R&D- Sr. Chemist

Sherwin-Williams • Minneapolis, MN

17h • $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 company functions.

The Senior Chemist serves as a subject matter expert in pretreatment technologies and their interactions with Ecoat, and as the primary contact for highly technical and complex questions about liquid coating technology platforms. The position manages business maintenance, new business opportunities, and personnel involved in analyzing, testing, and developing new or updated formulas. It requires a comprehensive understanding of chemistry, product lines, and materials, along with effective project management, customer support, communication, and cross-functional collaboration.

The role requires 20% travel, may involve indoor and outdoor work and exposure to temperature extremes, noise, dust, paint odors, and hazardous materials, and may require use of hearing protection and a respirator. The employee must be able to perform the listed physical activities and operate a computer and telephone. The position is not eligible for work authorization sponsorship. It is eligible for a performance-based bonus subject to applicable company plan terms.

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 of experience in Ecoat formulation, resin synthesis, or pretreatment chemistry.
• Previous project management experience.
• Ability to sit, stand, hear, and see on a constant basis; walk, write, and type frequently; lift and carry up to 50 pounds; climb and descend stairs; and bend, carry, reach, push, and pull occasionally.
• Ability to communicate verbally and in writing.
• Ability to work indoors and outdoors as needed, tolerate non-toxic paint odors, and wear a respirator as required.
• Ability to operate a computer and communicate by telephone.
• Ability to work in areas with temperatures up to 120 degrees and down to 0 degrees, noise requiring hearing protection, toxic, flammable, or hazardous materials, and varying amounts of dust and dirt.
• Ability to travel; travel requirement is 20%.
• Not eligible for work authorization sponsorship now or in the future, including conversion to an H-1B visa.

Nice To Haves

• At least 5 years of product development and/or commercialization experience.
• Knowledge or experience in 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.
• Proven successful project management and commercial success.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a subject matter expert on pretreatment technologies and their interactions with Ecoat.
• Act 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 business maintenance and new business opportunities, as well as personnel who analyze, test, and develop new or updated formulas.
• Perform tasks 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.
• Travel to other locations, meetings, and/or seminars as required.

Benefits

• Performance-based bonus, subject to the terms of the Company’s applicable plans.
• Sherwin-Williams describes benefits that may include retirement, health care, well-being support, and commute-related offerings; candidates are directed to the company benefits site for eligible offerings.

What This Job Offers

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