R&D Chemist - Detergent Formulation

Hydro-Chem Systems

Caledonia (MI)

On-site

USD 75,000 - 90,000

Full time

14 days+

Get more replies from employers

Send a job-specific resume in minutes.

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Generous PTO program

Per diem for meals

Mobile technology reimbursement

Annual clothing and tool allowance

Job summary

A leading chemical manufacturing company seeks an experienced R&D Chemist for their Caledonia, MI location. The successful candidate will lead research and development of detergent formulations, focusing on heavy vehicle wash solutions. Responsibilities include creating and testing products while ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. Ideal candidates will have a strong background in surface chemistry and at least 5 years of formulation experience, especially with automotive soaps. A comprehensive benefits package, including ESOP participation, is provided.

Qualifications

5 years of formulation experience required.
Specialization in surfactants is preferred.
3 years of experience in vehicle soaps or detergents preferred.

Responsibilities

Design and formulate new detergent products.
Prepare and maintain detailed technical documentation.
Conduct searches for technical information through reliable resources.
Work in the field with sales department on product testing.

Skills

Surface chemistry

Analytical thinking

Documentation skills

Collaboration with sales

Education

Undergraduate degree in physical chemistry, materials science, chemistry, or related studies

Tools

Laboratory equipment

Job description

Job Title

R&D Chemist - Detergent Formulation

About Hydro-Chem Systems

Hydro-Chem Systems delivers the best industrial vehicle wash solution on the market. We develop and manufacture detergents designed for heavy vehicles—think school and city buses, semi-tractor fleets, and garbage trucks. In addition to our detergents, we design, build, install, and service vehicle wash equipment and automated washes.

Values

We act like owners – We go above and beyond; we either work as a team or we crumble as individuals.
We Fight For the Inch – We are determined to grow inch by inch. The inches we need are everywhere around us, and when we add up all those inches, that’s going to make the difference between winning and losing.
We Do The Right Thing – The high road is not a shortcut. Stick to the highest standard of Integrity, without compromise.
We Are Compassionate – We treat each other like family and our customers as an extension of that family.
Excellence is an Attitude – We will chase perfection, and we will chase it relentlessly, knowing all the while we can never attain it. But along the way, we shall catch excellence (Vince Lombardi).

The Role

This is a new seat in our Chemical Department. It is intended to enhance the capacity, quality, and reactivity of our laboratory efforts. The individual in this role will lead research, development, formulation, and refinement activities for our catalogue of two‑step truck soaps, detergents, and specialty cleaners. In addition to creating, testing, and refining products, this role will be responsible for all applicable documentation—such as safety data sheets, work instructions, and manufacturing instructions—and for managing department compliance with EPA, DOT, and other relevant regulatory agencies.

What We Provide

We provide a culture and a team that is passionate about our work and is invested in your success and growth. All of our employees are co‑owners through our ESOP program and enjoy the profits of our shared success. Hydro‑Chem provides a full benefits package for you and your family as well as a generous PTO program. For traveling staff, a generous per diem is provided for meals; all travel expenses and lodging are covered directly by the company. This position also includes a technology reimbursement for mobile phones, as well as an annual clothing and tool allowance.

Who We're Looking For

A successful candidate has a strong background in surface chemistry and experience with automotive soaps and detergents specifically. The ability to think analytically, work with a moderate degree of autonomy, and develop structured, meticulous procedures will be critical. This role will also be expected to collaborate with Sales and Operations to obtain customer feedback, develop or refine products, and conduct on‑site testing.

Quarterly Rocks

Each quarter the R&D Chemist will establish, with the Chemical Manager, the specific results, improvements, or accomplishments required to support HCS and departmental objectives. These are expressed as ROCKS.

Essential Job Responsibilities

Design and formulate new detergent products through controlled laboratory experimentation, focusing on surfactant systems, builders, and performance additives to achieve targeted cleaning and stability outcomes.
Prepare and maintain detailed technical documentation such as laboratory protocols, formulation reports, product data sheets, and regulatory compliance documentation.
Keep abreast of current trends, practices, developments, & regulatory changes, which would impact products, procedures, or formulation. Conduct searches for technical information through reliable resources.
Reformulate existing products as needed. Evaluate new & alternative raw materials for functionality & stability.
Work in the field with the sales department on product testing.
Adhere to the highest level of safety & handling of chemicals.
Submit required application, fees, and data for compliance with regulatory entities (EPA, DEQ, etc.).
Verify production scale‑up feasibility, evaluate, and propose process improvements in production.
Perform other duties as necessary in support of business objectives. The intent of this position description is to guide the activities of the R&D Chemist. It is not intended to limit the thinking and creativity of the person to the work of this function. Nor is it intended that this describe all the work that may be required of the person in this position.

Requirements

Educational Requirements

Undergraduate degree in physical chemistry, materials science, chemistry, or related studies.

Experience Requirements

5 years of formulation experience required, specialization in surfactants preferred.
3 years of experience in vehicle soaps or detergents preferred.

Physical Requirements

Extended hours in front of a computer screen.
Repetitive motions: substantial movements of the wrists, hands and/or fingers.
Standing and sitting for long periods of time.
Handling chemicals.
Working around various smells and fumes (environmental condition). Must be able to distinguish between smells.
Manual dexterity.
Visual inspection.

Core Competencies

Analyzes Issues – Gathers relevant information in a systematic way; considers a broad range of factors, grasps complexities and relationships in problems; uses accurate logic in analysis.
Attention to Detail – Achieves thoroughness and accuracy when accomplishing a task; follows best practice or procedure.
Communicates Effectively – Develops and delivers effective communication across written, spoken or other media; practices active, attentive listening; encourages open expression of ideas and opinions.
Decision Quality – Makes good, timely decisions that keep the organization moving forward in the absence of complete information; uses a blend of experience, analysis, wisdom, and judgment; considers relevant factors, criteria, and principles in the process.
Drives Results – Consistently achieves results; has a strong bottom‑line orientation; persists in accomplishing objectives despite setbacks; pushes self and helps others achieve results.
Manages Ambiguity – Operates effectively, even when the way is not clear; deals comfortably with the uncertainty of change, effectively handles risk; deals constructively with problems that do not have clear solutions or outcomes.
Strategic Mindset – Looks ahead to future possibilities and translates them into breakthrough strategies; anticipates future trends and their implications; articulates credible pictures of possibilities that will create sustainable value.
Technical Knowledge – Understands the relevant technical terminology for the role; knows how/when to apply skills, knowledge, and procedures; performs tasks of complexity in area of expertise.
HCS Operating Systems Principles and Objectives – Knows all HCS established operating systems (e.g. quality, safety, environmental). Understands the responsibility to maintain familiarity of the systems and this position’s role in support of these systems – including a consideration of the impact of individual actions on the systems and the responsibility to communicate concerns and improvement ideas.