R&D Scientist & Technical Leader - Waterborne

Rust-Oleum Corporation; Pleasant Prairie (WI); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical and dental insurance

Life and disability insurance

Generous PTO

401(k) plan

Paid holidays

Job summary

A leading coatings manufacturer in Pleasant Prairie, WI, is seeking an R&D Scientist and Technical Leader to innovate and develop coating technologies. The ideal candidate will have a M.S. in Chemistry, over 10 years of product development experience, and a strong background in leadership and project management. This role requires expertise in waterborne chemistry and a proven track record in product commercialization. Competitive benefits are offered, including health insurance and a 401(k) plan.

Qualifications

• At least 4 years of technical supervisory or management experience.
• Minimum 10 years technical experience in product development.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing and quality assurance.

Responsibilities

• Lead and influence technical teams to execute strategic initiatives.
• Develop and execute project plans with time management and prioritization.
• Communicate effectively with project stakeholders and cross-functional teams.

Skills

Expertise in waterborne chemistry

Technical project management

Strong analytical skills

Leadership in technical teams

Education

M.S. or equivalent science degree in Chemistry

Job description

Overview

We are seeking an R&D Scientist and Technical Leader, a critical role within our R&D organization. If you have expertise in waterborne chemistry and formulations knowledge in both architectural and industrial products, this is the opportunity you’ve been looking for. You should also have an expert level of technical knowledge with a strong track record of product and process development, innovation, and commercialization in coating technologies. You must also possess strong, demonstrated competencies and experience in project management accompanied by people and organizational leadership skills.

Technology Knowledge

• Expertise in broad ranges of coating chemistries particularly acrylic, epoxy, urethane, polyaspartics and sil(ox)anes etc.
• Expertise in application and formulation science for various coating systems of primer, basecoat, topcoat systems for liquid waterborne, solventborne and 2K coatings along with expert understanding of DIY, Contractor, and OEM Coatings.
• Strong command on analytical methods and structure-property relationship
• Expert understanding of manufacturing process and product development

Technical Leadership

• Action Oriented - ability to make strategic decisions (technical and staff utilization) and influence leaders and scientists to execute those initiatives while managing business strategy and value creation
• Demonstrated skillset and track record in creating an environment to scout new ideas and innovation
• Continuous learning and intimate awareness of open literature and competitive landscape
• Demonstrated ability to develop and execute project plans - time management, prioritization, managing the projects and R&D projects/teams and measuring progress
• Excellent effectiveness in allocating resources towards initiatives by working with cross-functional leadership
• Demonstrated ability to communicate with project stakeholders and cross-functional teams, leadership and external scientific community

People Leadership

• Outstanding personal and interpersonal skills – listening, compassion, motivating, inspiring, humor, patience, understanding diversity, negotiating etc.
• Energetic, Driving and Inspiring
• Action oriented, perseverance and results driven
• Demonstrates Courage
• Leadership (technical & managerial) command skills, conflict management
• Continuous learning/growth and mentorship and teaching skills

Organization Leadership

• Ability to lead and interact with cross-functional teams in a matrixed organization
• Agility to respond to emerging business needs - strong change management skills
• Managing high stakes and challenging situations with all levels of organizations
• Using, assessing the organizational processes and developing new processes to improve efficiency and quality
• Demonstrate strong career ambition – potential to become top leader

Qualifications

KNOWLEDGE:

• Chemistry — Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
• Mathematics — Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
• Production and Processing — Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
• Administration and Management — Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
• English Language — Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Customer and Personal Service — Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
• Engineering and Technology — Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
• Physics — Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.
• At least 4 years of technical supervisory or management experience with a diverse workforce, an M.S. or equivalent science degree in Chemistry, strong knowledge of organic chemistry, or related scientific field, minimum 10 years technical experience in product development in specific area of expertise, strong understanding of manufacturing, Quality assurance, scale up procedures, applications, raw materials purchasing, regulatory matters and must be computer literate, 2 to 3 years working experience with marketing group.

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 generous PTO (vacation/sick days/parental leave). We offer 10.5 paid holidays and 1 floating holiday per year. We also offer a 401(k) plan after three months of employment. Associates are vested in the Pension plan after completing five years of service. The employer 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.