Where is the PVC Chemist role at this employer based?

This role is based in Taylor, MI.

How many years of experience does this PVC Chemist role require?

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

What polymers or materials does this PVC Chemist role work with?

PVC plastisol, plasticizers, PVC resins, fillers, sealants.

What techniques or methods are required for this PVC Chemist role?

rheology, viscosity testing, adhesion testing, salt spray corrosion testing, chip resistance testing.

One of 6,449 open polymer and materials roles on Crosslinked, each read for materials, degree, visa and salary. See roles like this

PVC Chemist

· Taylor, MItodayverified 1 h ago

BS-level Formulation / Compounding roles on Crosslinked list a median of $87k (42 that show pay). This posting does not list pay.

Formulate and test PVC plastisol coatings and sealants for automotive OEMs, from lab scale-up to production support.

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Worth knowing

Why it is interesting. Full formulation-to-OEM-approval ownership of PVC plastisols, including non-phthalate plasticizer substitution work

Mostly at the benchDeep specialist BS acceptableSenior hires only

Core polymer roleFormulates PVC plastisols for automotive underbody coatings, seam sealers; tests viscosity, rheology, gelation, adhesion, chip resistance

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

Materials

PVC plastisolplasticizers4 rolesPVC resinsfillers14 roles sealants160 roles water-based coatings1 role rubber-based adhesives1 role

Techniques

rheology107 roles viscosity testing24 roles adhesion testing42 roles salt spray corrosion testing2 roleschip resistance testingheat and cold aging

Role details

Position Summary

The PVC Chemist develops, improves, and supports PVC plastisol products for the automotive industry, including underbody coatings, seam sealers, anti-chip coatings, and sound deadeners. The role also supports water-based coatings and rubber-based adhesives and sealants. It covers formulation, testing, scale-up, OEM approvals, and technical support for customers and production.

Responsibilities

PVC plastisol formulation

Formulates and optimizes PVC plastisols for automotive underbody coatings, seam sealers, anti-chip coatings, and sound deadeners.
Selects and balances PVC resins, plasticizers (including non-phthalate alternatives), fillers, stabilizers, adhesion promoters, and rheology modifiers.
Controls viscosity, sag resistance, and pumpability for robotic and airless spray application.
Designs formulations for proper gelation and fusion within OEM paint-shop oven bake windows, including adhesion over e-coat and oily metal.

Other formulation

Formulates water-based coatings, including sound deadeners and underbody materials.
Formulates rubber-based adhesives and sealants.

Testing and approvals

Runs routine and investigative testing, including viscosity and rheology, gel and fusion behavior, adhesion, chip resistance, corrosion and salt spray, and heat and cold aging.
Tests products to automotive OEM specifications and manages the approval process with OEMs.
Applies and interprets standard scientific theories, concepts, and techniques.

Raw materials and production

Finds and qualifies alternative raw materials, including plasticizer and resin substitutions.
Scales up new and modified formulations from lab to production.
Troubleshoots production and customer issues, such as viscosity drift, poor gelation, blistering, and adhesion failures.

Compliance

Ensures formulations comply with applicable regulations and customer requirements, including DOT, TSCA, REACH, Prop 65, OEM restricted-substance lists, and IMDS reporting.

Communication and leadership

Writes technical reports and prepares and presents project reports to customers and project sponsors.
Participates in trade shows, conferences, and technical seminars.
Guides and mentors less experienced technical staff.
Works with technical staff, sales, business managers, and the outside technical community.
Maintains a lab notebook according to company standards.
All other duties as assigned.

BS or MS in Chemistry, Polymer Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related field preferred.
5–15 years of lab experience, including hands-on formulation of PVC plastisols, sealants, or coatings.
Automotive OEM experience preferred, including working to OEM specifications and approval processes.
Knowledge of plasticizer chemistry and related regulatory trends preferred.
Lean Manufacturing experience.
Excel required; QAD or other ERP system experience preferred.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment

Prolonged periods of standing, walking, sitting at a desk, and working on a computer.
Must be able to lift up to [15 / 50] pounds.
Works in a laboratory and production environment with exposure to chemicals, fumes, and heated equipment.
Must wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) and follow lab safety procedures.