Sr. Chemist - UV Segment Leader

RPM Industrial Coatings Group; Greensboro (NC); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

RPM Industrial Coatings Group is seeking an experienced Sr. Chemist - UV Segment Leader to drive the UV coatings program. You will lead formulation development, optimize UV-curable systems, and set strategy for the UV technology segment, collaborating with Commercial, Manufacturing, Quality, and R&D teams. The role includes mentoring a Chemist II and guiding Stage Gate processes to scale new solutions to market.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Polymer Science, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related technical discipline.
• 5+ years of industrial formulation experience, preferably within coatings, inks, adhesives, or related technologies.
• Demonstrated experience developing and commercializing UV-curable coating technologies.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the organization's SME for UV coatings technology.
• Lead development and optimization of UV-curable coating formulations for new and existing products.
• Establish technical direction and innovation strategy for the UV technology segment.
• Drive problem-solving activities related to formulation, application performance, manufacturing scale-up, and customer requirements.
• Lead cross-functional teams through product development and commercialization activities.
• Manage, coach, and develop one direct report (Chemist II).

Skills

UV coatings expertise

Formulation development

Project leadership

Mentoring/leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry/Polymer Science/Chemical Engineering/Materials Science

Tools

Stage Gate process

Job description

RPM Industrial Coatings Group, Inc. is seeking an experienced Sr. Chemist - UV Segment Leader to serve as the technical lead for our UV Wood coatings technology platform. This role is responsible for driving innovation, leading product development efforts, and serving as the primary subject matter expert for all UV-related projects and initiatives across the organization.

The Sr. Chemist will provide leadership for UV technology strategy, formulation development, project execution, and team development while managing and mentoring a direct report. This highly visible role partners closely with Commercial, Manufacturing, Quality, and R&D leadership to advance customer-focused solutions and support business growth.

The ideal candidate is an accomplished formulation chemist with deep expertise in waterborne UV, and solvent-reduced UV and 100% solids UV technologies, strong project leadership skills and organizational, and a passion for developing both products and people.

Main Responsibilities

Technical Leadership

• Serve as the organization's primary Subject Matter Expert (SME) for UV coatings technology.
• Lead the development and optimization of UV-curable coating formulations for new and existing products.
• Establish technical direction and innovation strategy for the UV technology segment.
• Drive problem-solving activities related to formulation, application performance, manufacturing scale-up, and customer requirements.
• Evaluate new raw materials, technologies, and market trends to maintain a competitive product portfolio.
• Provide technical guidance and recommendations to senior leadership regarding UV technology investments and opportunities.
• Maintain overall responsibility for the UV project portfolio, including prioritization, execution, and delivery of development objectives.
• Lead cross-functional teams through product development and commercialization activities.
• Manage multiple concurrent projects while balancing short-term business needs with long-term innovation objectives.
• Support and actively participate in Stage Gate product development processes.
• Collaborate with Commercial teams to identify customer needs and translate them into technical solutions.
• Own and lead all lab activities related to UV using the Stage Gate project management system from inception, through development, to scale up and final commercialization.
• Manage, coach, and develop one direct report (Chemist II).
• Provide technical mentorship to laboratory personnel and cross-functional team members.
• Establish development goals, provide performance feedback, and support career growth for team members.
• Foster a collaborative, safety-focused, and innovative laboratory culture.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Act as the primary technical resource for Commercial, Manufacturing, Quality, and R&D teams regarding UV technologies.
• Support customer visits, technical discussions, and troubleshooting activities as needed.
• Partner with manufacturing teams during scale-up, process optimization, and production support activities.
• Collaborate with Quality and Regulatory functions to ensure compliance with internal and external requirements.

Key Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Polymer Science, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related technical discipline.
• 5+ years of industrial formulation experience, preferably within coatings, inks, adhesives, or related technologies.
• Demonstrated experience developing and commercializing UV-curable coating technologies.
• Strong background in waterborne UV, solvent-reduce, and 100% solids UV formulations.