R&D- Sr. Chemist

Sherwin-Williams • Minneapolis, MN

9h • $83,374 - $112,112

About The Position

The General Industrial Ecoat Laboratory is seeking a Senior Chemist to lead the development, commercialization, and line maintenance of new and existing products for the General Industrial Market. The role works closely with technical management, sales, and marketing to identify product-development needs and timelines, and coordinates project activities across relevant functions at Sherwin-Williams.

The Senior Chemist serves as a subject matter expert in pretreatment technologies and their interactions with Ecoat, and as the primary contact for complex technical questions about liquid coating technology platforms. The position manages business maintenance and new-business opportunities, supports personnel analyzing and testing products and developing formulas, and applies a comprehensive understanding of chemistry, product lines, and materials.

The role requires communication and coordination with internal and external stakeholders and departments including Technical, Marketing, Operations, Quality, Supply Chain, and Analytical. Travel to other locations, meetings, and seminars is required, with travel estimated at 20%. The position is not eligible for current or future work-authorization sponsorship. It is eligible for a performance-based bonus subject to the applicable company plans.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Two semesters each of general chemistry and organic chemistry.
• At least 5 years of experience in the industrial chemical manufacturing field.
• At least 2 years in Ecoat formulation, resin synthesis, or pretreatment chemistry.
• Previous project management experience.
• Ability to meet the listed physical requirements, including lifting and carrying up to 50 pounds, climbing and descending stairs, and wearing a respirator when required.
• Ability to work indoors and outdoors as needed, including in environments with temperatures up to 120 degrees and down to 0 degrees, noise requiring hearing protection, toxic, flammable, or hazardous materials, dust and dirt, and paint odors.
• Ability to operate a computer and communicate via telephone.
• Ability to travel to other locations, meetings, and seminars as required.

Nice To Haves

• At least 5 years of product development and/or commercialization experience.
• Knowledge of or experience with General Industrial paint formulations and processing.
• Knowledge of the Industrial Coatings market and regulations.
• Knowledge of Ecoat chemistry.
• Knowledge of thin-film nano pretreatment.
• Knowledge of resin synthesis focused on epoxy, urethane, and acrylic resins.
• Training in Design of Experiments and Design for Six Sigma.
• A record of successful project management and commercial success.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a subject matter expert on pretreatment technologies and their interactions with Ecoat.
• Serve as the primary contact for highly technical and complex questions and concerns about liquid coating technology platforms from plants, research professionals, quality control, customers, and other internal and external parties.
• Manage time and resources effectively to deliver project work against short- and long-term goals.
• Manage maintenance of business and new-business opportunities, and personnel who analyze, test, and develop new or updated formulas.
• Perform work requiring a comprehensive understanding of chemistry, product lines, and materials.
• Communicate projects and deliverables effectively to the team.
• Identify and understand customer issues and provide and implement the best course of action.
• Create and support a cooperative work environment.
• Communicate team- and project-related information in writing and verbally to key stakeholders and management.
• Communicate and interface with Technical, Marketing, Operations, Quality, Supply Chain, Analytical, and other departments and divisions.
• Lead development, commercialization, and line maintenance efforts for products designed for the General Industrial Market.
• Coordinate project activities with relevant functions and work with technical management, sales, and marketing to identify development needs and timelines.
• Travel to other locations, meetings, and seminars as required; travel is estimated at 20%.

Benefits

• The company describes benefits related to health and well-being, career development, and connection with an inclusive team and communities.
• A wide range of benefits is referenced, including retirement, health care, well-being, and daily commute benefits; eligibility and offerings are available through the company benefits site.
• Performance-based bonus, subject to the terms of the applicable company plans.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior