Customer Formulation Chemist

PPG • Oak Creek, WI

12d

About The Position

Join PPG, a global leader in paints, coatings, and specialty materials, as a Customer Formulation Chemist within our Automotive Parts and Accessories (APA) organization. Reporting to the Customer Manager. In this role, you’ll contribute to PPG’s mission of delivering high-quality, customer-focused coatings by developing and reformulating products that meet exact standards. Engaging directly with customers, collaborating with plant production, Marketing Services, and Quality Control teams, and tackling diverse daily challenges, you’ll play a vital role in solving formulation issues and supporting manufacturing excellence. As an individual contributor under the guidance of a project leader, you’ll document technical results with precision and present findings effectively, thriving in a fast-paced environment that values safety, quality, and innovation.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Strong mathematical skills, particularly in scale-up calculations to support formulation and production processes.
• Proficiency in computer skills, including ERP systems (e.g., Oracle) for data entry and formula management.
• Quick learner with the ability to adapt to a fast-paced, varied work environment.
• Well-developed oral and written communication skills to interact effectively with technical and non-technical personnel, including direct customer engagement.
• Strong problem-solving ability and attention to detail to ensure high-quality work and accurate documentation.
• Good interpersonal skills to foster collaboration within a small team and build relationships with customers.
• Self-motivated with independent project management skills to drive tasks to completion.
• Commitment to safety as the top priority in all work activities.

Responsibilities

• Adhere to all PPG safety protocols and promote a strong safety culture in a laboratory and customer-facing work environment.
• Support manufacturing processes by assisting with formulation, troubleshooting, and resolving production-related issues.
• Work directly with customers to understand their needs, reformulate coatings based on customer specifications, and build strong customer relationships.
• File and manage formulas accurately, ensuring compliance with quality standards and customer requirements.
• Provide support to Quality Control (QC) teams to ensure product consistency and adherence to specifications.
• Communicate results, observations, and customer feedback effectively to direct supervisor and relevant stakeholders.
• Maintain an accurate, neat laboratory notebook, documenting all observations, including unusual results, with meticulous attention to detail.
• Demonstrate initiative by accomplishing tasks, meeting mutually agreed-upon deadlines, and effectively incorporating feedback.
• Act consistently with The PPG Way in all daily activities.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees