
Strong communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills, including the ability to present ideas clearly to cross-functional teams and manufacturing partners.
Ability to meet the physical demands of the role, including frequent standing, walking, bending, reaching, and handling laboratory materials and equipment; regular hand and finger use; lifting up to 25 pounds regularly and 40 pounds occasionally; wearing required PPE; and working in laboratory, office, and manufacturing environments with occasional exposure to chemicals, odors, and airborne particles.

Nice To Haves

Experience with inorganic and polymer surface modifications.
Knowledge of rubber surface coatings, including coating formulation and low-pressure, low-volume air-assisted spray coating or atomization.
Experience in physical and chemical characterization of surfaces.
Knowledge of surface wetting and non-wetting phenomena.
Knowledge of silicone chemistry.
Knowledge of ISO practices and requirements for manufacturing scale-ups.

Responsibilities

Translate customer needs into effective product designs and customer-driven innovation strategies.
Develop and optimize formulations for differentiated performance, stability, and consumer-relevant benefits aligned with brand strategy.
Collaborate with raw material suppliers to research and create differentiated formulas and coatings.
Design and execute formulation experiments, performance tests, stability studies, and comparisons against competitive products.
Partner with Brand, Application, Packaging, and Process Engineering teams to translate technical capabilities into validated product benefits, claims, and consumer-facing messaging.
Lead formula development and work with the R&D Project Manager to deliver projects on time through the new product introduction process.
Develop differentiated products and solutions using polymers, silicone oil and derivatives, surfactants, and solvents in adhesives and coatings.
Define project goals, product design requirements, technical approaches, and test strategies; conduct laboratory evaluations and comparison testing; and prepare comprehensive reports.
Conduct patent searches to monitor competitive innovations and generate intellectual property, including patents, formulation know-how, and trade secrets.
Support formulation scale-up from laboratory to mid- and full-size manufacturing batches; coordinate technology transfer, commercialization, and product specifications with internal departments.
Support current products by qualifying alternative raw material sources and validating performance.
Manage multiple projects and tasks independently and as part of a team, and use analytical laboratory equipment.
Perform hands-on laboratory work as needed and manage the daily activities of research lab technicians.
Stay informed about safety and regulatory requirements affecting the industry.
Follow safety, health, environmental, and quality policies and procedures.
Travel for business as needed; travel is expected to be less than 10%.
Perform other duties as assigned.