Applications Chemist

DetraPel Inc.; Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 55,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Unlimited PTO

Company healthcare benefits + vision + dental

401(k) with company match

Performance compensation & stock options

Company-sponsored athletic country club membership

Quarterly team events

Job summary

A leading performance coatings company in Charlotte, North Carolina seeks an Applications Chemist to design, synthesize, and scale bio-based polymers. The role involves lab-scale execution, performance evaluation, and cross-functional collaboration. Candidates should have a Bachelor's in a related field and ideally 1+ years of experience in coatings applications. Competitive salary of $55,000 - $60,000 annually and comprehensive benefits are provided.

Qualifications

• 1+ year hands-on applications or coatings lab experience (textiles and/or paper/packaging preferred).
• Comfortable with airless/air-assisted spray techniques.
• Detail-oriented, organized, and safety-minded.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute lab-scale polymerizations and application trials.
• Evaluate coating performance and analyze results.
• Maintain a clean and safe lab environment.

Skills

Applications Testing & Method Development

Performance Evaluation & Data Analysis

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Lab Operations, Safety & Quality

Project Management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Polymer Science, Chemical Engineering

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

Job description

The Applications Chemist role is a full-time, in-person position focused on designing, synthesizing, and scaling bio-based and non-bio-based polymers that meet target barrier and durability requirements. You will plan and execute lab-scale polymerizations, characterize materials, translate results into application-ready formulations, and partner closely with Applications, Formulation, Operations, and Manufacturing to move programs from lab to pilot to production.

Responsibilities:

Your Day To Day:

Applications Testing & Method Development (35%)

• Plan, execute, and document application trials across textiles and paper/packaging using lab-scale tools (airless/air-assisted spray, drawdowns/rod/roll, dip).
• Optimize process parameters (mixing, viscosity/solids, film build, cure/oven settings) to hit target specs.
• Draft and refine application SOPs and work instructions.

Performance Evaluation & Data Analysis (25%)

• Evaluate coating performance using relevant standards (e.g., water/oil repellency, grease/oil barrier, Cobb/Kit, contact angle, abrasion/wash durability, adhesion).
• Analyze results in Excel (or equivalent), summarize insights, and communicate recommendations to R&D, Operations, and Commercial teams.
• Prepare concise technical reports and presentations for internal and external stakeholders.

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Scale-Up Support (20%)

• Partner with formulation chemists to iterate final application-ready formulations.
• Support pilot runs, sample builds, and occasional customer demos; assist with aerosol spray pattern/coverage evaluations as needed.

Lab Operations, Safety & Quality (20%)

• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe lab; adhere to SDS/PPE requirements and good documentation practices.
• Calibrate and maintain lab equipment (balances, ovens, mixers, viscometers, goniometer/contact angle - where applicable).
• Manage basic lab inventory of consumables and substrates; help with sample shipping/receiving.

Compensation: $55,000 - $60,000 yearly

You'll Fit Right In If:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Polymer Science, Chemical Engineering (or related field).
• Experience: 1+ year hands-on applications or coatings lab experience (textiles and/or paper/packaging preferred).
• Comfortable with airless/air-assisted spray techniques and common lab coating methods (drawdown/rod/roll, dip).
• Familiarity with textile and paper coating applications; aerosol experience is a plus.
• Able to analyze and report data clearly; strong skills in Microsoft Excel and Word.
• Detail-oriented, organized, and safety-minded; capable of following and writing SOPs.
• Bonus points for exposure to any of the following: contact angle measurement, Cobb/Kit testing, rheology/viscosity control, FTIR/UV-Vis basics, TAPPI/AATCC/ASTM methods, or scale-up support.
• Thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment and communicate well across R&D, Operations, and Manufacturing.
• Excellent project management and organizational skills
• Adaptable and proactive. Ready to pivot and handle ad-hoc needs

AboutDetraPel:

• Unlimited PTO
• Company healthcare benefits + vision + dental
• 401(k) with company match
• Performance compensation & stock options
• Company-sponsored athletic country club membership
• A fun and rewarding place to work with a collaborative team environment
• Quarterly team events

DetraPel is the leading provider of performance coatings for various industrial and consumer verticals. We specialize in developing plastic-free, PFAS-free (100% fluorine-free) coatings that provide superior performance without sacrificing sustainability. DetraPel's brands create products for diverse markets, including paper, food packaging, textiles, and healthcare. Our technologies enhance the durability, resistance, and performance of various substrates while still maintaining recyclability, composability, and reliability.