Global Liquid Systems Tech Lead – Inks & Coatings

Confidential; Germany (OH); Remote; USD 115,407 - 138,488; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

10–15% performance bonus

Opportunity to work on advanced materials technologies

Job summary

A leading global technology firm is looking for a Global Technology Manager – Liquid Systems to provide technical leadership in inks and coatings. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in carbon black applications and will collaborate with customers and internal teams to drive innovation. This remote role requires strong expertise in dispersion science and rheology, and fluency in German and English. The candidate will manage technical services and engage with global customers while contributing to product development initiatives.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience working with carbon black in inks or coatings applications.
• Fluent German and English communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a global technical expert for materials used in inks, paints, and coatings applications.
• Lead advanced troubleshooting related to dispersion, rheology, gloss, color performance, and formulation stability.
• Define global applications laboratory standards and dispersion best practices.
• Collaborate with R&D teams to improve surface chemistry, dispersibility, and application performance.

Skills

Dispersion science

Rheology

Color science

Application testing

Education

Master’s degree or PhD in Chemistry, Materials Science, Polymer Science, or Chemical Engineering

Job description

Job Title: Global Technology Manager – Liquid Systems

Location: Germany or Belgium (Remote / Work From Home with Customer Visits)

Job Type: Full-Time

Compensation: Competitive Base Salary + 10–15% Performance Bonus

Job Overview

We are seeking an experienced Global Technology Manager – Liquid Systems to lead technical services and application support for advanced materials used in inks, paints, and coatings.

This role will act as a global technical authority, collaborating with customers, R&D teams, and commercial leaders to solve complex formulation challenges, accelerate product qualification, and translate market requirements into clear product development strategies.

The ideal candidate brings strong expertise in carbon black applications, dispersion science, and coatings technology, along with the ability to engage with global customers and internal teams.

Key Responsibilities:

Technical Leadership and Customer Engagement

• Serve as a global technical expert for materials used in inks, paints, and coatings applications
• Lead advanced troubleshooting related to dispersion, rheology, gloss, color performance, and formulation stability
• Design and execute experiments, trials, and scale-up testing for customer applications
• Provide technical recommendations on product selection and formulation optimization

Applications and Laboratory Strategy

• Define global applications laboratory standards and dispersion best practices
• Establish standardized test methods and performance benchmarks
• Develop structured technical data systems for faster product recommendations and performance analysis

Product Development and Innovation

• Translate customer feedback and market needs into product development initiatives
• Collaborate with R&D teams to improve surface chemistry, dispersibility, and application performance
• Support development of application maps and technical recommendation frameworks

Quality and Manufacturing Collaboration

• Support technical complaint investigations and root cause analysis
• Collaborate with manufacturing teams to strengthen critical quality parameters and product consistency
• Contribute to initiatives that improve product stability and reduce quality-related issues

Technical Marketing and Industry Engagement

• Represent the company at industry conferences, seminars, and customer technical events
• Develop technical papers, application notes, and training materials
• Support sales teams with technical insights and customer presentations

Team and Operational Leadership

• Help build and strengthen a global technical services function
• Establish KPIs, service standards, and operational processes
• Support management of technical programs and laboratory initiatives

Required Qualifications

• Master’s degree or PhD in Chemistry, Materials Science, Polymer Science, or Chemical Engineering
• 8+ years of experience working with carbon black in inks or coatings applications

Strong expertise in:

• Dispersion science
• Rheology
• Color science
• Application testing

--> Understanding of regulatory requirements and product stewardship in chemical or specialty materials industries

--> Fluent German and English communication skills

--> Willingness to travel across Europe for customer engagement

Preferred Experience

• Experience with conductive coatings, EMI shielding, battery coatings, or digital inkjet technologies
• Previous experience in global technical services, applications engineering, or technical leadership roles

Work Model

• Remote work within Germany or Belgium
• Regular customer visits and travel across Europe as required

Compensation and Benefits

• 10–15% performance bonus
• Opportunity to work on advanced materials technologies
• Exposure to global customers and innovation-driven teams