Industrial Product Development Chemist - Experienced

The Pittsburgh Paints Co

Cheswick, PA

JOB DETAILS
JOB TYPE
Part-time
SKILLS
Best Practices, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Communication Skills, Continuous Improvement, Cost Effectiveness Analysis, Cross-Functional, Data Analysis, Experiment Design, Identify Issues, Industrial Coating, Industrial Development, Industrial Management, Laboratory, Laboratory Techniques, Laboratory Testing, Maintain Compliance, Manufacturing, Manufacturing Operations, Material Science, Multitasking, On Site Support, Performance Analysis, Performance Management, Performance Testing, Product Development, Production Control, Production Systems, Project/Program Management, Research & Development (R&D), Safety Standards, Software Testing, Team Player, Technical Leadership, Technical Support, Test Data, Test Design, Time Management, United States Department of Energy (DOE)
LOCATION
Cheswick, PA
POSTED
30+ days ago

The Industrial Product Development Chemist will serve as an individual contributor within a technical team of 6–10 associates, supporting the development of primers and topcoats for light industrial applications. This role combines hands-on laboratory work with formulation design, testing, and data analysis, while also providing manufacturing and field support, including monitoring scale-up batches at production sites.

This position reports directly to the Technical Manager for Industrial Coatings within the Science & Technology Team.

 

Key Responsibilities

  • Develop and optimize primers and topcoats for light industrial applications
  • Perform hands-on laboratory formulation, testing, and evaluation of coatings
  • Design and execute experiments (DOE) to improve product performance, quality, and cost
  • Analyze and interpret data to drive formulation decisions and product improvements
  • Support manufacturing scale-up, including overseeing production batches and troubleshooting issues
  • Provide technical support to field teams and manufacturing sites
  • Evaluate coatings for performance characteristics such as corrosion resistance, durability, adhesion, and finish quality
  • Apply coatings using various techniques including spray, brush, and roll, based on customer requirements
  • Collaborate cross-functionally with R&D, manufacturing, operations, and commercial teams
  • Ensure adherence to safety standards and best laboratory/manufacturing practices
  • Manage multiple projects and priorities to deliver results on time and in full
  • Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives focused on efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and product quality

 

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or related field
  • 5–10 years of experience in formulation, product development, or materials R&D
  • Strong understanding of experimental design, data analysis, and laboratory best practices
  • Proven ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
  • Strong communication and collaboration skills

 

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience with coatings formulation, application, and performance testing
  • Familiarity with waterborne and solvent borne systems, including:
    • Alkyd
    • Urethane
    • Acrylic
    • Epoxy
  • Experience with 1K and 2K coating technologies
  • Knowledge of industrial coatings performance requirements, including corrosion resistance, durability, and environmental exposure
  • Experience supporting manufacturing scale-up and production environments

 

Work Environment & Details

  • On-site, full-time position
  • 1–2 year term assignment, with potential for extension based on performance and business needs
  • Hands-on lab and manufacturing environment with close collaboration across teams

Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. without employment-based visa sponsorship (now or in the future). This includes H-1B, L-1, TN, O-1, E-3, H-1B1, F-1, J-1, OPT, CPT or any other employment-based visas).

About the Company

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The Pittsburgh Paints Co