R&D Scientist - Aerosols

Rust-Oleum; Pleasant Prairie (WI); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and life insurance

401(k) plan

Paid holidays and vacation

Job summary

Rust-Oleum in Pleasant Prairie, WI is looking for a passionate R&D Scientist to innovate, scale up, and commercialize both existing and new technologies in the coatings industry. The successful candidate will engage in projects that lead to high-performance products utilizing their expertise in various coating chemistries and methodologies.

Key responsibilities will include developing aerosol coatings, driving product innovation, and collaborating with cross-functional teams. This role demands a BS in Chemistry and a strong inclination towards technical leadership in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• Ability to develop and implement project plans.
• Strong understanding of emerging technologies.
• Capability to make strategic decisions.

Responsibilities

• Innovate and commercialize new technologies.
• Lead development of aerosol coatings.
• Drive product innovation by researching new materials.

Skills

Scientific Methodology

Coating Chemistries

Coating Formulation Science

Aerosol Technology

Analytical Science

Problem-solving

Technical Communication

Education

BS in Chemistry or related field

MS or PhD (preferred)

Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION

Solving challenges is the very foundation of who we are. After all, in the beginning, our founder, sea captain Robert Fergusson, didn't particularly care about paint. When he founded our company in 1921, he just wanted to keep his ship intact and stumbled upon a valuable solution. Today, that discovery is Rust-Oleum Corporation.

The same passion that drove the Captain to spend his next few years creating the world’s first rust-preventative paint still drives us today. When we see a problem, we work diligently until we’ve perfected a solution, which has led to some of the most cutting edge, durable and innovative products in the industry. Our creative and talented team of over 2000 people across every corner of the world help us remain the global leader in protective paints and coatings for both home and industry.

As our R&D Scientist you will be to innovate, scale up, and commercialize existing and new cost‑effective quality technology by contributing technical expertise to the corporate planning process, quickly responding to market opportunities, and defending the corporation against competitive threats.

Technology Competency

• Strong understanding of Scientific Methodology. Hypothesis driven research and problem-solving capability using experimental design, data analysis and documentation.
• Coating Chemistries: alkyd, acrylic, epoxy, urethane, phenolic, polyaspartics and sil(ox)anes etc.
• Coating Formulation Science: Lead the design, development, and optimization of aerosol coating formulations, including paints, sprays, and specialty coatings for various consumer applications both solvent borne and waterborne.
• Utilize in-depth knowledge of aerosol technology, including propellant systems, valve systems, and spray mechanisms, to develop high-performance products.
• Analytical science and material science with an emphasis on structure-property relationship.

Technical Leadership

• Ability to develop and implement project plans and timelines while managing multiple high level projects. Measuring progress and providing updates in alignment with marketing.
• Demonstrated capability of becoming a vocal and influential voice in project planning and deliverables together in collaboration with a cross functional team.
• Ability to make strategic decisions (technical and staff utilization) and influence leaders and scientist to execute those initiative while managing business strategy and value creation.
• Outstanding technical skills, interpersonal communication, and presentation skills. The R&D Scientist must demonstrate and apply the following skills.
• Drive product innovation by researching and integrating new raw materials, technologies, and methodologies into aerosol formulations to enhance performance, durability, and user experience.
• Proven track record of identifying, researching and prototyping innovative ideas.
• Address and resolve complex formulation and application challenges, including issues related to stability, compatibility, and application efficacy.
• Continuous learning and intimate awareness of open literature and competitive landscape.
• The R&D Scientist works to assist in the allocation of resources towards initiatives by working with the leadership team to identify long term platform strategies.
• The R&D Scientist demonstrates the ability to have influence in decision making and a demonstrated ability to communicate with project stakeholders and cross-functional teams, leadership and the external scientific community.

Organization Leadership

• Agility to respond to emerging business needs with strong management of change skills.
• Builds strong partnerships internally within R&D, internal functions (marketing, manufacturing, sourcing, etc.) and externally (vendors, customers, etc.).
• Manage high stakes and challenging situations with all levels of the organization.
• Assess the organizational processes and develop new processes to improve efficiency and quality.
• Demonstrate strong career ambition - potential to become a top leader.
• Strong business acumen.

Education Guidelines

• BS in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials, or other equivalent scientific field required.
• MS or PhD strongly preferred.

Benefits

From big benefits to small, we take care of our associates! After 30 days of employment, you will be eligible for a benefits package that includes medical, dental, life, disability and business travel insurance, flexible spending accounts, EAP, stock purchases and vacation/sick days/parental leave. We also offer a 401(k) plan after three months of employment. Associates are vested in the RPM Pension plan after completing five years of service. Rust-Oleum offers (9.5) paid holidays and (2) floating holidays per year. You are also eligible to earn three weeks of vacation on an annualized basis.

Rust-Oleum is an equal opportunity employer. Employment selection and related decisions are made without regard to sex, race, age, disability, religion, national origin, color, or any other protected class.