Senior Research Development Chemist

Role details

The Role

Crossfield Products Corp is seeking a Senior Research Chemist to join our Research & Development team at our Roselle Park, New Jersey plant. This role leads formulation development and technical troubleshooting across our epoxy, polyurethane/polyaspartic, and cementitious coating systems — supporting both our branded Dex-O-Tex and Miracote product lines and our contract manufacturing, toll blending, and private label customers. You’ll work hands-on in the lab and alongside production, quality, and sales teams to develop new systems, improve existing formulas, and ensure every batch meets Crossfield’s performance and compliance standards.

Essential Duties

and Responsibilities

• Formulation Development:  Lead bench-scale development and optimization of epoxy, polyurethane, polyaspartic, and polymer-modified cementitious coating systems for flooring, waterproofing, and decking applications.
• Scale-Up & Technical Support:  Translate lab-scale formulas into production-scale batches; troubleshoot manufacturing issues, raw material substitutions, and field or customer complaints.
• Contract Manufacturing Support:  Partner with the private label and toll blending business to develop and adapt formulations to customer specifications.
• Raw Material Evaluation:  Source and evaluate new resins, additives, and specialty aggregates for cost, performance, and sustainability improvements.
• Regulatory & Compliance:  Ensure formulations meet VOC limits and relevant regulatory requirements, including CDPH/LEED emissions criteria.
• Testing & Documentation:  Run physical and chemical performance testing per ASTM methods; maintain accurate lab notebooks, SOPs, and technical data sheets.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration:  Work closely with production, quality control, sales, and marketing to support product launches and resolve technical issues.
• Mentorship:  Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior chemists and lab technicians.
• Industry Awareness:  Track industry trends, competitor products, and emerging raw materials in the coatings and flooring space.

Qualifications & Skills

• Education:  Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Chemistry, Polymer Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience:  5+ years of hands-on formulation experience with epoxy, polyurethane/polyaspartic, or cementitious coating systems; coatings, flooring, or construction chemicals industry experience strongly preferred.
• Technical Knowledge:  Familiarity with ASTM test methods, VOC regulations, and coatings raw materials (resins, curing agents, aggregates, additives).
• Lab Skills:  Proficient with standard formulation and testing equipment (viscometers, spectrophotometers, cure/dry time testing, adhesion and abrasion testing).
• Problem Solving:  Strong analytical skills with the ability to troubleshoot production-scale issues independently.
• Communication:  Clear written and verbal communication for technical documentation and cross-team collaboration.
• Organization:  Able to manage multiple formulation projects and deadlines simultaneously.

Benefits and Wages

• Annual Salary:  $90,000–$150,000, depending on experience and qualifications.
• Benefits:  Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Retirement Plan:  Company-sponsored 401(k) with employer matching contribution.
• Paid Time Off:  Paid vacation, sick leave, and company holidays.
• Professional Development:  Support for continuing education and professional certifications.
• Culture:  Join a long-established, employee-focused manufacturer with an 85+ year history and a global export footprint.