Research and Development Chemist. Global Manufacturer
Apply now »Date: Jan 22, 2026
Location: Waukegan, IL, US, 60085-5652
Company: AkzoNobel
We supply the sustainable and innovative paints and coatings that our customers, communities – and the environment – are increasingly relying on. Our world class portfolio of brands – including Dulux, International, Sikkens and Interpon – is trusted by customers around the globe. We’re active in more than 150 countries and have set our sights on becoming the global industry leader. It’s what you’d expect from a pioneering paints company that’s committed to science-based targets and is taking genuine action to address globally relevant challenges and protect future generations.
For more information please visit www.akzonobel.com.
© 2023 Akzo Nobel N.V. All rights reserved.
Job Purpose
Evaluate and apply standard scientific techniques, processes, and criteria in the development, adaptation, and modification of new and existing products and technologies in alignment with strategy, project and functional standards. Will drive project objectives, meeting timelines and quality standards.
Key Responsibilities
- Participate in or lead research and development projects and experiments within business unit, ensuring execution and delivery of technical results according to the plan and established priorities.
- Plan and execute Design of Experiment (DOE) using State-Ease or other statistical software.
- Work in accordance with quality standards as set by laboratory management such as ISO 9001.
- Protect AkzoNobel technologies to include Intellectual Property (IP) law and patent applications.
- Explain technical concepts, presenting solutions to improve collaborations and achieve outcomes.
- Provide technical assistance and support to Production, Sales, and Marketing in the support of product scale-up, quality control, application testing, and additional cross-functional activities.
- Maintain detailed technical records in the form of electronic Notebook and/or within computer databases.
- Develop, mentor and support co-workers to ensure deliverables.
- Interact with suppliers and customers.
- Maintain and promote a safe work environment, complying with safety policies and procedures.
- Must be able to travel up to 30%.
Job Requirements
- Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, Material Science, or related scientific field. Advanced degree preferred.
- 3 years' research and development experience. Experience in polyurethane coatings development and aerospace coatings preferred.
- Knowledgeable of materials, products, and technologies frequently used within the scope an assigned project or laboratory group organization.
- Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where standardization exists.
- Use milling equipment to make paint, spray panels, perform testing per customer specifications. Must be able to organize and interpret data, develop insights based on knowledge of chemical structures and reactivity, propose and test hypotheses, and draw conclusions.
- Ability to write technical reports summarizing data and work results.
- Ability to apply concepts of algebra and basic statistics.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office.
- Must be fluent in English.
Physical Requirements
The physical demands described herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
- Regularly required to stand and use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tool, or controls, walk and sit, lift objects up to 40 pounds.
- Wear a variety of personal protective equipment including safety glasses, safety shoes, chemical resistant gloves, laboratory coat, and/or positive and negative pressure respirators.
- Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and color vision.
Rewards and Benefits
The salary range for these skills is $75,000.00 - $80,000.00 based upon education and experience. 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.
Perks for Joining AkzoNobel!
Medical insurance with HAS
Dental, Vision, Life, AD&D benefits
Annual bonus
401K retirement savings with 6% company match
Generous vacation, personal and holiday pay
Paid Parental leave
Active Diversity and Inclusion Networks
Career growth opportunities on a regional and global scale
Tuition Reimbursement
Career growth opportunities
Employee referral bonus
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age or disability.
Requisition ID: 50867