R&D-Chemist I

Sherwin-Williams•Minneapolis, MN

1d•$73,425 - $92,090•Onsite

About The Position

This role focuses on building technical expertise in liquid coatings to investigate and implement raw material cost savings and simplification in liquid formulations for General Industrial Coatings. The chemist will determine the performance impact and articulate risks to the management team, formulate, evaluate, and optimize solvent-borne and/or waterborne liquid coating systems using sound principles of chemistry, materials science, and coating formulation. The position involves planning and executing laboratory experiments and performance testing, analyzing test results, drawing conclusions based on data, and communicating technical findings, risks, and recommendations to control labs, manufacturing, and procurement teams. Collaboration with the PCG Group is expected to best utilize skills and tools to support offset work, cost savings, and simplification efforts. The role requires effective management of assigned project work, balancing timelines, priorities, experimental rigor, documentation, and follow-up. Maintaining accurate technical records, formulation data, test results, and project documentation is essential. The chemist will contribute to a collaborative laboratory environment by sharing technical knowledge, supporting cross-functional communication, and engaging constructively with team members and stakeholders. Adherence to safety, quality (e.g., ISO), and housekeeping policies and guidelines is mandatory.

Requirements

Must be legally authorized to work in the country for which you are applying for employment (without now or in the future needing sponsorship for employment work visa and/or permanent residence status).
Bachelor’s degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering or Math field.
1 - 5 Years industrial coatings experience- either manufacturing or formulation in Liquid Formulation
Must be able, with or without reasonable accommodation, to determine the difference between colors so you can correctly tint paint to the colors desired by customers.
Computer knowledge for basic inputting, communication, and data analysis
Math knowledge
Chemistry knowledge
Possess strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Strong communication (written and verbal) and interpersonal skills
Ability to effectively prioritize and execute tasks.
Excellent organization and planning skills
Team- oriented and skilled in working within a collaborative environment
Experience working with DOE, Minitab, Product Vision, Navigator, Microsoft Access, Excel, Word.

Nice To Haves

Degree in Polymers and Coatings
Experience with General Industrial or OEM liquid coatings for heavy equipment, transportation, construction, agricultural, or related industrial applications.
Previous experience in Raw Material replacement type project
Knowledge of corrosion protection, durability testing, adhesion, appearance, weathering, chemical resistance, and other performance attributes relevant to heavy equipment coatings.
Familiarity with customer qualification protocols, specification testing, manufacturing scale-up, and troubleshooting in industrial coatings environments.
Knowledge of pretreatment chemistry, substrate preparation, and the interaction between coating systems and metal surfaces.
Training or practical experience with Design of Experiments, statistical analysis, root cause analysis, or Design for Six Sigma methods.

Responsibilities

Build technical expertise in liquid coating to investigate and Implement Raw Material Cost Savings and Simplification in Liquid -Formulations for General Industrial Coatings
For technical work determine performance impact and articulate risk to management team.
Formulate, evaluate, and optimize solvent borne and/or waterborne liquid coating systems using sound principles of chemistry, materials science, and coating formulation.
Plan and execute laboratory experiments and performance testing to support raw material cost savings and simplification efforts.
Analyze test results, raw data-based conclusions, and communicate technical findings, risks, and recommendations to control labs, manufacturing, and procurement teams.
Collaborate with PCG Group to best utilize skills and tools to support offset work, cost savings and simplifications efforts (e.g Preferred RM strategy, application center etc.)
Manage assigned project work effectively, balancing timelines, priorities, experimental rigor, documentation, and follow-up to ensure commitments are met.
Maintain accurate technical records, formulation data, test results, and project documentation in accordance with laboratory expectations and business needs.
Contribute to a collaborative laboratory environment by sharing technical knowledge, supporting cross-functional communication, and engaging constructively with team members and stakeholders.
Adhere to safety, quality (e.g., ISO), and housekeeping policies and guidelines.