R&D Specialist II

Job Purpose

The R&D Specialist II owns execution of defined pieces of a project or Lab Work Request under the supervision of a project leader or manager. They anticipate or suggest work required or follow-up experiments to achieve an objective. The R&D Specialist II is a highly motivated person with a problem solving and customer-oriented mindset that supports the workstream leader in performing lab work necessary for new product introduction, raw material changes, product testing, and root cause analysis. They initiate networking within the technical group when needed.

Key Responsibilities

•  Undertakes R&D development projects including formulation, preparation, spraying, testing, and evaluation of paints and coatings to meet specific project requirements.
•  Delivering project results on time, ensuring quality and feasibility, according to business needs 
•  Formulates and manipulate standard paints and coatings technologies and product platforms. 
•  Develops and implements new paints and coating technologies.
•  Understand the purpose of formulation components and reformulate to solve straightforward customer (internal/external) problems with minimal supervision
•  Manage the assigned LWR /projects, including timeline and planning, on a weekly timescale
•  Provides data-driven insights to support diagnostics and resolution of issues in manufacturing, application, and formulation
•  Summarize test data in the form of spreadsheets, reports, and presentation; draws conclusions
•  Infer next course of experimental actions from completed testing and results
•  Update and raise flags on projects; anticipate and mitigate delays
•  Represent R&D and work effectively with cross-functional groups including but not limited to quality control and pilot plants
•  Maintain clean and organized work environment 
•  Provide direct support to sales, marketing and supply chain efforts through reports, presentation, and customer interaction
•  Maintains and promotes a safe work environment, complies with safety policies and procedures. Follows safe work practices for personal and equipment safety, both in the laboratory and in the field. End results are zero
   or minimum safety incidents and a clean, orderly working environment 
•  Conducts a significant level of formulation or technical work (in the lab) as defined in the project plan 
•  Asks appropriate questions to clarify requirements, expectations and critical performance parameters 
•  Documents (lab) results, visits, etc. through appropriate reporting systems 
•  Is familiar with and applies relevant experimental, development and/or analytical approaches and techniques

Level of Autonomy

Ability to determine approach to accomplish the tasks, projects as well as problem solving according to company safety guidelines. Conducts activity under general guidance and instruction. Work is prioritized regularly with managers or senior colleagues.

Job Requirements

•  Typically, 1-3 years of relevant experience with Bachelor's degree in a laboratory science or chemical engineering (preferred), or
•  7-9 years of relevant experience
•  Problem solving
•  Time / work management
•  Excellent verbal and written communication
•  Knowledge in chemistry/polymers

Benefits/Rewards

The salary range for these skills is:  $65,000 to $70,000 based on evaluated experience level.  This is the range that we in good faith anticipate relying on when setting wages for this position.  We may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range. This salary range may also be modified in the future.

This role eligible for an annual bonus target of 4%, based on individual and company performance.”

• Medical insurance with HSA
• Dental, Vision, Life, AD&D benefits 
• Annual bonus 
• 401K retirement savings with 6% company match
• Generous vacation, personal and holiday pay
• Paid Parental leave
• Hybrid work for most exempt roles
• Active Diversity & Inclusion Networks
• Career growth opportunities on a regional and global scale
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee referral bonus •