Senior R&D Scientist - Lab Lead (Formulation Chemistry)

#twiceasnice Recruiting; Downey (CA); On-site; USD 135,000 - 175,000; Full time

Job summary

Downey Area Manufacturer is seeking a Senior R&D Scientist — Lab Manager to lead hands-on formulation development and product improvements outside of Downey, CA. The role emphasizes hands-on lab work, not just desk reviews, with 50% of time in the lab and 50% in quality, collaboration with manufacturing, and guiding technical direction.

The ideal candidate holds a chemistry or chemical engineering degree, has 4+ years wet chemistry experience, and 1+ year supervisory experience, with a track

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in chemistry or chemical engineering is required.
• 1+ year of supervisory or lab-management experience.
• 4+ years of hands-on wet chemistry experience.
• Strong background in R&D and new product development.
• Experience developing new formulations within coatings, adhesives, sealants, emulsions, specialty chemicals, paints, or similar products.

Responsibilities

• Lead development, testing, and optimization of new formulation-based products.
• Conduct experiments to evaluate new materials, formulations, and product improvements.
• Oversee daily operations of the R&D and QA/QC laboratories and manage staff (2).
• Analyze testing results, troubleshoot quality issues, and support corrective actions.
• Partner with manufacturing teams to scale new formulations from the lab into production.
• Ensure compliance with industry standards, testing protocols, and quality requirements.
• Oversee laboratory equipment, calibration schedules, and inventory.
• Assess new formulations for performance, manufacturability, and cost.
• Serve as a technical resource for customers, suppliers, sales teams, and industry partners.
• Represent the company at industry events and speaking engagements.

Skills

Supervisory experience

Wet chemistry

R&D

Formulation development

Education

Bachelor’s degree in chemistry or chemical engineering

Job description

Downey Area Manufacturer is seeking a Senior R&D Scientist — Lab Manager to lead hands-on formulation development and product improvements outside of Downey, CA. The role emphasizes hands-on lab work, not just desk reviews, with 50% of time in the lab and 50% in quality, collaboration with manufacturing, and guiding technical direction.

The ideal candidate holds a chemistry or chemical engineering degree, has 4+ years wet chemistry experience, and 1+ year supervisory experience, with a track