Senior Chemist, Adhesive Products, Center Township

ARDEX Americas; Center (PA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with Company Match

Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance

Paid Holidays and PTO

Tuition Assistance

Job summary

ARDEX Americas is seeking a Senior Chemist to join the Research & Development team at 400 ARDEX Park Drive, Center Township, PA. The role focuses on formulating innovative construction products and leading projects from concept to commercialization within adhesive technologies.

The ideal candidate has 5+ years in formulation, strong analytical skills, and the ability to mentor chemists while collaborating with cross-functional teams to drive successful product launches.

Qualifications

• Five+ years of formulation and product development experience.
• Experience with adhesive technologies including waterborne, solvent-based, and cementitious systems.
• Proven track record in product development and commercialization.

Responsibilities

• Formulate and develop innovative construction products.
• Lead product development projects from concept through commercialization.
• Drive product improvement and cost-optimization initiatives.
• Support manufacturing scale-up activities and field evaluations.
• Design, oversee lab and field testing programs.
• Analyze results and make technical recommendations.
• Maintain documentation and product specs.
• Identify new formulation opportunities and raw materials.
• Mentor laboratory staff and junior chemists.
• Lead project reviews and support technical decisions.

Skills

Adhesive technologies

Product formulation

Project management

Mentoring

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Education

PhD in Chemistry

Bachelors or Masters in Chemistry

Job description

Job Description

ARDEX is hiring for a SENIOR CHEMIST, with experience of Adhesives and Construction Products, to join our Research & Development team at our corporate headquarters and manufacturing facility located at 400 ARDEX Park Drive, Center Township, PA, 15001.

This is an exciting opportunity for a technically strong and commercially minded Senior Chemist who enjoys developing innovative products, solving complex formulation challenges, and leading projects from concept through commercialization. The ideal candidate will bring expertise in adhesive technologies and a passion for creating products that deliver real value to customers and the construction industry.

What You'll Do

• Formulate and develop innovative construction products, including: Waterborne adhesives, Solvent‑based contact adhesives, Cementitious products, Primers, Moisture control systems, Waterproofing membranes, Sealants, Epoxy and polyurethane technologies
• Lead product development projects from concept through commercialization
• Drive product improvement and cost optimization initiatives
• Support manufacturing scale‑up activities and field evaluations
• Design and oversee laboratory and field testing programs
• Analyze and interpret test results and make recommendations based on technical findings
• Develop, validate, and document laboratory methods and testing procedures
• Maintain accurate technical documentation, reports, and product specifications
• Identify new formulation opportunities, technologies, and raw materials
• Mentor and provide technical guidance to laboratory technicians and junior chemists
• Lead project reviews and support technical decision‑making across the organization
• Share technical expertise with internal teams, customers, suppliers, and business partners
• Collaborate with external laboratories, suppliers, and industry organizations
• Investigate product performance, manufacturing, and quality issues
• Conduct root‑cause analysis and recommend corrective actions
• Support Operations, Technical Services, Quality Control, and Marketing teams with technical expertise
• Ensure successful product launches and ongoing product performance

Required Experience

What You'll Bring

• Minimum five (5) years of formulation and product development experience
• Strong experience with adhesive technologies, including: Waterborne adhesives, Solvent‑based contact adhesives, Construction adhesive systems
• Additional experience with cementitious products, moisture control systems, sealants, epoxies, polyurethanes, or related construction technologies is highly desirable
• Proven track record of successful product development and commercialization
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem‑solving skills
• Project management experience with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Experience mentoring technicians, junior chemists, or project teams
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to balance technical excellence with customer and business needs
• Self‑motivated, innovative, and capable of working independently with minimal supervision
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint; Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively across teams
• A high level of professionalism, initiative, and passion for helping customers succeed
• Alignment with ARDEX's core values: Fuel Passion, Drive Innovation, Embrace Responsibility, Embody Integrity, Build Belonging

Education & Requirements

• Ph.D. in Chemistry (Inorganic or Organic Chemistry preferred); OR Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemistry with minimum 5 (five) year's relevant industrial experience
• Valid driver's license
• Ability to travel occasionally, including limited overnight travel
• Legally authorized to work in the United States
• Able to lift from floor to waist up to and including 50 lbs on occasions, able to lift from floor to overhead up to 15 lbs, lift and carry 25 lbs for 25 feet and occasionally move 50-100-pound loads with mechanical assistance

Benefits

• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) and 11 Paid Holidays
• Paid Parental Leave to support growing families
• 401(k) with Company Match to help you save for retirement
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance (effective the 1st of the month after hire)
• Company‑paid Disability, Life, and AD&D Insurance and Travel Assistance
• Wellness Programs, including Telehealth and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Tuition Assistance for Associate’s and Bachelor’s degrees
• Discounted Gym Memberships to support your fitness goals
• Optional coverage for Pet Insurance, Group Accident, ID Theft, Legal Insurance, and more!
• Scenic corporate offices with free parking and woodland walking trails

About ARDEX

ARDEX Americas (www.ArdexAmericas.com) has been setting the standard in high-performance building solutions for more than 75 years. You'll find ARDEX products in the construction of PPG Paints Arena Pittsburgh, LaGuardia Airport, Pittsburgh International Airport, and the UPMC Medical Tower, Pittsburgh.

At ARDEX, we value diversity, inclusion, and belonging. We are committed to creating a workplace where every employee feels respected, supported, and empowered to succeed. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences.

Be part of the team that’s Building Tomorrow.

Keyword: Chemist, Adhesives Chemist, Research and Development, Formulator, Chemist Formulator