Lead Development Chemist

PPG; Adrian (MI); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Life insurance

Retirement plan

Paid vacation and holidays

Employee assistance program (EAP)

Disability/Leave

Voluntary benefits

Job summary

PPG is seeking a senior specialist at our Adrian, MI site to manage special adhesives and sealants projects, including root‑cause analysis and formula revisions. You will coordinate with Operations, Quality, and Optima to drive launches, scale‑up activities, and customer communication while supporting NA growth and existing accounts.

The role requires a PhD or BS/MS with substantial industrial experience in adhesives, strong leadership, and the ability to work independently within

Qualifications

• PhD or BS/MS with substantial industrial experience in adhesives and sealants required.
• Hands-on research and leadership experience in industrial settings.
• Strong root cause analysis methodologies and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication across levels and functions.
• Ability to independently scope and execute projects and lead cross-functional teams.
• Experience designing and developing experiments based on statistical principles.
• Experience interacting with internal and external customers a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage special adhesives and sealants projects.
• Conduct root cause analysis to resolve customer-reported issues.
• Revise commercial formulas as needed.
• Collaborate with Operations, Quality, and Optima teams.
• Facilitate product launches through Secure Launch process involvement.
• Develop technical expertise in product scale-up and launch activities.
• Build relationships with technical leaders and stakeholders.
• Present technologies, test reports, and strategies to customers.
• Support growth strategies and maintain existing accounts.
• Travel domestically and internationally as needed (~10%).

Skills

Hands-on research

Leadership

Root cause analysis

Communication

Independent projects

Experimental design

Cross-functional

Customer development

Education

PhD in chemistry/polymer science/coatings/material science/engineering with 1–3 years industrial experience

BS/MS in similar fields with 5–7 years industrial experience

Job description

responsible for managing special adhesives and sealants projects at the Adrian, MI manufacturing site. This role focuses on root cause analysis, commercial formula revisions, customer communication, and cross-functional collaboration with Operations, Quality, and Optima teams. The position supports growth initiatives in North America while maintaining existing customer accounts. Success requires strong communication, collaboration, and the ability to independently scope and execute projects. Experience with epoxy-amine, polyurethane, PVC plastisol, and waterborne latex chemistries is beneficial.

PPG offers comprehensive benefits such as Health, Dental, Life, Retirement Plan, Paid Vacation & Holidays, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Disability/Leave, and other Voluntary benefit offerings. Actual benefit offerings confirmed at the time of hire.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage special adhesives and sealants projects
• Conduct root cause analysis to resolve customer-reported issues
• Revise commercial formulas as needed
• Collaborate effectively with Operations, Quality, and Optima teams
• Facilitate product launches through involvement in the Secure Launch process
• Develop technical expertise in product scale-up and launch activities
• Build and maintain relationships with technical leaders, stakeholders, and commercial teams
• Present technologies, test reports, and strategies to internal and external customers
• Support company growth strategies and maintain existing accounts
• Travel domestically and internationally as needed (~10%)

Qualifications

• PhD in chemistry, polymer science, coatings science, material science, or physical/chemical engineering with 1–3 years of industrial experience, OR BS/MS in similar fields with 5–7 years of industrial experience
• Must have industry experience in adhesives and sealants to be considered.
• Demonstrated hands‑on research and leadership skills
• Experience with root cause analysis methodologies
• Strong oral and written communication skills across all levels and functions
• Ability to work independently and within cross-functional teams
• Experience designing and developing experiments based on statistical principles
• Self‑starter with leadership and problem‑solving capabilities
• Experience in product or customer development environments is preferred
• Experience interacting with internal and external customers is a plus

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.