Coating Chemist - Mold Release

ITW•Olathe, KS

About The Position

Summary: The Coating Chemist will be focused on developing new mold release coatings in support of New Product Development as well as improving current formulas for ease of production, cost reduction, and/or to meet regulatory demands. The coating chemist works closely with Operations, Marketing, and Sales functions to identify, design and develop new mold release or other coatings. Essential Duties: Develops new coating formulas and products, from concept to launch, as specified by the New Product Development process. Key activities include new product development, competitive performance benchmarking, market opportunities, raw material sourcing, product stability testing, scale up, and assessment of regulatory compliance. Works with commercial team and customers to understand application details and define new product requirements. Continually leverages literature and tradeshows to maintain cutting-edge understanding of mold release agents and coating technologies Routinely evaluates current product formulas versus competition to identify opportunities for improvements in processes, regulatory compliance, and cost. Develops, validates, and maintains analytical test methods and instrument calibration processes for use by R&D and QC. Develops testing processes to mimic customer processes and demonstrate supporting data for product development purposes. Actively supports the Change Control process for launching new products and making changes to existing products. Able to lead a project team from concept through deploy. Actively supports and participates in the site Laboratory Safety and Chemical Hygiene Program. Assists Manufacturing and Quality if needed in investigating manufacturing abnormalities and conducting root cause analysis for rejected batches of product; presents findings to Quality for review/approval prior to making changes. Able to communicate effectively in conveying technical concepts and product benefits clearly to a varied audience. Manages multiple projects/tasks independently or on a team using the 80/20 philosophy. Follows AS9100 Quality Management System as applies to R&D and as defined in the Quality System. Maintains electronic/manual record-keeping systems for projects and customer samples Attends company sponsored training and outside seminars as required. Perform other duties as assigned. Acts in accordance with company policies, procedures and corporate ethics. ITW is an equal opportunity employer. We value our colleagues’ unique perspectives, experiences and ideas and create workplaces where everyone can develop their careers and perform to their full potential. As an equal employment opportunity employer, ITW is committed to equal employment opportunity and fair treatment for employees, beginning with the hiring process and continuing through all aspects of the employment relationship. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected Veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.

Requirements

Bachelors or Masters degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Material Science, or related field with a minimum of 5 years formulating experience with silicon, epoxy, and/or hydrocarbon chemistries in aqueous systems.
Expertise in formulation of coatings and O/W emulsion systems required.
Strong project management and organizational skills.
Able to adapt effectively to changes in the work environment; able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events.
Excellent listening skills and ability to review all details prior to determining and implementing appropriate actions.
Decision-making capabilities and sense of urgency.
Self-sufficient, resourceful, results-driven, and accountable.
Represent the company in a professional and ethical manner.
Communicate effectively both written and verbally with all organizational levels.
Effective interpersonal skills and the ability to function in a team environment.
Analytical.
Proficiency in spoken and written English.
Mathematical skills appropriate to scientific computations.
Proficiency in basic chemistry, formulation, & manufacturing processes.
Proficiency in performing and interpreting standard analytical testing.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office products.
Foster, communicate and exemplify the values of ITW; act with integrity and trust, operate with simplicity, treat everyone with respect and partake in shared risk.
Commitment and willingness to strive toward achieving Divisional goals and business objectives

Nice To Haves

Experience with elastomer chemistries used in molding processes a plus.

Responsibilities

Develops new coating formulas and products, from concept to launch, as specified by the New Product Development process.
Key activities include new product development, competitive performance benchmarking, market opportunities, raw material sourcing, product stability testing, scale up, and assessment of regulatory compliance.
Works with commercial team and customers to understand application details and define new product requirements.
Continually leverages literature and tradeshows to maintain cutting-edge understanding of mold release agents and coating technologies
Routinely evaluates current product formulas versus competition to identify opportunities for improvements in processes, regulatory compliance, and cost.
Develops, validates, and maintains analytical test methods and instrument calibration processes for use by R&D and QC.
Develops testing processes to mimic customer processes and demonstrate supporting data for product development purposes.
Actively supports the Change Control process for launching new products and making changes to existing products.
Able to lead a project team from concept through deploy.
Actively supports and participates in the site Laboratory Safety and Chemical Hygiene Program.
Assists Manufacturing and Quality if needed in investigating manufacturing abnormalities and conducting root cause analysis for rejected batches of product; presents findings to Quality for review/approval prior to making changes.
Able to communicate effectively in conveying technical concepts and product benefits clearly to a varied audience.
Manages multiple projects/tasks independently or on a team using the 80/20 philosophy.
Follows AS9100 Quality Management System as applies to R&D and as defined in the Quality System.
Maintains electronic/manual record-keeping systems for projects and customer samples
Attends company sponsored training and outside seminars as required.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Acts in accordance with company policies, procedures and corporate ethics.