Research & Development Manager - Auto Finishes

Achyutam International; Panaji; On-site; INR 725,000 - 1,160,000; Full time

Job summary

Achyutam International is seeking an experienced RD Manager for Automotive Finishes in Nairobi, Kenya. The role leads R&D, formulation, testing and innovation for automotive paints and coatings, directing lab operations and product validation.

The candidate should have 8-12 years in paints/coatings, strong hands-on formulation skills, and expertise in resins, pigments, solvents and additives. A leadership role in an RD lab is essential for success.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's in Chemistry, Polymer Science, Chemical Engineering, Paint Technology or related discipline.
• 8-12 years of experience in paints and coatings.
• Strong hands-on experience in paint formulation and product development.
• Knowledge of resins, pigments, solvents, additives and coating technologies.
• Experience in managing an RD laboratory and leading technical teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and formulation of automotive paints, coatings and finishing products.
• Develop and improve automotive refinish systems including primers, putties, basecoats, clearcoats and topcoats.
• Develop new formulations based on market requirements and customer specifications.
• Handle formulation development, colour matching, shade development and adjustments.
• Ensure properties like gloss, adhesion, hardness, flexibility, drying time and chemical resistance.
• Manage RD laboratory operations, equipment, testing procedures and resources.
• Establish and maintain testing protocols for product performance and quality.
• Conduct laboratory trials, pilot batches and product validation.

Skills

Paint formulation

RD leadership

Coatings technology

Color matching

Laboratory management

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Chemistry/Paint Technology

Tools

Spectrophotometer

Rheometer

Laboratory management software

Job description

Job Description : RD Manager (Automotive Finishes)

Location: Nairobi , Kenya

Industry: Paints Coatings Manufacturing

Role:

We are looking for an experienced RD Manager - Automotive Finishes to lead research, product development, formulation, testing and technical innovation for automotive paint and coating products.

• Lead the development and formulation of automotive paints, coatings and finishing products.
• Develop and improve automotive refinish systems, including primers, putties, basecoats, clearcoats and topcoats.
• Develop new formulations based on market requirements, customer specifications and emerging technologies.
• Handle formulation development, colour matching, shade development and adjustments.
• Ensure the required properties of automotive finishes, including gloss, adhesion, hardness, flexibility, drying time and chemical resistance.
• Manage RD laboratory operations, equipment, testing procedures and resources.
• Establish and maintain testing protocols for product performance and quality.
• Conduct laboratory trials, pilot batches and product validation.

Educational Qualification

• Bachelors or Masters degree in Chemistry, Polymer Science, Chemical Engineering, Paint Technology or a related discipline.

Experience Skills

• 8-12 years of experience in the paints and coatings industry.
• Relevant experience in automotive finishes, automotive refinish paints or automotive coatings.
• Strong hands‑on experience in paint formulation and product development.
• Good knowledge of resins, pigments, solvents, additives and coating technologies.
• Experience in managing an RD laboratory and leading technical teams.

Disclaimer: This job posting has been aggregated from external source. Role details, content, and availability are subject to change. Applicants are advised to confirm the latest information directly on the company website before applying.