Senior Scientist - CB3 - NM

Axalta; Bend (OR); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Axalta Coating Systems is seeking a Senior Scientist to join our General Industrial Coatings Technology Group in Houston, Texas. The role leads the testing lab, coordinates multiple projects, and ensures ISO-17025 compliance across sites.

The candidate should have a BS/MS/PhD in Chemistry, Polymer Science or Coatings, with 5–10 years of R&D or lab leadership experience and strong communication skills. Travel may be required as part of cross-site testing and program support.

Qualifications

• Experience with testing methodology in coatings/plastics/polymers is a plus.
• Ability to develop and implement coating characterization tests and calibrate instruments.
• DOE techniques and statistical analysis experience required.

Responsibilities

• Apply statistical methods to investigate problems and analyze results.
• Organize objectives, set milestones and deliver results against aggressive timelines.
• Coordinate test projects and track multiple technical initiatives in the lab.
• Maintain ISO-17025 program, audits and documentation; ensure compliance.
• Operate and monitor lab equipment including weathering, salt fog and humidity chambers.
• Collaborate with internal/external lab sites and manage center budgets.

Skills

Statistical analysis

DOE techniques

Laboratory leadership

Problem solving

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor/Master/PhD in Chemistry, Polymer Science or Coatings

Job description

Axalta has remained at the forefront of the coatings industry by continually investing in innovative solutions. We engineer technologies that protect customers’ products – whether they are battling heat, light, corrosion, abrasion, moisture, or chemicals – and add dimension and beauty with colourful finishes. We have a vast and ever-evolving portfolio of brands primed to play an important part in everything from modernizing infrastructure around the world to enabling the next generation of electric and autonomous vehicles.

We are currently looking for a Senior Scientist to join us at our facility in Houston, TX.

Summary

At Axalta, the strength of our company lies in our people, and our legacy is built on more than 150 years in the coatings industry. With over 12,000 employees globally and $6.5B annual revenue, singular focus on providing brilliant coatings sets us apart. Axalta Coating Systems is the only leading global coatings company dedicated solely to the development, manufacture and sale of liquid and powder coatings. We serve customers in the automotive, transportation, general industrial and architectural and decorative sectors. Our innovative products and services include paint, color matching tools, application technologies and customer training and business management systems.

Position Description

Axalta Coating Systems is seeking an experienced individual to join our General Industrial Coatings Technology Group in Houston, Texas. The Senior Chemist will manage the testing lab area and personnel. They will be responsible for daily activities, coordinate test projects, organize and maintain ISO-17025 program and certifications, coordinate multi-site testing, understand and interpret paint test specifications and OEM testing program processes for General Industrial Americas regional business segments. The role of Senior Chemist will report to the Team Manager.

Responsibilities

• Apply statistical methods to investigate problems and analyze results.
• Organize objectives, set milestones and deliver results against aggressive timelines.
• Assign, track and provide updates on multiple technical projects submitted to the Testing Lab.
• Administer an established ISO-17025-2017 program. Includes internal and external audits, training, required documentation and equipment calibrations. Identify possible scope expansion opportunities.
• Maintain and monitor various types of laboratory equipment to include DI Water System, Salt Fog, CCT and Humidity chambers. Maintain and monitor artificial weathering equipment such as Xenon Arc and QUV chambers.
• Network and coordinate with internal and external testing lab sites.
• Manage costs and test center budget.

Qualifications

• Incumbent must be able to perform each duty satisfactorily and in a safe manner. The items listed below represent some of the knowledge, skills, and experience required.
• BS/MS/PhD Degree in Chemistry, Polymer Science or Coatings is preferred. Serious consideration will be given to degreed candidates in other science related fields with applicable work experience.
• Must have at least 5-10 years of practical R&D or test lab experience. Laboratory management or technical leadership experience preferred.
• Experience in testing methodology and techniques relating to Coatings, Plastics, Composites, Polymers is a plus.
• Ability to develop and/or implement coating characterization testing methods, calibrate & run instrumentation and interpret results.
• Knowledge of design of experiment (DOE) techniques and statistical analysis.
• Excellent communication skills (verbal and written), problem solving capabilities and the ability to work both independently and as a part of a team.
• Willingness and ability to travel if needed.

Axalta operates its business in two segments: Performance Coatings and Mobility Coatings, which serve four end markets, including Refinish, Industrial, Light Vehicle and Commercial Vehicle, across North America, EMEA, Latin America and Asia-Pacific. Our diverse global footprint allows us to deliver solutions in over 140+ countries and coat 30 million vehicles per year. We’ve recently set an exciting 2040 carbon neutrality goal, in addition to 10 other sustainability initiatives, and we take pride in working with our customers to optimize their businesses and achieve their goals.

Our Company

Axalta has remained at the forefront of the coatings industry by continually investing in innovative solutions. We engineer technologies that protect customers’ products – whether they are battling heat, light, corrosion, abrasion, moisture, or chemicals – and add dimension and beauty with colourful finishes. We have a vast and ever-evolving portfolio of brands primed to play an important part in everything from modernizing infrastructure around the world to enabling the next generation of electric and autonomous vehicles.

Axalta operates its business in two segments: Performance Coatings and Mobility Coatings, which serve four end markets, including Refinish, Industrial, Light Vehicle and Commercial Vehicle, across North America, EMEA, Latin America and Asia-Pacific. Our diverse global footprint allows us to deliver solutions in over 140+ countries and coat 30 million vehicles per year. We’ve recently set an exciting 2040 carbon neutrality goal, in addition to 10 other sustainability initiatives, and we take pride in working with our customers to optimize their businesses and achieve their goals.

Axalta may use technology-assisted tools, including artificial intelligence (AI), to support certain aspects of the recruitment and selection process. These tools may be used to help manage applications, identify job-related qualifications, and assist recruiter review. All hiring decisions involve human oversight and review.