Lead Epoxy Chemist - UV-Stable Coatings

Henkel; Rocky Hill (CT); On-site; USD 130,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

Work-Life Balance

Financial benefits

Family support

Career growth

Job summary

Henkel's Adhesive Technologies group in Rocky Hill, CT is seeking a Principal Epoxy Chemist to design, develop and commercialize advanced epoxy systems (1K & 2K) for outdoor applications, driving durability and UV stability. You’ll lead cross-functional collaborations with R&D, manufacturing and marketing and mentor junior chemists.

The role emphasizes end-to-end product development, IP generation and rigorous safety practices, with travel up to 10% expected.

Qualifications

• Master’s or PhD degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science, Materials Science, or related field preferred.
• Proven track record of on-time product development delivery from idea generation to commercialization.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in UV/light-stable epoxy (1K & 2K) systems for outdoor applications (required).
• Strong technical expertise in epoxy formulation and materials science, performance testing and validation, and outdoor durability and weatherability (preferred).
• Demonstrated ability to work autonomously while managing multiple complex projects.
• Management experience (preferred but not required).
• Strong oral and written communication skills with excellent interpersonal skills.
• Experience generating intellectual property/patents is a strong advantage.
• Willingness to travel up to 10%

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, execute, and support on-time commercialization of new adhesive formulations and products (1K & 2K epoxy systems).
• Lead development of UV/light-stable epoxy formulations for outdoor applications, ensuring long-term durability and resistance.
• Drive product development end-to-end from ideation through scale-up and commercialization.
• Apply understanding of UV degradation and stabilization mechanisms to improve product performance in outdoor environments.
• Understand state-of-the-art technology advancements and apply them to product development.
• Generate new intellectual property (patents) aligned with business and innovation strategy.
• Prepare and deliver presentations on research projects for internal teams, management, customers, and technical conferences.
• Collaborate with cross-functional and global teams (R&D, manufacturing, marketing) to support successful product launch.
• Perform all laboratory work in a safe manner and comply with all regulations, safety precautions, PPE requirements, and 5S processes.
• Guide and mentor junior chemists and provide technical leadership within the team

Skills

Strong oral and written communication

Travel up to 10%

Education

Master’s or PhD degree

B.S. degree + 10+ years experience

Job description

Henkel's Adhesive Technologies group in Rocky Hill, CT is seeking a Principal Epoxy Chemist to design, develop and commercialize advanced epoxy systems (1K & 2K) for outdoor applications, driving durability and UV stability. You’ll lead cross-functional collaborations with R&D, manufacturing and marketing and mentor junior chemists.

The role emphasizes end-to-end product development, IP generation and rigorous safety practices, with travel up to 10% expected.