January 2027 Leadership Development Program R&D- Bowling Green, KY

Sherwin-Williams • Bowling Green, KY

3d • Onsite

About The Position

Sherwin-Williams is hiring for its Research & Development Leadership Development Program (LDP), an 8–12-month development program intended to prepare participants for a role on the Chemist track within the Performance Coatings Group. The position begins in January 2027 at the Bowling Green Plant in Bowling Green, Kentucky, supporting the Coil Coatings Division. Participants remain in one assignment for the duration of the program, gaining in-depth Research & Development experience, and may apply for a post-program promotion to the Chemist track after completing the program. Participants must be open to relocation for the program and possible long-term relocation for a post-program position.

The program develops knowledge of paint and coatings chemistry and formulation, testing methods and quality control using statistical software, commercialization and product and industry knowledge, project management, and reporting results. Participants may gain exposure to supply-chain relationships and plant operations, build cross-functional partnerships with Sales, Marketing, Operations, and Technical Services to execute innovation strategy, and work alongside senior chemists.

The Performance Coatings Group supplies engineered solutions for construction, industrial, packaging, and transportation markets in more than 120 countries. Its business units include Automotive Finishes, Coil Coatings, Engineered Polymer Solutions, General Industrial Coatings, Packaging Coatings, Protective & Marine, and Industrial Wood Coatings.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a science or technical-related field, including Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science, or Corrosion Engineering, by the start of the program.
• Minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
• Previous experience working on projects in a laboratory environment.
• Must be open to relocation based on business need for the program and for a post-program position or promotional opportunity.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States without company sponsorship now or in the future.
• At least one year of experience using Microsoft Office products, such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, or Outlook.
• Able, with or without reasonable accommodation, to retrieve materials from shelves, floor stacks, or pallet racking and lift or carry up to 50 pounds frequently and up to 100 pounds occasionally.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Polymer Science, or Materials Science.
• At least one year of work experience managing projects.
• Previous Sherwin-Williams laboratory experience.
• Experience in a team-oriented setting, including through work, extracurricular activities, or military service.
• Knowledge of or experience in the paint and coatings industry.
• Previous work experience maintaining and analyzing data.

Responsibilities

• Develop knowledge of paint and coatings chemistry and formulation.
• Gain experience with testing methods and quality control using statistical software.
• Develop an understanding of commercialization, products, industries, and market segments.
• Build expertise in project management and reporting results and findings.
• Build relationships with supply chain partners and learn about plant operations.
• Build cross-functional partnerships with Sales, Marketing, Operations, and Technical Services to execute innovation strategy.
• Work alongside senior chemists.
• Complete a single assignment in Research & Development during the 8–12-month program.

Benefits

• The company describes a range of benefits supporting health and well-being, career development, and connection, with benefit eligibility details available through its candidate benefits website.
• The posting refers to benefits covering retirement, health care, well-being, and commuting; specific benefit offerings depend on eligibility.

What This Job Offers

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