Production Chemist

Wattyl Australia Pty.; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Wattyl is seeking a Production Chemist to support manufacturing with a focus on continuous improvement, process optimisation and quality control. You will contribute to reducing defects, improving yield and cycle times, and coordinating formulation changes with Production and R&D using SAP and Product Vision.

The role requires a tertiary chemistry or chemical engineering degree and experience in manufacturing coatings or related industries.

Qualifications

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to identify and resolve process and quality issues.
• Effective communication skills, with the ability to collaborate across teams and prepare clear reports and documentation.

Responsibilities

• Drive continuous improvement by reducing defects, rework, process variability, and production inefficiencies while improving yield and cycle times.
• Provide process and technical support through troubleshooting production issues, investigating problem batches, and implementing corrective actions.
• Lead formulation and product changes by coordinating new formulations and raw material introductions, and coordinating between Production and R&D using Product Vision and SAP.
• Manage quality and non-conformance activities including investigations, root cause analysis and quality improvement initiatives.
• Optimize material utilisation and waste reduction through rework strategies, stock management and cost recovery programs.
• Support quality control operations with technical expertise, laboratory support, testing and calibration oversight.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Communication

Self-motivation

Team collaboration

Education

Chemistry or Chemical Engineering degree

Tools

SAP

Product Vision

Job description

Do you want to build a career with responsible impact? If you have the drive to develop a proactive manufacturing environment, where continuous improvement of processes and formulations will result in low defect and rework rates, yield improvements, faster cycle times and better process consistency then this Production Chemist role is for you!

Are You Looking to Build a Career That Contributes to a Brighter Future?

Wattyl is a part of the Hempel Group, a global company specialising in the Development and manufacturing ofsustainable coating solutions for a wide variety of industries around the world, as a business we’re on a mission to double our impact. To succeed, we need bright minds and team players in our organization. As the Production Chemist you will be providing technical support for the manufacturing processes on our sites.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Driving Continuous Improvement by reducing defects, rework, process variability, and production inefficiencies while improving yield and cycle times.
• Providing Process & Technical Support through troubleshooting production issues, investigating problem batches, and implementing corrective actions.
• Leading Formulation & Product Changes by coordinating new formulations, raw material introductions, technical transfers, and collaboration between Production and R&D using Product Vision and SAP systems
• Managing Quality & Non-Conformance Activities including investigations, root cause analysis, customer complaints, and quality improvement initiatives.
• Optimising Material Utilisation & Waste Reduction through rework strategies, stock optimisation, obsolete material management, and cost recovery programs.
• Supporting Quality Control Operations by providing technical expertise, laboratory support, testing, calibration oversight, and coaching QC team members.

Have You Got What We’re Looking For?

Tertiary qualification in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related scientific discipline.

Experience in a manufacturing environment, ideally within coatings, chemicals, or a related industry.

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to identify and resolve process and quality issues.

Effective communication skills, with the ability to collaborate across teams and prepare clear reports and documentation.

Self-motivated and results-oriented, able to manage priorities and work independently with minimal supervision.

Proficiency in Microsoft Office and business systems; experience with SAP and Product Vision will be highly regarded.

Do You Want to Be Part of a Global Team Where Collaboration Drives Success?

At Wattyl, we offer you the flexibility you need to thrive both professionally and personally. With trust, support, and autonomy, you’ll have the tools you need to succeed. We believe in on-the-job learning, providing you withgreat opportunities for ongoing development and progression within a work culture that empowers you toachieve more and reach your goals.

Does This Sound Like a Match?

Please note you must have unrestricted valid rights to work in Australia - Australian Citizenship or Permanent Residency to apply.