Senior Chemist - Metalworking Fluid (BASF-Chemetall)

BASF SE•New Providence, NJ

2d•$110,000 - $125,000

About The Position

BASF/Chemetall, is the Surface Treatment global business unit of BASF’s Coatings division, operating under the Chemetall brand, and a leading supplier of applied surface treatments worldwide. At BASF/Chemetall, we develop and manufacture tailor-made technology and system solutions for applied surface technology. Our products protect metals from corrosion, facilitate forming and treatment, prepare parts optimally for the painting process and ensure excellent coating adhesion. Our technologies and products are used in a variety of industries and end markets such as automotive, aerospace, aluminum finishing and metal forming. The chemical treatment of metal surfaces is BASF/Chemetall core competence. The focus of our worldwide activities is on the development and implementation of customized technology and system solutions for surface treatment. We are looking for a Senior Chemist - Metalworking Fluids (MWFs) to join our Technical Service team in New Providence, NJ. This role involves product development, product modifications / adaptations, performance testing, customer support, and global collaboration to help develop and support MWFs for local and global markets; this individual will report to the Global Technology Lead, MWF. As a Senior Chemist - Metalworking Fluid (ECT-Chemetall), you create chemistry by...

Requirements

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related field.
Minimum 5–8 years of experience in metalworking fluid formulation and support.
Strong knowledge of base oils, emulsifiers and additives used in MWFs.
Familiarity with ASTM, DIN, and other MWF relevant test methods.
Excellent problem-solving, communication and project management skills.
Ability to travel occasionally for customer visits and field support.

Nice To Haves

Tribology experience is preferred.
Knowledge of industrial machining processes and equipment is preferred.
Familiarity with analytical techniques such as FTIR, GC-MS, ICP, and HPLC.

Responsibilities

Product Development: Formulate and optimize metalworking fluids including semi-synthetics, synthetics, soluble oils and straight oils.
Evaluate product performance through lab and field testing (e.g., corrosion protection, lubricity, foam control, microbial resistance).
Identify opportunities for sustainability, cost reduction and performance enhancement.
Technical Support: Provide advanced technical support to customers, sales teams, and manufacturing operations.
Analyze field samples and performance data to recommend solutions and improvements.
Provide support for product trials and troubleshooting at customer sites when needed.
Project Management: Lead R&D projects from concept through commercialization, managing time lines and communication throughout the project milestones.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams including marketing, regulatory, and operations both locally and globally.
Mentor junior chemists and contribute to team development and knowledge sharing.
Documentation & Compliance: Prepare technical reports, presentations and any technical documentation related to the position and data that has been gathered.
Ensure formulations meet performance and regulatory requirements as defined by the project targets.
Innovation & Continuous Improvement: Stay current with industry trends, raw material innovations and emerging technologies.
Identify opportunities for sustainability and performance enhancements.
Global Collaboration: Work closely with international colleagues in R&D, marketing, and regulatory teams to align product strategies and share technical insights.
Participate in global technical forums and cross-regional projects to ensure consistency and leverage best practices.

Benefits

Flexible work arrangements whenever possible
Highly competitive retirement savings plan with company match and investment options
Well-being programs that include comprehensive mental health support for you and your household family members
Family forming benefits (fertility, adoption and surrogacy reimbursement, maternity/parental leave, and more)
Back-up child and elder care with discount programs for families of all ages and stages
Mentoring and career development opportunities that allow you to share, learn, and thrive
Matching gifts program that allows you to deepen the impact of your contributions to qualified charities.
Employee crisis support for when the unexpected happens
Access to our BASF wine cellar, employee discounts, and much more!

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