Head of Coatings R&D & Innovation

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

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.