Chemist - Hunter Recruiting : Job Details

The Chemist will play a key role in both routine quality testing and advanced product development projects. This role involves hands-on work with paints, coatings, and emulsions, as well as supporting new product formulations, color matching, and troubleshooting production challenges. The ideal candidate has experience in coatings chemistry, a strong technical foundation, and the ability to balance day-to-day testing with long-term R&D initiatives.

Chemist Responsibilities:

• Perform QC/QA testing on raw materials and finished products, including viscosity, pH, density, solids, unit weight, and color analysis.
• Develop and standardize color matching procedures using spectrophotometers and related instrumentation.
• Contribute to formulation adjustments and product development for coatings, paints, and water-based emulsions (acrylics, waxes, etc.).
• Research and evaluate raw materials to improve quality, cost-efficiency, and sustainability.
• Troubleshoot production issues related to color, formulation, or process variations, implementing root-cause and corrective actions.
• Support R&D initiatives to optimize formulations and bring new products to market.
• Maintain accurate testing records and reports, and ensure compliance with industry regulations (e.g., VOC).
• Research and evaluate new raw materials to enhance supply chain efficiency, elevate product quality, and drive cost savings.
• Partner with vendors and internal stakeholders to ensure compliance with regulatory standards, sustainability goals, and strategic alignment with business objectives.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with lab, operations, and sales teams to resolve customer issues and provide technical expertise.

Chemist Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or related field.
• 2+ years of laboratory experience in paints, coatings, emulsions, or related chemical formulations (3–5 years preferred).
• Proficiency in QC testing methods (viscosity, pH, specific gravity, solids, spectrographic/color analysis).
• Hands-on experience with color matching and formulation development.
• Strong problem-solving, data analysis, and technical reporting skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced lab and production environment.
• Familiarity with experimental design (DOE), Six Sigma, Batch Master, or formulation software a plus.
• Proficiency with advanced color science principles (CIE Lab, Delta E) and instrumentation (spectrophotometers, colorimeters).