Senior Ink Chemist (WV, Wheeling)

Job Summary / Essential Responsibilities Direct the strategic formulation and development lifecycle of next-generation inkjet, functional, and security ink platforms while auditing existing formulations for continuous optimization. Architect, oversee, and execute complex ink development programs from concept to commercialization using advanced statistical and scientific methodologies. Synthesize deep technical expertise in pigment/dye chemistry, functional materials, and high-speed printhead dynamics to design products that exceed rigorous performance, reliability, and regulatory standards. Establish system-level compatibility matrices to validate ink-to-hardware interaction across diverse printhead architectures, specialized substrates, and demanding end-use application environments. Lead root-cause investigations to resolve systemic, multi-variable formulation, application, and product-performance challenges. Drive technology scouting to identify, evaluate, and integrate disruptive raw materials and emerging technologies into the long-term product roadmap. Define rigorous raw-material specifications and manage strategic technical partnerships with global suppliers regarding material synthesis, quality control, and specialized requirements. Partner with cross-functional executives in Quality Assurance, Engineering, and Operations to champion seamless phase-gate transitions from laboratory synthesis to high-volume manufacturing. Serve as the primary technical authority during product scale-up, technology transfers, and advanced manufacturing troubleshooting initiatives. Design novel testing methodologies and analytical frameworks to decode complex experimental data, establishing predictive models to guide formulation vectors. Oversee the generation of critical IP and comprehensive technical documentation, including patent disclosures, project whitepapers, regulatory filings, and manufacturing specifications. Govern the formal release of new product lines and formulation revisions in absolute compliance with ISO-audited procedures and enterprise resource planning (ERP) frameworks. Act as the principal subject-matter expert (SME) for specialty ink chemistry and digital printing technologies across the global organization. Mentor, coach, and develop the technical capabilities of junior and mid-level R&D chemists, cultivating a culture of rigorous scientific excellence. Monitor the competitive landscape and macro-industry trends to maintain the organization's technological edge in digital imaging and functional fluids. Manage the R&D project portfolio, optimizing resource allocation and capital expenditure to align with corporate milestones and commercial timelines. Enforce laboratory safety cultures, ensuring infrastructure compliance with international standards, ISO requirements, and corporate environmental, health, and safety (EHS) policies. Required Qualifications and Education Education Bachelor or Master's Degree in Chemistry, Polymer Science, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related physical science discipline. Experience Minimum of 8 years (Master's) or 10+ years (Bachelor's) of progressive, hands-on industrial R&D experience specializing in inkjet ink formulation, functional fluids, or complex fluid mechanics, and ink/printhead interaction. Demonstrated track record of successfully launching commercialized inkjet products from laboratory scale through pilot production to high-volume manufacturing. Proven experience leading complex, multi-variable technical projects and managing cross-functional timelines. Experience mentoring, training, or supervising junior chemists, laboratory technicians, or engineering peers. Technical Skills & Expertise Deep, fundamental understanding of surfactant chemistry, rheology modifiers, dispersion stabilization mechanisms, resin/binder crosslinking chemistry, and color science (pigments and dyes). Comprehensive knowledge of inkjet printhead architectures (e.g., piezo, thermal) and the drop-on-demand (DoD) or continuous inkjet (CIJ) jetting mechanics required to optimize waveform compatibility. Strong familiarity with surface energy, adhesion promoters, and chemical interactions across diverse substrates (e.g., films, plastics, papers, metals), alongside expertise in UV/UV-LED radiation curing, EB curing, or thermal drying mechanisms. Expert proficiency in interpreting complex data from advanced characterization tools such as rotational rheometers, dynamic surface tensiometers, particle size analyzers (DLS), drop-watchers, and analytical spectroscopy. Direct experience generating invention disclosures, analyzing patent landscapes. Core Competencies & Soft Skills Strong root-cause analysis skills utilizing structured frameworks (e.g., DOE, FMEA) to systematically untangle compound formulation or jetting failures. Confident technical communication skills to negotiate specifications and collaborate effectively with global raw-material suppliers and contract manufacturing partners. Ability to distill highly technical data into concise business impacts for cross-functional executives, commercial stakeholders, and customers.