Senior Research and Development Position

PAVCO; Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision insurance

Life and disability insurance

401(k) plan

Profit sharing plan

Paid vacation and holidays

Job summary

Pavco Inc. in Charlotte, NC seeks an experienced Senior Research and Development professional to drive next‑generation surface finishing technologies.

This hands-on role covers formulation, scale‑up, troubleshooting, and commercialization, with training on proprietary processes. You will lead formulation development, work across manufacturing, marketing and service teams, and ensure regulatory compliance including REACH.

Qualifications

• MS or higher in chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science, or related field; PhD preferred.
• 2–5 years of R&D experience in surface finishing or coatings.
• Experience with corrosion protection and friction control preferred.
• Proven product development, scale-up, and commercialization experience.
• Strong DOE, data analysis, and technical documentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead formulation development and scale-up from bench to production.
• Troubleshoot formulation and process issues using analytical instruments.
• Collaborate with production, marketing, and technical service to support launches.
• Evaluate raw materials with suppliers to stabilize supply and lower costs.
• Ensure compliance with REACH and environmental regulations.
• Support ISO quality system and safety programs.

Skills

DOE design

Data analysis

Technical documentation

Cross-functional collaboration

Troubleshooting

English communication

Education

MS in Chemistry / Chemical Eng / Materials Sci

PhD preferred

Tools

HPLC

IC

GC

ICP‑MS

SEM

IR

Hull cell

Job description

Senior Research and Development Position

Pavco Inc. is a 75+ year old private company headquartered in Charlotte, NC, with sustained domestic and international growth built on industry leading metal finishing technologies. Our product lines include functional and decorative electroplating systems, passivates, and topcoats serving the automotive, fastener, hardware, defense, and consumer products industries worldwide.

We are seeking an experienced, self‑driven professional to join our R&D team and help develop next‑generation surface finishing technologies. This is a hands‑on role involving product formulation, scale up, troubleshooting, and commercialization. Pavco provides systematic training on its proprietary technologies, processes, and testing methods to support long‑term sucess.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead product formulation development and bench to production scale up.
• Troubleshoot formulation and process issues using various testing and analytical instruments.
• Work with production, marketing, and technical service departments to resolve manufacturing and product performance issues and support product launches.
• Evaluate and qualify raw materials with suppliers to support supply stabilization, cost reduction, product improvement, and commercialization efforts.
• Ensure products comply with REACH and other applicable environmental regulations.
• Support laboratory safety programs, ISO quality system requirements, and related documentation and continuous improvement activities.

Job Requirements

• M.S. degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science & Engineering, or related discipline; Ph.D. preferred.
• 2 to 5 years of relevant R&D experience in surface finishing chemistry, protective coatings, or related industries.
• Experience with corrosion protection and friction control technologies preferred.
• Proven experience in product development, scale up, and commercialization.
• Proficiency with analytical instrumentation such as HPLC, IC, GC, ICP‑MS, SEM, IR, Hull cell, or related techniques.
• Knowledge of electrochemistry, surfactants, polymers, materials science, or nanotechnology.
• Strong experimental design (DOE), data analysis, and technical documentation skills.
• Self‑motivated with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and work effectively across functional teams.
• Strong computer skills; experience with data analysis software and AI productivity tools is a plus.
• Strong critical thinking, problem‑solving, and troubleshooting skills.
• Proficient in English with strong written, verbal, and presentation skills.

Compensation

• Competitive salary, commensurate with experience
• Excellent working conditions
• Benefits package available includes:

• Medical, dental, vision insurance
• Life and disability insurance
• 401(k) plan
• Profit sharing plan
• Paid vacation and holidays

To learn more about our company; please visit www.pavco.com

Equal Opportunity Employer / Drug Free Work Area