R&D Chemical Technician

Prestone Official; Danbury (CT); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Career growth

Health benefits + Telemedicine

Vacation and holidays

Tuition assistance

Job summary

PFX Group is seeking a chemist/engineer for its Danbury, CT R&D lab to design and test thermal management fluids. You will conduct corrosion and electrochemical analyses, prepare samples, and document results to support development and manufacturing transitions.

The role requires a chemistry-related degree, lab experience in corrosion testing, and strong data-recording skills. On-site, Monday–Friday at our CT facility with safety and IP protection responsibilities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, biology or a related field.
• Experience in a chemical research lab, preferably electrochemistry or automotive fluids.
• Familiarity with electrochemical techniques (polarization, impedance, Tafel) and corrosion measurements.
• Strong record-keeping and data recording abilities.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the R&D team to design and develop thermal management fluids and related tests.
• Set up experiments to evaluate corrosion protection, properties, and performance of fluids.
• Perform polarization and corrosion tests at various temperatures and conditions.
• Prepare and analyze heat transfer fluid solutions and metal samples for corrosion tests.
• Maintain and calibrate lab equipment and ensure safety compliance.
• Document data, prepare reports, and present findings to the R&D team.
• Collaborate with engineers to optimize device performance and propose solutions.
• Assist in documenting procedures and protecting IP; support transfer to manufacturing.

Skills

Electrochemical techniques

Data analysis

Laboratory skills

Attention to detail

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in chemistry or related field

Tools

Lab equipment calibration

Job description

We engineer leading fluid solutions that keep the world moving and we're building a better future while we do it. As a vertically integrated global powerhouse, we operate 17 manufacturing facilities and 4 R&D centers across the world, delivering performance from lab to road in over 40 countries.

PFX Group brings together a family of trusted companies including Recochem, Prestone, Adams Polishes, B&B Blending, Kost USA, Star brite, Ultra Clear, POR and Auto-Chem, each with deep expertise, regional insight, and a shared commitment to engineering excellence.

From automotive and heavy-duty thermal management systems to household and industrial solutions, our products are built for performance, reliability, and a commitment to sustainability. Join us and be part of a team that's redefining what's possible in fluid technology.

This is a full-time position based at our Danbury, CT facility and will require a local candidate for on-site working Monday-Friday each week.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate within the R&D team to design and develop thermal management or heat transfer fluids, including fluid sample preparation, instrument operation, test data collection.
• Set up and conduct experiments to evaluate the corrosion protection performance, characteristics, and physical and chemical properties of thermal management or heat transfer fluids, ensuring accurate data collection and analysis, as well as recording the test procedures and results into lab notebooks.
• Perform chemical measurements and corrosion tests, such polarization resistance measurements, polarization curve measurements, galvanostatic tests, galvanic corrosion tests, and other ASTM corrosion tests at various test temperature and conditions.
• Prepare and analyze heat transfer fluid solutions and metal samples for use in electrochemical corrosion tests and non-electrochemical corrosion tests. Conduct metallographic analysis of used vehicle parts or post-test samples to help identifying the root causes of corrosion failures or issues observed.
• Maintain and calibrate laboratory equipment, troubleshoot technical issues, and ensure compliance with safety protocols.
• Compile and organize experimental data, prepare reports, and present findings to the R&D team.
• Collaborate with engineers and scientists to optimize device performance, troubleshoot technical challenges, and propose innovative solutions.
• Assist in the documentation and intellectual property protection of research findings and experimental procedures.
• Support the transfer of successful research prototypes to the manufacturing team by providing technical guidance and specifications.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in chemistry, biology or a related field.
• Experience working in a chemical research laboratory, preferably in the field of electrochemistry or automotive fluids.
• The ideal candidate should have some exposure or familiarity with electrochemical techniques for corrosion research, such as polarization curve measurements, polarization resistance measurement, Tafel extrapolation, impedance measurements, equivalent circuit model development and curve fitting, as well as other corrosion measurement methods.
• Excellent attention to detail, organizational skills, and ability to accurately record experimental data.
• Strong problem-solving abilities and the capacity to work independently and in a team environment.
• Proficient in data analysis and visualization software.
• Good written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present technical information effectively.
• Knowledge of safety protocols and procedures in a laboratory environment.
• Flexibility to adapt to changing project priorities and timelines.

What We Offer

• Competitive compensation
• Career growth opportunities - we prioritize internal promotions
• Comprehensive health benefits, including medical, vision and dental coverage and Telemedicine
• Paid vacation and holidays
• Tuition assistance program - support for continued education and professional development

Please note: A pre-employment background check, including a criminal record check and drug testing, is required.

PFX is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace.