Development Chemist (Industrial Coatings)

Top Vitae Recruitment; Midrand; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Job summary

Top Vitae Recruitment seeks an experienced industrial coatings chemist to develop and optimise protective coatings. You will localise global formulations using regional materials and lead cost-reduction initiatives while ensuring QC and product validation across teams.

The role focuses on new product development, domesticating formulations, and providing technical support to manufacturing, quality and commercial units.

Qualifications

• BSc or equivalent in Chemistry, Polymer Science or related field.
• 10-15+ years' experience in industrial/protective coatings.
• Experience with epoxies, polyurethanes, zinc-rich coatings and high performance linings.
• Experience in new product development and localisation/transfer of formulations.
• Strong knowledge of coating performance testing and quality control.

Responsibilities

• Develop new products and improve industrial coating formulations.
• Localise global products using regionally available raw materials.
• Lead raw material qualification, substitution and cost reduction projects.
• Conduct laboratory testing, product validation and QC support.
• Provide technical support to manufacturing, quality and commercial teams.

Skills

Industrial coatings

Protective coatings

Formulation development

Quality control

Lab testing

Technical support

Project management

Education

BSc or equivalent qualification in Chemistry, Polymer Science or related field

Job description

Experienced industrial coatings chemist responsible for developing, localising and optimising high-performance protective coatings. The role includes new product development, domestication of global formulations, raw material substitutions, quality support and cost reduction initiatives. Experience must be in industrial/protective coatings rather than decorative paints.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop new products and improve industrial coating formulations
• Localise global products using regionally available raw materials
• Lead raw material qualification, substitution and cost reduction projects
• Conduct laboratory testing, product validation and QC support
• Provide technical support to manufacturing, quality and commercial teams

Required Experience

• BSc or equivalent qualification in Chemistry, Polymer Science or related field
• 10 - 15+ years' experience in industrial/protective coatings
• Proven experience with epoxies, polyurethanes, zinc-rich coatings, high performance linings, etc. required
• Experience in new product development and formulation transfer/localisation
• Strong knowledge of coating performance testing and quality control

Preferred Attributes

• Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills
• Experience working with multinational or global R&D teams
• Knowledge of ISO, ASTM, AMPP/NACE and related industry standards
• Self-driven, practical and able to manage multiple projects simultaneously