R&D Chemist

IPG; Marysville (MI); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

IPG in Michigan is seeking a qualified R&D Chemist to drive new product development from concept through commercialization. The role partners with Marketing, Product Management, and Operations to translate customer needs into innovative, cost-effective solutions.

Travel up to 25% to IPG plants and customer sites, and lead cross-functional teams with strong project management. Candidates should hold a science/engineering degree with 2–4 years in R&D, proven leadership, and proficient

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in a Science or Engineering discipline.
• 2-4 years’ experience in Research & Development
• Proven project leader with high success rate
• Innovative, organized self-starter with good problem-solving skills.
• Collaborative interpersonal style with experience in leading project teams.
• Proficient in MS Office suite of software, working knowledge of Smartsheet or other project planning software.
• Knowledge of DOE principles and statistical analysis software.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills. Capable of writing reports for distribution at the Executive level. Comfortable presenting results and project updates to team members, executives and customers.
• Demonstrated customer focus and commitment to Company values.
• Demonstrated capability to manage time without consistent day to day interaction with supervisor
• Ability to travel ~ 25% to visit IPG plants, IPG HQ, and customer and supplier locations.

Responsibilities

• The New Product Development (NPD) responsibilities begin and end with the customer. The R&D Chemist is charged with accurately and precisely identifying any all customer needs that are not being met.
• It is then their responsibility to use that knowledge to design a product solution which fully meets those needs, while at the same time differentiating and elevating the performance of the product solution at a competitive cost.
• Work with the Marketing and Product Management group in a formalized process to identify, fully explore and document new product opportunities. Contribute to the development of the overall business case for the new product opportunity.
• Utilize QFD, VOC or New Product Blueprinting in the process of determining the performance factors, physical properties, physical appearances, and intangible qualities that will be designed into new products or product groups.
• Deliver solutions which exceed our customer’s requirements at a competitive cost in an acceptable time frame.
• Develop the innovative product design using extensive lab and pilot facilities. Work with the operations group to translate the design into a commercially viable process.
• Ensures that all products designed meet the end-use application needs of the intended customers.
• Ensures that all information via the new product commercialization meeting is provided to Production, QC, Scheduling, Purchasing, Product Management and Marketing once the project is complete.
• Follows new products into the field, works with Technical Service and Sales to gain customer acceptance and helps uncover any product deficiencies.
• Travels to customers’ facilities to support new product development and product improvement efforts.
• Utilize excellent project management skills during the entire new product development Representative activities would include the preparation and maintenance of tracking tools such as Smartsheet or Gantt charts to determine and monitor the development time and required resources to create a new structure.
• Assigns, oversees and reviews the experimental work performed by team members.
• Writes clear, concise interpretive reports and memos with executive summaries using report writing format which is provided and assigns each report a unique document number for inclusion into an electronic database and a hard-copy library.
• Actively supports all Safety programs and initiatives and 5S housekeeping programs.

Skills

Project leadership

Problem-solving

Team collaboration

Communication skills

Time management

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Science or Engineering

Tools

MS Office

Smartsheet

DOE principles

Statistical analysis software

Job description

Join the IPG Team! Are you ready to elevate your career? At IPG, we are more than just a global leader in packaging and protective solutions—we are a community that values safety, people, passion, integrity, performance, and teamwork. From tapes and films to packaging and protective products, as well as engineered coated materials and advanced packaging machinery, we develop innovative solutions that protect the world. Now, we are expanding our global team and looking for talented individuals like you!

Join the IPG Team! Are you ready to elevate your career? At IPG, we are more than just a global leader in packaging and protective solutions—we are a community that values safety, people, passion, integrity, performance, and teamwork. From tapes and films to packaging and protective products, as well as engineered coated materials and advanced packaging machinery, we develop innovative solutions that protect the world. Now, we are expanding our global team and looking for talented individuals like you!

Position Description

Title: R&D Chemist

Department: R&D

Reports to: R&D Director

Status: Salaried Exempt

Principle Accountabilities

• The New Product Development (NPD) responsibilities begin and end with the customer. The R&D Chemist is charged with accurately and precisely identifying any all customer needs that are not being met. It is then their responsibility to use that knowledge to design a product solution which fully meets those needs, while at the same time differentiating and elevating the performance of the product solution at a competitive cost.
• Work with the Marketing and Product Management group in a formalized process to identify, fully explore and document new product opportunities. Contribute to the development of the overall business case for the new product opportunity.
• Utilize QFD, VOC or New Product Blueprinting in the process of determining the performance factors, physical properties, physical appearances, and intangible qualities that will be designed into new products or product groups.
• Deliver solutions which exceed our customer’s requirements at a competitive cost in an acceptable time frame.
• Develop the innovative product design using extensive lab and pilot facilities. Work with the operations group to translate the design into a commercially viable process.
• Ensures that all products designed meet the end-use application needs of the intended customers.
• Ensures that all information via the new product commercialization meeting is provided to Production, QC, Scheduling, Purchasing, Product Management and Marketing once the project is complete.
• Follows new products into the field, works with Technical Service and Sales to gain customer acceptance and helps uncover any product deficiencies.
• Travels to customers’ facilities to support new product development and product improvement efforts.
• Utilize excellent project management skills during the entire new product development Representative activities would include the preparation and maintenance of tracking tools such as Smartsheet or Gantt charts to determine and monitor the development time and required resources to create a new structure.
• Assigns, oversees and reviews the experimental work performed by team members.
• Writes clear, concise interpretive reports and memos with executive summaries using report writing format which is provided and assigns each report a unique document number for inclusion into an electronic database and a hard-copy library.
• Actively supports all Safety programs and initiatives and 5S housekeeping programs.

Essential Skills And Experience

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in a Science or Engineering discipline.
• 2-4 years’ experience in Research & Development
• Proven project leader with high success rate
• Innovative, organized self-starter with good problem-solving skills.
• Collaborative interpersonal style with experience in leading project teams.
• Proficient in MS Office suite of software, working knowledge of Smartsheet or other project planning software.
• Knowledge of DOE principles and statistical analysis software.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills. Capable of writing reports for distribution at the Executive level. Comfortable presenting results and project updates to team members, executives and customers.
• Demonstrated customer focus and commitment to Company values.
• Demonstrated capability to manage time without consistent day to day interaction with supervisor
• Ability to travel ~ 25% to visit IPG plants, IPG HQ, and customer and supplier locations.

Why Choose IPG?

At IPG, you will find more than just a job—you will find a place where your success is our success. We pride ourselves on a culture built around strong relationships, where every team member plays a crucial role in our growth. Whether it is through cross-department collaboration, continuous training, or sustainability-driven initiatives, we create an environment where you can thrive.

Our commitment to sustainability influences everything we do, from designing eco-friendly products to minimizing waste in our production processes. We are dedicated to building a greener future while providing safe, supportive workplaces for our people.

With over 40 years of industry expertise and a proven track record of growth and innovation, IPG offers a stable, secure environment where you can flourish!

We offer competitive pay, extensive benefits that support you and your family, and exciting career development opportunities. Whether you are looking to enhance your skills or advance your career, we offer ongoing training and the support you need to succeed. Think big, dream bigger, and make an impact with IPG.

You belong here. Join us today!