Chemist I - R&D Testing & Analytics

Tarkett; Dalton (GA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive benefits

Retirement plan options

Flexible work arrangements

Job summary

Tarkett is seeking a Chemist I in R&D Testing & Analytics to support product development, quality improvement, and innovation through chemical and physical testing of raw materials, adhesives, and flooring products. The role involves analyzing data, developing new methods, and collaborating with R&D, Manufacturing, Quality, and Engineering teams.

You will work with GC/MS, FTIR, microscopy, and mechanical testing equipment, contributing to continuous improvement and manufacturing excellence.

Qualifications

• BS in Chemistry or related field; 2–5 years industrial testing experience preferred.
• Experience with ASTM/ISO testing standards.
• Experience developing or validating lab methods is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine and non-routine chemical and physical analyses of materials using ASTM/ISO methods.
• Support product development, quality improvement, and manufacturing excellence through data analysis.
• Develop and validate lab methods; improve testing efficiency and data accuracy.
• Operate and maintain GC/MS, FTIR, microscopy, and mechanical testing equipment.
• Document results, prepare reports, and communicate findings to cross-functional teams.
• Maintain accurate lab records and adhere to safety and regulatory standards.

Skills

Attention to detail

Analytical thinking

Communication (written & verbal)

Problem-solving

Multi-priority management

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor of Science in Chemistry or related Physical Science/Engineering

Tools

GC/MS

FTIR spectroscopy

Microscopy

Tensile testing

Compression testing

Laboratory software / data analysis tools

Excel

Job description

Tarkett has a great opportunity for a Chemist I (R&D Testing & Analytics). Tarkett is seeking a motivated Chemist I (R&D Testing & Analytics) to join our Testing, Analytics & Standards team. This position plays a critical role in supporting product development, quality improvement, and innovation through chemical and physical testing of raw materials, adhesives, and finished flooring products. The Chemist I (R&D Testing & Analytics) will perform routine and advanced laboratory analyses using ASTM, ISO, and internal testing methods while contributing to new analytical method development and continuous improvement initiatives. This role offers the opportunity to work with advanced analytical instrumentation, develop data-driven laboratory solutions, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to support new product development and manufacturing excellence.

Your skills we value:

• Perform routine and non-routine chemical and physical analyses of raw materials, intermediates, adhesives, and finished products using ASTM, ISO, and internal laboratory methods.
• Conduct laboratory testing to support research and development, product validation, quality assurance, and competitive product benchmarking.
• Assist in developing, validating, and improving laboratory test methods that evaluate product performance under standard and adverse installation conditions.
• Operate and maintain analytical instrumentation including Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS), FTIR spectroscopy, microscopy, tensile testing equipment, compression testing systems, and other laboratory equipment.
• Develop software-driven or automated analytical methods that improve laboratory efficiency, testing accuracy, and data collection.
• Analyze experimental results using statistical methods and prepare technical reports, summaries, and recommendations.
• Collaborate with Research & Development, Manufacturing, Quality, and Engineering teams to solve product and process challenges.
• Maintain accurate laboratory records, documentation, and test data in accordance with company and regulatory standards.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives by identifying opportunities to improve laboratory processes and testing capabilities.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized laboratory environment while following all World Class Manufacturing (WCM) safety standards and PPE requirements.
• Perform physical laboratory tasks, including preparing test specimens, lifting materials up to 50 pounds, and cutting flooring samples when required.
• Performs other duties as required

TECHNICAL SKILLS

• Experience with ASTM, ISO, and laboratory testing standards Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS) FTIR Spectroscopy Microscopy Tensile and Compression Testing
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
• Experience using laboratory software, data analysis tools, or statistical software is preferred.
• Understanding of statistical analysis and experimental design.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills.
• Attention to detail and accuracy.
• Scientific curiosity and continuous learning mindset.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational and time management abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced laboratory environment.
• Collaborative team player with the ability to work independently.
• Problem-solving and continuous improvement mindset

Desired:

• Bachelor of Science in Chemistry (preferred) or related Physical Science/Engineering with 2 to 5 years of experience in an industrial testing environment.
• Technical degree with analytical proficiency preferred.
• Experience in physical applications of chemistry related to flooring, adhesive and subfloor systems.
• Fundamental understanding of basic statistical concepts and applications.

What We Offer

• A commitment that Safety is #1 Competitive benefits, pay, and retirement plan options!
• Career growth, stability, and flexible work arrangements.
• Responsible Manufacturing – Protecting Our Planet for the Future
• We utilize renewable energy and a closed loop recycled water process.
• We are committed to reducing greenhouse emissions and water consumption.
• We are the only flooring company recognized by the Asthma and Allergy foundation.

Who we are:

With a history of more than 140 years, Tarkett is a worldwide leader in innovative and sustainable flooring and sport surface solutions, generating turnover of €3.3 billion in 2025. The Group has close to 12,000 employees, 25 R&D centers, 8 recycling centers and 33 production sites. Tarkett creates and manufactures solutions for hospitals, schools, housing, hotels, offices, stores and sports fields, serving customers in over 100 countries. To build “The Way to Better Floors,” the Group is committed to circular economy and sustainability, in line with its Tarkett Human‑Conscious Design® approach.

Tarkett is an equal opportunity employer.

We value diversity in backgrounds and in experiences and promote an inclusive workplace where all employees can perform at their best.

As a worldwide leader of the flooring industry, we design, manufacture and provide our customers the most innovative and sustainable flooring and sports surface solutions. At Tarkett we cultivate a culture of entrepreneurship with respect and trust. We make conscious choices, for people and for the planet and we commit to be next to your every step of the way. At Tarkett we help create great spaces. We believe in taking care of our people, our customers and our planet. We believe in being agile and performance-driven in everything that we do in order to find the best flooring and sports surface solutions.

https://www.tarkett.com/