Development Chemist

Jonathan Lee Group; Cricklade; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Jonathan Lee Group is seeking a Development Chemist in Swindon, Wiltshire, to join a small specialist team developing automotive coating products. You will work across formulation, lab testing, trials and scale-up, supporting production and customer applications.

The role suits chemists with coatings or paint formulation experience, a hands-on approach, and strong data interpretation. You will collaborate with production and customers to deliver product improvements.

Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent qualification in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or related discipline.
• Experience or understanding of coatings technology, formulation or chemical product development.
• Practical laboratory experience involving formulation, testing or product development.
• Strong attention to detail and methodical approach to testing and problem solving.
• Ability to interpret technical data and produce clear technical documentation.
• Good communication skills and confidence to work with production teams and customers.
• Hands-on approach across the full product development process.

Responsibilities

• Developing and improving automotive coatings, primers, basecoats and clearcoats to meet customer specs and industry standards.
• Formulating and developing automotive coatings and related chemical products.
• Developing and modifying formulations to meet customer specifications and performance requirements.
• Selecting and evaluating raw materials and assessing their impact on performance and stability.
• Carrying out laboratory testing, product evaluation and performance testing.
• Conducting stability testing and quality checks to ensure consistency and performance.
• Developing and validating test methods aligned with customer requirements and legislation.
• Applying coatings and assessing their performance under different conditions.
• Carrying out product trials in the lab and at customer sites.
• Investigating issues and providing technical problem solving support.
• Preparing technical reports and development documentation.
• Supporting the transition of new formulations into production.
• Providing technical support to production during scale-up, trials and troubleshooting.
• Collaborating with customers and other teams to deliver improvements.

Skills

Chemistry

Coatings technology

Laboratory testing

Data interpretation

Education

Degree in Chemistry or related field

Job description

Development Chemist

Swindon, Wiltshire

Competitive Salary

Overview:

• We are recruiting for a Development Chemist to join a small, specialist team developing and improving coating products for the automotive industry.
• This is a hands-on product development position combining formulation, laboratory testing, product trials, technical support and manufacturing scale-up. You will work across the full development process, from developing and testing formulations through to supporting production and conducting trials with customers.
• The role would suit a Development Chemist, Formulation Chemist, Coatings Chemist, R&D Chemist or Product Development Chemist with experience of coatings, paints, formulations or a related chemical product environment.

The Role:

• You will be involved in the development and improvement of automotive coating products, including primers, basecoats and clearcoats, ensuring products meet customer specifications, quality requirements and relevant industry standards.
• Your responsibilities will include:
• Formulating and developing automotive coatings, paints and related chemical products.
• Developing and modifying formulations to meet customer specifications and performance requirements.
• Selecting and evaluating raw materials and assessing their impact on product performance and stability.
• Carrying out laboratory testing, product evaluation and performance testing.
• Conducting stability testing and quality checks to ensure consistency and product performance.
• Developing and validating test methods in line with customer requirements and relevant legislation.
• Applying coatings and assessing their performance under different conditions.
• Carrying out product trials within the laboratory and at customer sites.
• Investigating formulation or product performance issues and supporting technical problem solving.
• Preparing technical reports, test results and product development documentation.
• Supporting the transition of new and improved formulations into production.
• Providing technical support to the production team during manufacturing scale-up, trials and troubleshooting.
• Working closely with customers, production and other technical teams to resolve issues and deliver product improvements.
• Ensuring laboratory and development activities comply with health, safety, quality and regulatory requirements.
• Keeping up to date with relevant legislation, standards and technical developments within the coatings industry.

About You:

We are looking for a practical and technically minded chemist who enjoys working across both laboratory development and real-world product applications.

Essential:

• Degree or equivalent qualification in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or a related scientific/technical discipline.
• Experience or a strong understanding of coatings technology, formulation or chemical product development.
• Practical laboratory experience involving formulation, testing or product development.
• Strong attention to detail and a methodical approach to testing and problem solving.
• Ability to interpret technical data and produce clear technical documentation.
• Good communication skills and the confidence to work with production teams and customers.
• A hands-on approach and willingness to get involved across the full product development process.

Desirable:

• Experience in one or more of the following would be advantageous:
• Automotive coatings / automotive paints
• Industrial coatings
• Paint formulation
• Coatings formulation
• Primer, basecoat or clearcoat development
• Polymer or resin chemistry
• Surface coatings
• Chemical product development
• Laboratory testing and performance evaluation
• Coating application/testing
• Product trials
• Manufacturing scale-up
• Technical support within a manufacturing environment
• Customer-facing technical support

Previous experience within a small or specialist manufacturing business would also be beneficial, as the role requires someone who is comfortable being hands-on and supporting a wide range of activities when required.

What We're Looking For:

Above all, you will be a self-motivated, practical and hands-on Development Chemist who enjoys solving technical problems and seeing products progress from laboratory development through to production and customer application.

You should be comfortable working in a small team where responsibilities can vary from day to day, and where your technical input can have a direct impact on product quality, development and customer satisfaction.

If you are currently working as a Development Chemist, Formulation Chemist, Coatings Chemist, Paint Chemist, R&D Chemist, Product Development Chemist or Chemical Development Scientist, this could be an excellent opportunity to develop your career within a specialist automotive coatings environment.