January 2027 Leadership Development Program R&D- Minneapolis

Sherwin-Williams • Minneapolis, MN

3d • Onsite

About The Position

Sherwin-Williams is hiring motivated individuals for its Research & Development Leadership Development Program (LDP), a training program designed to develop skills and experience for a future role on the Chemist track within the Performance Coatings Group. Participants support one of the group’s technical divisions, which include Automotive, Coil, Industrial Wood, General Industrial, Packaging, and Protective and Marine.

The 8–12-month program provides a deep-dive experience in Research & Development. Participants remain in one assignment for the duration of the program until post-program placement. The position starts in January 2027 at the company’s Minneapolis, Minnesota campus. Candidates should be open to relocation for the program and potentially longer-term relocation for post-program positions. After completing the program, participants may apply for a post-program promotion on the Chemist track.

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.

Sherwin-Williams describes its benefits generally as supporting health and well-being, career development, and connection. Benefit details and eligibility are available through the company’s benefits website; specific benefits are not listed in the posting.

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.
• Open to relocation based on business need for the program and post-program positions and promotional opportunities.
• 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, and/or Outlook.
• With or without reasonable accommodation, able to retrieve materials from shelves, floor stacks, and/or pallet racking and lift and/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 Material 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.
• Prior 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 statistics software.
• Develop an understanding of commercialization, products, industries, and market segments.
• Build project management expertise and report results and findings.
• Build relationships with supply chain and gain knowledge of plant operations.
• Build cross-functional partnerships with Sales, Marketing, Operations, and Technical Services to execute innovation strategy.
• Work alongside senior chemists.
• Complete an R&D assignment during the program and, upon completion, have the opportunity to apply for a post-program promotion on the Chemist track.

What This Job Offers

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