Chemist

Role details

Peter-Lacke USA is seeking a highly-motivated and experienced candidate to join our team. Chemists are the backbone of our Technical Lab. They are responsible for all product formulation related work. This is a “hands on” position in which working in an international team is critical for the success of key projects and direct impact to business growth. Including formulation work, technical guidance is sought from each chemist from Sales, Production, Customer Service, Quality Control, and Purchasing.

Direct interaction with the customer, including all OEM related tiers, is frequently required in the form of product launches and overall customer support in order to ensure a great experience with Peter-Lacke products.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The primary duties and responsibilities of this position are outlined below. This list should not be considered all-inclusive.

• Promote and demonstrate all EHS safe practices and policies.

• Successfully complete assigned projects/lab orders from start to finish with support from the Group Leader or others as needed.

• Assume leadership responsibilities for 50-75% of assigned projects/lab orders

• Accurately scale up formulations for the Production Team batches

• Set specifications for the Quality Control team

• Effectively communicate scientific results and concepts internally and externally.

• Timely record all lab work and project data in an approved laboratory notebook.

• Support customer concerns on location as needed for solvent, water, and UV coatings customers.

• Generate painted parts/plaques/panels to be used for testing and/or demonstration purposes.

• Provide product scale-up information and resolution of processing issues faced by the Production team.

• Assist the Quality team with root cause analysis and customer concern resolutions.

• Complete a project tracker for lab priorities and regularly report on progress.

• Maintain a professional, organized laboratory by keeping all lab equipment, fixtures, and common work areas clean, orderly, and follow Chemical Hygiene procedures.

• Represent Peter-Lacke professionally at industry shows and forums.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• This role does not have direct supervisory responsibilities, but does have indirect responsibility for providing guidance to technicians.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related field with 3 or more years of work experience in the coatings industry.

• Familiarity with fundamental scientific testing methods such as: pH, Viscosity, and Adhesion

• General knowledge of coatings industry related regulations is required.

• Experience with laboratory bench work and procedures.

• Good understanding of material approval processes.

• Successful history working with global standards including: ASTM, SAE, DIN

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

• Adaptability to perform in both team and individual environments

• Proficient in Word, Excel, and other Office applications.

• Able to maintain a valid Driver’s License

Preferred Qualifications

• Automotive color technology, color matching, paint test, and automotive paint application methods experience.

• Chemical knowledge in coatings, inks, stains, sealants, polymers/resins with a preference for automotive paint technology

• Demonstrated experience working with coatings related regulatory entities such as TSCA and REACH

• Successful history working with automotive coatings related regulations (DIN, ASTM, SAE)

• Understanding of automotive OEM’s specifications and material approval processes.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to walk. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, and ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to fumes or airborne particles and toxic or caustic chemicals. The employee is regularly required to wear chemical safety PPE such as, but not limited to, electrostatic safety shoes and safety glasses. The employee is frequently exposed to moving mechanical parts. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Travel, primarily domestic, represents 5-10% of the job.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $80,000.00 - $95,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person