R&D Chemist III

Element Solutions Inc; Waterbury (CT); On-site; USD 95,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus plan

401k plan with company matching

Life Insurance

Medical Insurance

9 holidays

Competitive base salary

Job summary

Element Solutions Inc seeks an innovative R&D Chemist III to join our global team. You will develop new formulations and materials for electronics applications, solving complex challenges, and delivering scalable solutions that meet performance and safety standards.

You will design experiments, analyze results, and collaborate with Manufacturing, Quality, Regulatory, and Commercial teams to transfer technology to production while ensuring compliance and quality.

Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of organic, inorganic, polymer, or physical chemistry.
• Experience in formulation chemistry, material science, or chemical process development.
• Proficiency with analytical instrumentation (e.g., FTIR, GC/MS, HPLC, rheology, thermal analysis).
• Ability to design experiments, analyse data, and draw scientifically sound conclusions.
• Familiarity with regulatory frameworks (e.g., REACH, GHS) and safety standards.
• Excellent problem‑solving and critical‑thinking ability.
• Strong project management and organization skills.
• Clear and concise written and verbal communication.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with cross‑functional and global teams.

Responsibilities

• Designing and conducting laboratory experiments to develop new chemical formulations, materials, or processes.
• Analyzing, interpreting, and documenting experimental results.
• Evaluating performance, stability, and feasibility of new products.
• Investigating new raw materials, technologies, and methodologies.
• Proposing innovative solutions to technical challenges.
• Identifying opportunities for product improvements or cost optimisations.
• Preparing technical reports, product specifications, and safety documentation.
• Acting as a subject‑matter expert during customer trials, audits, or supplier engagements.

Skills

Organic chemistry

Inorganic chemistry

Polymer chemistry

Surface/interfacial science

Formulation chemistry

Material science

Chemical process development

Education

Ph.D. in Chemistry

Tools

FTIR

GC/MS

HPLC

Rheology

Thermal analysis

Job description

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Division: Advanced Interconnect Solutions - Circuitry Soluti

Challenge Yourself and Impact the Future!

MacDermid Alpha Electronics Solutions, a business segment of Element Solutions Inc (NYSE: ESI), is renowned worldwide for its commitment to revolutionizing the electronics industry. With a legacy spanning over a century, we have continually set new benchmarks for excellence, reliability and sustainability in electronic materials.

• Wafer Level Packaging - Revolutionizing wafer fabrication processes for enhanced efficiency and performance
• Circuitry Solutions - Tailored solutions to meet the dynamic demands of modern circuitry
• Electronics Assembly Solutions - Innovating semiconductor, surface mount technology, and power electronics assembly for unparalleled reliability
• Advanced Materials and Joining - Engineering polymer and metal joining solutions for optimally performing circuits
• Film & Smart Surface Solutions - Transforming electronics with cutting‑edge materials and technologies for enhanced functionality and reliability
• Micromax – Elevating electronics through high‑performing, specialized inks and pastes

Across diverse sectors including automotive, consumer electronics, mobile devices, telecom, data storage, infrastructure, and AI, MacDermid Alpha Electronics Solutions has earned the trust of manufacturers worldwide. Our comprehensive range of high‑quality solutions and technical services enables the entire electronics supply chain, empowering businesses to thrive in today's competitive landscape.

We embody the 'Elements of our Culture'- our 5C's; Challenge, Commit, Collaborate, Choose, and Care. These core values are the foundation of our organization which our employees embrace in their interactions with customers, colleagues and other stakeholders, to drive financial performance and create a rewarding work environment.

Who are we looking for?

We are seeking an innovative and scientifically curious R&D Chemist III to join our global research and development team. This role is ideal for someone who brings deep technical expertise in chemistry, strong problem‑solving skills, and a passion for creating new materials, formulations, and technologies. You’ll thrive here if you enjoy pushing boundaries, experimenting with new ideas, and turning scientific concepts into commercially viable solutions that make a real‑world impact.

What will you be doing?

As an R&D Chemist, you will play a key role in developing the next generation of products and technologies for our global customers. Your responsibilities will include:

Research & Development

• Designing and conducting laboratory experiments to develop new chemical formulations, materials, or processes
• Analyzing, interpreting, and documenting experimental results
• Evaluating performance, stability, and feasibility of new products

Innovation & Problem Solving

• Investigating new raw materials, technologies, and methodologies
• Proposing innovative solutions to technical challenges
• Identifying opportunities for product improvements or cost optimisations
• Working closely with cross‑functional teams including Manufacturing, Quality, Regulatory, Procurement, and Commercial
• Supporting scale‑up activities and technology transfer to production sites
• Preparing technical reports, product specifications, and safety documentation
• Acting as a subject‑matter expert during customer trials, audits, or supplier engagements

Compliance & Safety

• Ensuring all laboratory work adheres to internal standards, regulatory requirements, and safety protocols
• Maintaining accurate records, equipment calibration, and good laboratory practices

Who are You?

You are someone who embodies both scientific excellence and collaborative spirit. Specifically, you:

• Are naturally curious and excited by scientific discovery
• Enjoy hands‑on work in the lab and take pride in analytical precision
• Communicate complex information clearly and effectively
• Are resilient, resourceful, and comfortable navigating ambiguity
• Bring a proactive and solution‑oriented mindset to your work
• Value both innovation and practicality—balancing creativity with technical feasibility

What competencies will you need?

• Strong knowledge of organic, inorganic, polymer, or physical chemistry
• Experience in formulation chemistry, material science, or chemical process development
• Proficiency with analytical instrumentation (e.g., FTIR, GC/MS, HPLC, rheology, thermal analysis)
• Ability to design experiments, analyse data, and draw scientifically sound conclusions
• Familiarity with regulatory frameworks (e.g., REACH, GHS) and safety standards
• Excellent problem‑solving and critical‑thinking ability
• Strong project management and organization skills
• Clear and concise written and verbal communication
• Ability to collaborate effectively with cross‑functional and global teams

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, or a closely related technical discipline.
• Advanced expertise in surface/interfacial science, inorganic materials, functional coatings, and structure-property relationships.
• Experience with wet chemical formulation in either an academic or an industrial setting, ideally with multi‑component inorganic or polymer systems desired.
• Familiarity with typical printed circuit board (PCB) chemical processes (e.g., metallization, electroplating, etching, final finish) and material characterization techniques desired.
• Proficient in statistical analysis and Design of Experiments (DOE) platforms (e.g., Minitab).

We are Offering...

As part of our team here, as well as receiving a competitive base salary, you will also participate in a generous performance‑related bonus plan. In addition, you will also receive a 401k plan with company matching, Life Insurance, and Medical Insurance as well as 9 holidays.

The typical base salary range for this position is anticipated to be between $95k and $120k annually.

Teamwork - At Element Solutions Inc, you will be part of a highly collaborative culture that promotes continuous improvement through cross‑functional partnerships to achieve our mission. We do this through a strong and unified culture and transparent management which has empowered us to create high performing global teams that achieve superior solutions for our customers.

Equal Opportunity Employer

All qualified applications will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, genetic information, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected category applicable under federal, state and local laws.

Nearest Major Market: New Haven
Nearest Secondary Market: Hartford