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Coatings Chemist II

CPS, Inc. · Walled Lake, MI1mo ago
$80k – $120k

Listed pay for BS-level Formulation / Compounding roles on Crosslinked center on $88k (42 with a salary).

Formulate and scale water- and solvent-based industrial coatings from concept to commercialization

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Coatings/films · Formulation / Compounding roles, by email
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Worth knowing

Why it is interesting. Full ownership of coating projects concept-to-commercialization with customer-facing sample evaluation and scale-up support.

Might not be for you. 15+ years of formulation experience is the stated bar — only 5-10 years considered as an exception; heavy documentation and QMS/SPC work.

Mostly at the benchDeep specialistFast-paced Senior hires only

Core polymer roleDevelop and optimize water- and solvent-based coating formulations; evaluate polymers, additives, solvents; FTIR; 1K and 2K coating systems

Seniority
Senior
Work
On-site
Type
Full-time
Degree
BS
Experience
5–15 yrs
Industry
Coatings
Role
Formulation / Compounding
Techniques

Role details

Base Salary

$80,000-$120,000

Benefits

Medical, dental, vision, life insurance, PTO, and 401(k)

Join an established R&D team developing innovative water- and solvent-based coating formulations for a wide range of industrial applications. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced formulation chemist who enjoys owning projects from concept through commercialization while working independently in a hands-on laboratory environment.

Responsibilities

  • Develop and optimize water- and solvent-based coating formulations to meet product performance requirements.
  • Formulate new products and improve existing formulations for a variety of coating applications.
  • Analyze technical challenges and determine appropriate methods and experimental approaches.
  • Evaluate raw materials, including polymers, additives, solvents, and other coating components.
  • Conduct feasibility studies, proof-of-concept work, and product development research.
  • Scale formulations from laboratory development through manufacturing and commercialization.
  • Establish testing methods and evaluate chemical, physical, performance, and stability properties.
  • Interpret test data and provide technical recommendations.
  • Prepare product samples for customer evaluation and approval.
  • Support cost reduction initiatives and continuous product improvements.
  • Research emerging technologies, competitive products, and industry trends.
  • Provide technical support and troubleshooting during scale-up and production.
  • Prepare detailed technical reports documenting procedures, results, and conclusions.
  • Maintain laboratory equipment, testing instruments, chemical inventory, and laboratory supplies.
  • Assist with laboratory equipment selection and purchasing.
  • Support SDS management and regulatory documentation.
  • Follow laboratory and plant safety procedures while maintaining an organized work environment.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams and participate in continuous improvement and LEAN initiatives.

Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree in Chemistry or a related scientific field.
  • 15+ years of R&D formulation experience with water-based and/or solvent-based coatings (candidates with 5-10 years of strong formulation experience may also be considered).
  • Hands-on coatings formulation experience.
  • Analytical laboratory experience, including FTIR.
  • Excellent laboratory documentation, organization, and attention to detail.
  • Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
  • Familiarity with QMS, DOE methodologies, and SPC.
  • Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
  • Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.
  • Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
  • Self-starter with a strong sense of ownership and accountability.
  • Ability to adapt to changing priorities and work effectively in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Polymer chemistry experience.
  • Experience with 1K and 2K coating systems.
  • Experience evaluating or purchasing laboratory equipment.
  • Experience supporting product scale-up and commercialization.
  • Commutable to Walled Lake, Michigan.

If you'd like to hear more about this opportunity and others we are currently working on, please contact Tory Mack at [email protected]

JO: 7.31.26TM

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Common questions

What is the salary for the Coatings Chemist II role at CPS, Inc.?

The listed annual base salary range is $80K–$120K. This figure is taken from the posting itself.

Where is the Coatings Chemist II role at CPS, Inc. based?

This role is based in Walled Lake, MI.

What degree is required for the Coatings Chemist II role at CPS, Inc.?

The posting accepts the following combinations: BS + 15 years.

How many years of experience does this Coatings Chemist II role require?

The posting calls for 5–15 years of relevant experience.

What polymers or materials does this Coatings Chemist II role work with?

water-based coatings, solvent-based coatings, polymers, additives, solvents.

What techniques or methods are required for this Coatings Chemist II role?

FTIR.