Principal R&D Engineer - Color Chemistry

XPEL; San Antonio (TX); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

XPEL is seeking a Principal Research and Development Engineer to lead development of core technology for next-generation pigment and coating platforms in Texas. The role focuses on pigment/dye formulation, dispersion optimization, and color prediction for TPU substrates and topcoats.

You will guide interdisciplinary teams, advance patent activity, and transfer scale-up knowledge from bench to pilot and production.

Qualifications

• B.S. in Chemistry, Polymer Science, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or related field with 8+ industrial experience.
• Strong background in pigment chemistry, dispersion science, and optical property measurement.
• Proficiency in dispersion technologies (high shear mixing, bead milling, ultrasonics, etc.).
• Demonstrated experience in polyurethane systems, TPU, or optical coatings strongly preferred.
• Hands-on expertise with spectrophotometry, colorimetry, haze measurement, and gloss testing.
• Experience in formulation-to-scale-up translation for pigment masterbatches or coatings.
• Familiarity with UV stabilizers, antioxidants, and optical brighteners for polymer systems.
• Technical expertise in thermal, mechanical, and optical properties for polymer multilayer films using DMA/DHR, DSC, FTIR, TGA, GPC/MS, profilometer, etc.
• Demonstrated experience working with interdisciplinary teams to drive programs from concept to production/commercialization
• Strong problem-solving and data‑driven decision-making ability
• Strong understanding of design of experiments and corresponding data analysis
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to explain complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders
• Proven record of innovation, IP contribution, and technical leadership
• In-office role

Responsibilities

• Develop a roadmap for next-gen product innovations and lead platform level programs.
• Design and develop stable pigment and dye formulations tailored for TPU substrates and high-performance topcoats.
• Evaluate pigment chemistries for transparency, UV resistance, weathering stability, and compatibility with film matrices.
• Build and optimize pigment and dye dispersion methodologies that deliver high optical clarity, minimal haze, and consistent batch-to-batch performance.
• Apply advanced surfactants, dispersants, and milling technologies to achieve submicron uniformity in pigment particles.
• Establish spectrophotometric methods and digital libraries for accurate, reproducible color measurement and prediction.
• Develop predictive algorithms or models to streamline customer-specific color requests and reduce formulation cycles.
• Design pigment masterbatches and concentrate systems suitable for pilot-scale and production-scale extrusion or coating processes.
• Collaborate with process engineers and manufacturing partners to ensure seamless technology transfer and industrial implementation.
• Lead the identification and filing of patents in color-stable transparent and semi-transparent films.
• Stay current with emerging pigment, dye, and coating technologies to continuously advance company capabilities.
• Provide robust technical solutions to new product development initiatives and lend support to sales and product management teams
• Bridge the gap from bench scale testing to industrial manufacturing processes by taking a lead role in the scale up process
• Develop plans and procedures for specifications & fabrication of components, integration of technologies, balancing cost & manufacturability
• Serve as technical interface to vendors and manufacturers
• Continue to improve upon existing process and product through research and development in the specific area of responsibility
• Remain versed and up to date on polymer chemistry, extrusion and other emerging technologies in the film industry
• Develop and execute testing methodology necessary to ensure products meet industry standards
• Develop a roadmap for next gen product innovations and lead platform level programs
• Other duties as assigned

Skills

Pigment chemistry

Dispersion science

Optical property measurement

Design of experiments

Data-driven decision making

Strong problem-solving

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Polymer Science, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or related field

Advanced degree preferred

Tools

DMA/DHR

DSC

FTIR

TGA

GPC/MS

Profilometer

Job description

Job Summary:

The Principal Research and Development Engineer will lead and oversee their respective area(s) of development of XPEL's core technology.

Core Duties

• Develop a roadmap for next gen product innovations and lead platform level programs
• Design and develop stable pigment and dye formulations tailored for TPU substrates and high-performance topcoats.
• Evaluate pigment chemistries for transparency, UV resistance, weathering stability, and compatibility with film matrices.
• Build and optimize pigment and dye dispersion methodologies that deliver high optical clarity, minimal haze, and consistent batch-to-batch performance.
• Apply advanced surfactants, dispersants, and milling technologies to achieve submicron uniformity in pigment particles.
• Establish spectrophotometric methods and digital libraries for accurate, reproducible color measurement and prediction.
• Develop predictive algorithms or models to streamline customer-specific color requests and reduce formulation cycles.
• Design pigment masterbatches and concentrate systems suitable for pilot-scale and production-scale extrusion or coating processes.
• Collaborate with process engineers and manufacturing partners to ensure seamless technology transfer and industrial implementation.
• Lead the identification and filing of patents in color-stable transparent and semi-transparent films.
• Stay current with emerging pigment, dye, and coating technologies to continuously advance company capabilities.
• Provide robust technical solutions to new product development initiatives and lend support to sales and product management teams
• Bridge the gap from bench scale testing to industrial manufacturing processes by taking a lead role in the scale up process
• Develop plans and procedures for specifications & fabrication of components, integration of technologies, balancing cost & manufacturability
• Serve as technical interface to vendors and manufacturers
• Continue to improve upon existing process and product through research and development in the specific area of responsibility
• Remain versed and up to date on polymer chemistry, extrusion and other emerging technologies in the film industry
• Develop and execute testing methodology necessary to ensure products meet industry standards
• Develop a roadmap for next gen product innovations and lead platform level programs
• Other duties as assigned

Basic Qualifications

• B.S in Chemistry, Polymer Science, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or related field with 8+ industrial experience
• Strong background in pigment chemistry, dispersion science, and optical property measurement with deep knowledge of pigment/dye chemistry, stabilization mechanisms, and degradation pathways.
• Proficiency in dispersion technologies (high shear mixing, bead milling, ultrasonics, etc.).
• Demonstrated experience in polyurethane systems, TPU, or optical coatings strongly preferred.
• Hands-on expertise with spectrophotometry, colorimetry, haze measurement, and gloss testing.
• Experience in formulation-to-scale-up translation for pigment masterbatches or coatings.
• Familiarity with UV stabilizers, antioxidants, and optical brighteners for polymer systems.
• Technical expertise in thermal, mechanical, and optical properties for polymer multilayer films using advanced analytical tools like DMA/DHR, DSC, FTIR, TGA, GPC/MS, profilometer, etc.
• Demonstrated experience working with interdisciplinary teams to drive programs from concept to production/commercialization
• Strong problem-solving and data‑driven decision-making ability
• Strong understanding of design of experiments and corresponding data analysis
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to explain complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders
• Proven record of innovation, IP contribution, and technical leadership
• In-office role

Desired Qualifications

• Advanced Degree preferred

XPEL is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.