Powder Coatings Formulation & Applications Manager

Estron Chemical•Calvert City, KY

8d•Onsite

About The Position

Estron Chemical is seeking a manager to lead hands-on powder coating formulation development, performance evaluation, and technical problem-solving for coating resins and additives. The role designs formulations and testing protocols to show how materials perform and what distinguishes them, connecting laboratory findings with practical application needs. Working with Technology, Sales, and Operations, the manager supports customers, helps guide new and improved products, and leads applications personnel. The role involves laboratory work, technical project leadership, customer engagement, and coordination with manufacturing teams. It is a full-time, onsite position in Calvert City, Kentucky. Customer visits, technical conferences, and trade shows may be required.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry.
At least eight years of powder coatings formulation and testing experience.
Demonstrated expertise in powder coating formulation design and performance evaluation.
Ability to develop testing protocols that evaluate formulated coatings and differentiate the performance of coating resins and additives.
Practical understanding of powder coating application issues and ability to connect laboratory findings with customer experience.
Strong experimental design, analytical, and technical problem-solving skills.
Ability to document methods, interpret results, and communicate clear technical recommendations.
Ability to supervise personnel, establish priorities, and guide technical work.
Effective communication with customers, commercial colleagues, and laboratory and manufacturing teams.
Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple technical projects.
Knowledge of current powder coatings industry trends, testing methods, and application practices.

Nice To Haves

Customer-facing technical service and application troubleshooting experience.
Experience developing or improving laboratory testing methods.
Technical project leadership supporting product development or commercialization.
Experience supervising and developing laboratory or technical personnel.

Responsibilities

Design, develop, and evaluate powder coating formulations to understand how resins and additives affect coating properties and performance.
Develop and document performance-testing protocols that assess formulated coatings against relevant requirements and industry standards.
Create testing approaches that compare resin and additive performance and identify material strengths, limitations, and application suitability.
Investigate customer complaints and coating performance issues using formulation knowledge, laboratory testing, and customer information.
Prepare technical reports, explain results, and recommend practical solutions to customers and internal teams.
Participate in technical discussions, calls, meetings, and visits with customers and Sales concerning product selection, formulation, and application performance.
Lead applications personnel by assigning work, setting priorities, providing technical direction, supporting employee development, and completing performance planning and reviews.
Collaborate with Technology, Sales, and Operations to define technical projects and evaluate new and improved products.
Organize laboratory testing and maintain accurate formulations, protocols, results, technical data sheets, and project records.
Evaluate relevant industry methods, technical developments, competitive materials, and laboratory tools to strengthen testing capabilities.
Maintain safe laboratory operations, including equipment maintenance, chemical handling, laboratory cleanliness, hazardous waste, and applicable quality procedures.