Senior Coatings Chemist

Elinor Coatings, LLC; Fargo, Northern (ND, KY); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare insurance

Paid time off

HSA / Flex benefits

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

Elinor Coatings, LLC seeks an experienced chemist to join its advanced coatings team in Fargo, ND. The role focuses on the development of protective and anti‑corrosion coatings for metals, advancing long-term federal aerospace and ground vehicle research initiatives, and guiding technology roadmaps.

The candidate will lead experiments, evaluate coating performance, and communicate findings to cross‑functional partners, mentoring early‑career staff while maintaining stringent safety and quality

Qualifications

• Must hold an M.S. in polymers and coatings.
• 10+ years of industrial lab experience in coatings formulation and testing.
• Strong data interpretation and scientific communication skills.
• Experience leading formulation projects and teams.

Responsibilities

• Direct and execute complex laboratory experiments for product development and long-term R&D initiatives.
• Lead formulation and performance evaluation of protective coating formulations.
• Serve as technical lead for assigned product areas and guide formulation strategies.
• Oversee laboratory operations, ensuring safety and compliance with protocols.
• Mentor junior chemists and technicians in coating testing methodologies.

Skills

Coatings formulation

Laboratory leadership

Data analysis

Technical communication

Experimental design

Education

M.S. in polymers and coatings

Tools

Coatings testing equipment

Statistical software

Job description

Elinor Coatings creates solutions for corrosion, degradation, and fouling through research in surface protection. We value environmental sustainability and conservation and diversity in backgrounds, experiences, and personalities. This role will join a team of researchers in developing new formulations of protective and anti-corrosion coatings for metals. Support long-term federal research contracts in aerospace and ground vehicle support.

About the Role

This role will join a team of researchers in developing new formulations of protective and anti-corrosion coatings for metals. We support long-term federal research contracts in aerospace and ground vehicle support.

Responsibilities

Direct and execute complex laboratory experiments for product development and long-term R&D initiatives, ensuring scientific rigor and reliable data generation.

Lead formulation and performance evaluation of protective coating formulations, including mechanical performance, chemical resistance, and corrosion evaluation.

Serve as technical lead for assigned product areas, guiding formulation strategies, troubleshooting performance issues, and contributing to long-term technology development.

Conduct structured coating failure analysis using analytical, mechanical, and environmental testing methods; translate findings into actionable improvements for products and processes.

Identify opportunities for innovation in materials, processes, and test methodologies, contributing to technology roadmaps and strategic R&D planning.

Oversee laboratory operations, maintain a safe, well‑organized, and compliant work environment in accordance with Elinor Safety protocols and industry best practices.

Contribute to technical discussions and scientific meetings, provide expertise, interpret complex data, and present findings to cross-functional teams.

Generate, document, and communicate detailed laboratory data, technical reports, and project updates to internal stakeholders and external partners ensuring clarity and scientific accuracy.

Mentor earlier career chemists and technicians in laboratory techniques, experimental design, and coatings testing methodologies.

Manage multiple concurrent laboratory projects, tracking progress, and adjusting plans in response to evolving technical and customer needs.

Requirements

M.S. in polymers and coatings, chemistry, or a closely related field.

10+ years of progressively responsible industrial laboratory-based experience in coatings formulation, testing, and characterization,

Demonstrated hands‑on proficiency with:

Design, formulation, characterization, and performance evaluation of coating systems.

Operation and interpretation of data from coatings laboratory instrumentation used for analytical, mechanical, and environmental testing.

Data interpretation skills and experience using scientific, statistical, and technical software for analysis, reporting, and project documentation.

Scientific, statistical, and technical software for data analysis and project documentation.

Technical communication, including authoring detailed laboratory reports and presenting experimental results to cross-functional teams.

Managing priorities, coordinating multiple laboratory projects, and adapting to changing technical requirements.

To safely and consistently perform daily work in a chemical laboratory environment, including regular use of chemicals, instruments, and specialized equipment

Full Time/Benefited

Competitive salary depending on experience

100% paid employee healthcare, vision, dental, disability and life insurance

Starting PTO is 16 days annually with 14 paid holidays and 12 paid sick days

Voluntary HSA, Flex, Employee Assistance Program and more.