Senior Vinyl Chemist

General Formulations; Sparta (MI); On-site; USD 75,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

General Formulations in Sparta, Michigan, is seeking a Senior Vinyl Chemist to develop and optimize materials for self-adhesive cast vinyl products. The successful candidate will lead formulation development, testing, and quality control processes while ensuring compliance with industry standards and environmental regulations.

Ideal applicants will have a bachelor’s or master’s degree in chemistry or Polymer Science, alongside 5+ years of relevant experience, working collaboratively with cross-functional teams to innovate and improve product performance.

Full-time position, primarily laboratory-based with some travel required.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in polymer chemistry, preferably with vinyl materials.
• Experience with cast vinyl production is a plus.
• Knowledge of Six Sigma or other process improvement methodologies is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop cast vinyl formulations to achieve desired properties.
• Conduct laboratory tests to evaluate materials’ properties.
• Collaborate with manufacturing teams for process optimization.
• Develop quality assurance protocols to ensure compliance.

Skills

Polymer chemistry

Formulation techniques (DOE)

Material science

Statistical analysis

Problem-solving skills

Attention to detail

Excellent communication

Teamwork abilities

Education

Bachelor’s or master’s degree in chemistry or Polymer Science

Tools

Laboratory information management systems (LIMS)

Excel

Minitab

Job description

Position Overview

The Senior Vinyl Chemist is responsible for developing, formulating, and testing materials used in the manufacture of self-adhesive cast vinyl products targeting various applications, such as signage, vehicle wraps, and specialized coatings. This role involves designing and optimizing vinyl formulations, adhesives and coatings to meet performance, durability, and aesthetic requirements while ensuring compliance with industry standards and environmental regulations. The successful candidate will be a proactive leader that collaborates with cross-functional teams, including production, quality control, and sales/marketing, to innovate and optimize product performance.

Key Responsibilities

• Formulation Development: Design and develop cast vinyl formulations, including polymers, plasticizers, stabilizers, and additives, to achieve desired properties such as flexibility, adhesion, UV resistance, and color stability.
• Testing and Analysis: Conduct laboratory tests to evaluate the physical, chemical, and mechanical properties of vinyl materials, including tensile strength, elongation, and weatherability.
• Process Optimization: Collaborate with manufacturing teams to optimize casting processes, ensuring consistent product quality and scalability.
• Quality Control: Develop and implement quality assurance protocols to ensure products meet customer specifications and industry standards (e.g., ASTM, ISO).
• Research and Innovation: Stay updated on advancements in polymer chemistry and vinyl technology to innovate new products or improve existing formulations.
• Regulatory Compliance: Ensure formulations comply with environmental, health, and safety regulations, such as REACH, RoHS, and environmental standards.
• Troubleshooting: Investigate and resolve issues related to product performance, manufacturing defects, or customer complaints.
• Documentation: Maintain detailed records of formulations, test results, and process parameters; prepare technical reports and presentations for internal and external stakeholders.
• Collaboration: Work with cross-functional teams, including product managers, engineers, and sales teams, to align formulations with market needs and customer requirements.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s or master’s degree in chemistry, Polymer Science, or a related field.
• Experience: 5+ years of experience in polymer chemistry, preferably with vinyl or related materials. Experience with cast vinyl production is a plus.
• Skills: Strong knowledge of polymer chemistry, formulation techniques (DOE), material science and statistical analysis of experimental metrics; proficiency in physical testing and analytical techniques; familiarity with casting processes and equipment; problem‑solving skills and attention to detail; excellent communication and teamwork abilities.
• Certifications: Knowledge of Six Sigma or other process improvement methodologies is a plus.
• Software: Proficiency in laboratory information management systems (LIMS) and data analysis tools (Excel, Minitab).
• Work Environment: Primarily laboratory-based with occasional work in manufacturing facilities. May require handling of chemicals and adherence to safety protocols. Full‑time position with occasional travel for supplier meetings or customer support.