R&D- Scientist (Industrial Wood)

Sherwin-Williams•Greensboro, NC

About The Position

The R&D Scientist leads the assessment, development, reformulation, quality, maintenance, and enhancement of Industrial Wood coatings products by planning, executing, and analyzing experiments. The role aims to meet performance, quality, and economic requirements while using advanced technologies to develop differentiated products that exceed consumer expectations. The scientist solves complex product and process problems using expert knowledge of coatings technologies and markets, raw materials, formulations, substrates, instruments, coating application equipment, and customer processes. The position is accountable for completing multiple moderately to highly complex projects accurately and on time, often independently, and for mentoring less experienced technical professionals. Responsibilities also include maintaining laboratory equipment and technical documentation, supporting customers and internal teams, following ISO procedures and safety policies, and keeping current with relevant developments. The role involves 30% travel. A criminal-history review may be conducted because the position provides access to confidential and proprietary information and other items of value. Successful candidates must sign an Employee Restrictive Covenant Agreement where permitted by law.

Requirements

Must be legally authorized to work in the country of application without now or future sponsorship for an employment visa or permanent residence status.
Must be at least 18 years of age.
Bachelor’s degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) field.
At least 8 years of coatings formulation experience.
Experience with solvent-borne coatings formulation.
Experience applying and troubleshooting OEM coatings.
Strong understanding of solvent-based product end use and customer processes.
Familiarity with ASTM, KCMA, BIFMA, WDMA, and AAMA performance parameters and testing methods.
Familiarity with common finishing equipment in Industrial Wood markets, including kitchen cabinet and furniture segments.
Expert-level knowledge and experience in related coatings technologies and markets.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Chemistry, Polymer Science, Coatings Technology, or a related field.
At least 10 years of coatings formulation experience.
Experience formulating conversion varnish products for the kitchen cabinet market segment.
Experience in direct customer interactions, including presentations, finishing-line trials, and quality investigations.
Mentorship experience.
Proficiency in using DFSS tools in product development.
DFSS Green Belt Certification.
Conversion varnish formulation expertise.

Responsibilities

Adhere to safety policies, laboratory procedures, ISO procedures, and safety practices.
Lead the assessment, development, reformulation, quality, maintenance, and enhancement of products through planning, executing, and analyzing experiments.
Demonstrate innovation and initiative by developing new project proposals and strategically significant R&D programs.
Develop new products and methods, improve existing products, and anticipate, prevent, and solve complex technical problems.
Identify, recommend, and lead strategic projects and assess technology solutions.
Collaborate with the innovation team to develop and implement new technology platforms.
Develop solutions to complex product and process problems using expertise in raw materials, substrates, application equipment, and instrumentation.
Preserve the technical resource base by issuing periodic reports on development projects and reformulations, and substantiate formula changes with documentation.
Interface with sales, marketing, quality, and manufacturing teams to support the orderly flow of products, support, and information to customers.
Develop innovative coating products that provide differentiated customer solutions.
Understand Industrial Wood Division customer market segments and coating performance requirements.
Mentor lower-level technical professionals.
Lead multiple technically complex projects simultaneously without supervision.
Understand and apply the Stage Gate Process in product development.
Maintain laboratory equipment, including calibration and appropriate documentation.
Independently lead projects and groups without direct supervision from a manager.
Provide technical assistance as required and maintain awareness of current developments.
Apply business awareness and a broad perspective to develop commercially important products and processes, and leverage internal technology to maintain or reduce cost.