Principal Epoxy Chemist

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

Principal Epoxy Chemist

Adhesive TechnologiesResearch & DevelopmentUnited States, Rocky Hill, CT, CTFull TimeRegular

About this position

At Henkel, you’ll be part of an organization that’s shaping the future through innovation, sustainability and collaboration. With our trusted brands like Persil®, ‘all®, Loctite®, Snuggle®, and Schwarzkopf® and our cutting-edge technologies, you’ll have countless opportunities to explore new paths and grow.

This position is with our Adhesive Technologies business unit – where we empower our people to transform industries and provide our customers with a competitive advantage through adhesives, sealants and functional coatings.

**Dare to learn new skills, advance in your career and make an impact at Henkel. **

What you´ll do

• 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

What makes you a good fit

• Master’s or PhD degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science, Materials Science, or related field preferred

• B.S. degree and 10+ years of successful product development experience may be considered

• 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%

Some benefits of joining Henkel

• Health Insurance: affordable plans for medical, dental, vision and wellbeing starting on day 1

• Work-Life Balance: Paid time off including sick, vacation, holiday and volunteer time, flexible & hybrid work policies (depending on role), and vacation buy / sell program

• Financial: 401k matching, employee share plan with voluntary investment and Henkel matching shares, annual performance bonus, service awards and student loan reimbursement

• Family Support: 12-week gender neutral parental leave (up to 20 weeks for parents giving birth), fertility support, adoption & surrogacy reimbursement, discounted child and elderly care, and scholarships

• Career Growth: diverse national and international growth opportunities, access to thousands of skills development courses, and tuition reimbursement

The salary range for this role is $130,000.00 and $160,000.00. This range represents the good‑faith minimum and maximum wages the Company reasonably expects to offer for this role at the time of posting. In addition to base salary, this position may be eligible for incentive pay or other forms of compensation, as applicable. The Company also offers a comprehensive benefits package as described above. Actual compensation will be based on factors such as the candidate’s skills, experience, education, training, and work location. This posting is intended to comply with all applicable state and local pay transparency laws.

Henkel does not accept unsolicited resumes from search firms or employment agencies. Unsolicited referrals and resumes are considered Henkel property and therefore, Henkel will not pay a fee for any placement resulting from the receipt of an unsolicited referral.

At Henkel, we come from a broad range of backgrounds, perspectives, and life experiences. We believe the uniqueness of all our employees is the power in us. Henkel is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, and other legally protected categories.

Job Locations: United States, CT, Rocky Hill, CT

Contact information for application-related questions: [e-mail]

Application Deadline: As long as the vacancy is listed on our Career Site, we are happy to receive your application