Research Chemist

PPG•Burbank, CA

6d•$125,000 - $130,000•Onsite

About The Position

The S&T Research Chemist will be responsible for the design, formulation, and optimization of high-performance aerospace coating systems, including primers, topcoats, and specialty finishes that meet industry standards such as MIL-PRF, AMS, Boeing Material Specifications (BMS), and other customer-specific requirements. The role focuses on developing resin blends, pigment dispersions, and additive packages to achieve targeted properties such as corrosion resistance, adhesion, flexibility, and weatherability. The chemist will conduct comprehensive laboratory evaluations encompassing rheology, viscosity control, film build analysis, and cure kinetics using techniques such as FTIR, DSC, and TGA. Interpreting performance and analytical data to refine formulations, diagnose issues, and support qualification is a key part of this role. Close collaboration with process engineering, manufacturing, quality teams as well as business and marketing is required to scale lab-developed formulations to production, ensuring reproducibility and compliance with quality systems and environmental standards such as AS9100, TSCA, and REACH. Additional responsibilities include maintaining detailed experimental documentation, preparing technical reports, and presenting findings to R&D and product management teams to support technology transfer and new product introductions.

Requirements

Ph.D. in Materials Science, Polymer Science, Materials Chemistry, or Materials Engineering.
Minimum of 7+ years of experience in laboratory work or formulation background.
Strong background in inorganic or organic chemistry.
Proficiency with analytical instrumentation (FTIR, DSC, viscometry, etc.).
Experience with coating performance testing methods.
Knowledge of statistical design, DOE DFMEA, PFMEA.
Attention to detail and good organizational skills.
Demonstrated ability to guide and mentor teams.
Strong collaboration skills and a desire to work in a team-oriented, global environment.
Must be a US Citizen or Permanent Resident.

Responsibilities

Design, formulation, and optimization of high-performance aerospace coating systems.
Develop resin blends, pigment dispersions, and additive packages to achieve targeted properties.
Conduct comprehensive laboratory evaluations using techniques such as FTIR, DSC, and TGA.
Interpret performance and analytical data to refine formulations, diagnose issues, and support qualification.
Collaborate with process engineering, manufacturing, quality, business, and marketing teams to scale lab-developed formulations to production.
Ensure reproducibility and compliance with quality systems and environmental standards.
Maintain detailed experimental documentation.
Prepare technical reports and present findings to R&D and product management teams.
Develop products to meet industrial standards, specifications, and other customer requirements.
Apply fundamental chemical and materials science knowledge to accelerate innovation and new product development.
Monitor the technology landscape, including the patent landscape, and produce new patents.
Use appropriate experimental designs and data analysis techniques to support product development.
Manage project timelines and deliverables, including project management, capturing updates, meeting internally and externally, and reporting.
Work closely with various departments to ensure the successful scale-up, qualification, and commercialization of new materials and product line extensions.