Senior Chemist – Metalworking Fluid (BASF-Chemetall)

Tribonet; New Providence (NJ); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work arrangements

Competitive retirement plan

Well-being programs

Family forming benefits

Mentoring and career development

Employee discounts

Job summary

BASF/Chemetall is seeking a Senior Chemist – Metalworking Fluids (MWFs) to join our Technical Service team in New Providence, NJ. You will lead formulation, testing and optimization of metalworking fluids and collaborate with global teams to deliver performance improvements.

The role requires 5–8 years in MWF formulation, strong knowledge of base oils and additives, analytical techniques, and occasional travel for field support.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related field.
• 5–8 years of experience in metalworking fluid formulation and support.
• Knowledge of base oils, emulsifiers and additives used in MWFs.
• Familiarity with ASTM, DIN, and other MWF relevant test methods.
• Excellent problem-solving, communication and project management skills.
• Tribology experience is preferred.
• Knowledge of industrial machining processes and equipment is preferred.
• Familiarity with analytical techniques such as FTIR, GC-MS, ICP, and HPLC.
• Ability to travel occasionally for customer visits and field support.

Responsibilities

• Formulate and optimize metalworking fluids including semi-synthetics, synthetics, soluble oils and straight oils.
• Evaluate product performance through lab and field testing.
• Identify opportunities for sustainability, cost reduction and performance enhancement.
• Provide advanced technical support to customers, sales teams, and manufacturing operations.
• Analyze field samples and performance data to recommend solutions and improvements.
• Provide support for product trials and troubleshooting at customer sites when needed.
• Lead R&D projects from concept through commercialization, managing timelines and milestones.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including marketing, regulatory, and operations.
• Mentor junior chemists and contribute to team development and knowledge sharing.
• Prepare technical reports, presentations and documentation; ensure regulatory compliance.

Skills

Metalworking fluids formulation

Lab testing

Customer support

Cross-functional collaboration

Project management

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering

Tools

FTIR

GC-MS

ICP

HPLC

Job description

An educational platform on tribology — the science of friction, wear and lubrication

Who is it for

Engineers, researchers, students and industry professionals

Now Hiring! Senior Chemist – Metalworking Fluid (ECT-Chemetall)

Come create chemistry with us!

BASF/Chemetall, is the Surface Treatment global business unit of BASF’s Coatings division, operating under the Chemetall brand, and a leading supplier of applied surface treatments worldwide. At BASF/Chemetall, we develop and manufacture tailor‑made technology and system solutions for applied surface technology. Our products protect metals from corrosion, facilitate forming and treatment, prepare parts optimally for the painting process and ensure excellent coating adhesion. Our technologies and products are used in a variety of industries and end markets such as automotive, aerospace, aluminum finishing and metal forming.

The chemical treatment of metal surfaces is BASF/Chemetall core competence. The focus of our worldwide activities is on the development and implementation of customized technology and system solutions for surface treatment.

We are looking for a Senior Chemist – Metalworking Fluids (MWFs) to join our Technical Service team in New Providence, NJ.

This role involves product development, product modifications / adaptations, performance testing, customer support, and global collaboration to help develop and support MWFs for local and global markets; this individual will report to the Global Technology Lead, MWF.

As a Senior Chemist – Metalworking Fluid (ECT-Chemetall), you create chemistry by…

• Product Development: Formulate and optimize metalworking fluids including semi-synthetics, synthetics, soluble oils and straight oils.
• Evaluate product performance through lab and field testing (e.g., corrosion protection, lubricity, foam control, microbial resistance).
• Identify opportunities for sustainability, cost reduction and performance enhancement.
• Technical Support: Provide advanced technical support to customers, sales teams, and manufacturing operations.
• Analyze field samples and performance data to recommend solutions and improvements.
• Provide support for product trials and troubleshooting at customer sites when needed.
• Project Management: Lead R&D projects from concept through commercialization, managing time lines and communication throughout the project milestones.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including marketing, regulatory, and operations both locally and globally.
• Mentor junior chemists and contribute to team development and knowledge sharing.
• Documentation & Compliance: Prepare technical reports, presentations and any technical documentation related to the position and data that has been gathered.
• Ensure formulations meet performance and regulatory requirements as defined by the project targets.
• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: Stay current with industry trends, raw material innovations and emerging technologies.
• Identify opportunities for sustainability and performance enhancements.
• Global Collaboration: Work closely with international colleagues in R&D, marketing, and regulatory teams to align product strategies and share technical insights.
• Participate in global technical forums and cross-regional projects to ensure consistency and leverage best practices.

If you have…

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related field.
• Minimum 5–8 years of experience in metalworking fluid formulation and support.
• Strong knowledge of base oils, emulsifiers and additives used in MWFs.
• Familiarity with ASTM, DIN, and other MWF relevant test methods.
• Excellent problem-solving, communication and project management skills.
• Tribology experience is preferred.
• Knowledge of industrial machining processes and equipment is preferred.
• Familiarity with analytical techniques such as FTIR, GC-MS, ICP, and HPLC.
• Ability to travel occasionally for customer visits and field support.

At BASF, you will have the chance to do meaningful work towards building a more sustainable future. In addition to competitive compensation and benefits, BASF provides you with access to a wide range of elements to help you be your best. It’s what we call

you@BASF. We are committed to providing benefits, programs, and opportunities that support our employees’ overall well-being, personal growth, and a safe, collaborative, and inclusive work environment.

Just some of the many benefits we offer include:

• Flexible work arrangements whenever possible
• Highly competitive retirement savings plan with company match and investment options
• Well-being programs that include comprehensive mental health support for you and your household family members
• Family forming benefits (fertility, adoption and surrogacy reimbursement, maternity/parental leave, and more)
• Back-up child and elder care with discount programs for families of all ages and stages
• Mentoring and career development opportunities that allow you to share, learn, and thrive
• Matching gifts program that allows you to deepen the impact of your contributions to qualified charities.
• Employee crisis support for when the unexpected happens
• Access to our BASF wine cellar, employee discounts, and much more!

About Us

As one of the largest chemical companies in North America we have been finding solutions for your everyday needs and addressing the most complex economic, environmental, and sustainability challenges for more than 150 years!

At BASF we empower our employees with the tools, guidance and opportunities they need to advance and succeed in work and life. Giving you the support you need to be your best and fulfill your personal ambitions is what helps us create chemistry. After all, our success is linked to yours. Whatever path you envision, BASF is a great place to build a rewarding, successful career.

Belong to Something Bigger. #belongatBASF

Privacy statement

BASF takes security & data privacy very seriously. We will never request financial information of any kind via email, private text message or direct message on any social medial platform or job board. Furthermore, we will never send a candidate a check for equipment or request any type of payment during the job application process. If you have experienced any of the above, please contact [e-mail] to report fraud.

Pay transparency

BASF is committed to pay transparency practices. The competitive Pay Range for this role is $110,000-$125,000. Actual pay will be determined based on education, certifications, experience, and other job-related factors permitted by law.

Equal employment opportunities

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, age, citizenship, color, religion, sex, marital status, national origin, disability status, gender identity or expression, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.