Coatings Research and Development Head

PPG; Acolman; On-site; MXN 600,000 - 800,000; Full time

Job summary

PPG seeks an S&T Research Chemist to lead formulation, development, and optimization of water-based paints. You will drive projects, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and apply DOE and ML methods to improve products while meeting safety and cost targets.

You will report to Supervisor S&T Product Development and help build a high-performance formulation team on site in Mexico. Advanced English and a track record in coatings are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Industrial Chemistry, Materials Engineering, or a related field.
• Master's degree in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Polymers, or a related discipline.
• More than 5 years of experience leading technical teams.
• At least 10 years of experience in paint and coatings development and formulation for candidates with a bachelor's degree.
• Demonstrated experience managing multiple development and new ideas projects simultaneously.
• Advanced expertise in water-based paint formulation.
• Knowledge of polymers, resins, pigments, additives, and coatings chemistry.
• Design and analysis of experiments (DOE).
• Statistical analysis software proficiency.
• ERP systems knowledge Oracle.
• Experience applying Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence in research and development environments.
• Advanced English proficiency.
• Work in site.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and develop a team of formulators to ensure achievement of technical and strategic goals.
• Foster a positive work environment by promoting employee engagement, collaboration, and professional development.
• Manage team performance through feedback, delegation, and capability development.
• Ensure compliance with safety, health, and environmental policies within the work area.
• Lead new product and process development projects aligned with market needs and business strategy.
• Coordinate optimization and continuous improvement projects for existing products.
• Apply advanced coatings chemistry and water-based paint formulation expertise to solve complex technical challenges.
• Manage multiple development projects simultaneously, resources and timelines.
• Implement formulation cost-reduction opportunities while maintaining or improving product performance.
• Provide technical solutions aligned with cost, quality, and productivity goals.
• Provide specialized technical support to manufacturing operations to ensure business continuity.
• Coordinate non-conforming batch adjustments and implementation of corrective actions.
• Maintain formulas, technical specifications, and related documentation up to date.
• Collaborate with manufacturing, quality, supply chain, and commercial teams to resolve operational and technical issues.
• Apply Design of Experiments (DOE) methodologies and statistical tools to improve formulations and processes.
• Use automation, artificial intelligence, and machine learning technologies to accelerate development and progress processes.
• Use corporate systems and technology tools for project and information management.

Skills

Team leadership

Water-based coatings

DOE

Statistics software

Machine learning / AI in R&D

Polymers / resins / pigments / Additiv

Advanced English

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Industrial Chemistry, Materials Engineering, or related field

Master's degree in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Polymers, or related discipline

Tools

Oracle ERP

Job description

As an S&T Research Chemist, you will lead research, formulation, optimization, and water-based paint product development activities. You will meet goals concerning performance, cost, quality, and implementation timelines. You will support operational continuity through specialized technical assistance to manufacturing plants while promoting innovation, continuous improvement, and the development of the formulation team under the highest standards of safety, hygiene, and efficiency.

You will report to Supervisor S&T Product Development.

Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate and develop a team of formulators to ensure achievement of technical and strategic goals.
• Foster a positive work environment by promoting employee engagement, collaboration, and professional development.
• Manage team performance through feedback, delegation, and capability development.
• Ensure compliance with safety, health, and environmental policies within the work area.
• Lead new product and process development projects aligned with market needs and business strategy.
• Coordinate optimization and continuous improvement projects for existing products.
• Apply advanced coatings chemistry and water-based paint formulation expertise to solve complex technical challenges.
• Manage multiple development projects simultaneously, resources and timelines.
• Implement formulation cost-reduction opportunities while maintaining or improving product performance.
• Provide technical solutions aligned with cost, quality, and productivity goals.
• Provide specialized technical support to manufacturing operations to ensure business continuity.
• Coordinate non-conforming batch adjustments and implementation of corrective actions.
• Maintain formulas, technical specifications, and related documentation up to date.
• Collaborate with manufacturing, quality, supply chain, and commercial teams to resolve operational and technical issues.
• Apply Design of Experiments (DOE) methodologies and statistical tools to improve formulations and processes.
• Use automation, artificial intelligence, and machine learning technologies to accelerate development and progress processes.
• Use corporate systems and technology tools for project and information management.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Industrial Chemistry, Materials Engineering, or a related field.
• Master's degree in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Polymers, or a related discipline.
• More than 5 years of experience leading technical teams.
• At least 10 years of experience in paint and coatings development and formulation for candidates with a bachelor's degree.
• Demonstrated experience managing multiple development and new ideas projects simultaneously.
• Advanced expertise in water-based paint formulation.
• Knowledge of polymers, resins, pigments, additives, and coatings chemistry.
• Design and analysis of experiments (DOE).
• Statistical analysis software proficiency.
• ERP systems knowledge Oracle.
• Experience applying Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence in research and development environments.
• Advanced English proficiency.
• Work in site.

About Us

PPG: WE PROTECT AND BEAUTIFY THE WORLD®

Through leadership in innovation, sustainability and color, PPG helps customers in industrial, transportation, consumer products, and construction markets and aftermarkets to enhance more surfaces in more ways than does any other company. To learn more, visit www.ppg.com and follow @PPG on X.

The PPG Way 2030

We are customer champions

Proactive. Bold. Trustworthy. Everything we do starts with our customers. We listen, move fast and don’t stop until we solve their biggest challenges. When our customers win, we all grow.

We act with purpose and speed

Agile. Data-driven. Empowered. We take smart risks to stay ahead of the competition. We work proactively with agility, using quality data to develop solutions that create value.

We are excellent operators

Productive. Collaborative. Accountable. No matter our role, we identify problems, take ownership and always bring solutions. We are both proactive and responsive to drive continuous improvement and deliver results. We support our frontline, the faces of PPG to our customers.

We compete to win

Future-focused. Driven. Ambitious. We are passionate about growing our business and winning with our customers. We deliver results, embrace new technologies and leverage agility and speed as strengths.

We are PPG proud

Strong. United. Passionate. We work safely, act with integrity and value our diverse perspectives. We celebrate achievements and take pride in the positive impact we create together to protect and beautify the world.

At PPG we use AI in the hiring process to make the process more efficient. AI tools do not make hiring decisions. You can learn more by going to https://careers.ppg.com/us/en/candidate-resources.

PPG provides equal opportunity to all candidates and employees. We offer an opportunity to grow and develop your career in an environment that provides a fulfilling workplace for employees, creates an environment for continuous learning, and embraces the ideas and diversity of others. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, pregnancy, race, color, creed, religion, national origin, age, disability status, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.

If you need an adjustment due to a disability, please email [e-mail].

PPG pay ranges and benefits can vary by location which allows us to compensate employees competitively in different geographic markets. PPG considers several factors in making compensation decisions including, but not limited to, skill sets, experience and training, qualifications and education, licensure and certifications, and other organizational needs. Other incentives may apply.

Our employee benefits programs are designed to support the health and well-being of our employees. Any insurance coverages and benefits will be in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans and associated governing plan documents. Benefits will be discussed with you by your recruiter during the hiring process.

PPG values your feedback on our recruiting process. We encourage you to visit Glassdoor.com and provide feedback on the process, so that we can do better today than yesterday.