Primary Responsibilities

• Leads technical programs related to product development and customer support in a team environment.
• Has a fundamental understanding of coatings technology including formulation of 1K and 2K systems.
• Has knowledge of resins, crosslinkers, additives, and pigments.
• Is responsible for development and implementation of new product formulations in solventborne and waterborne coating systems including initial definition with the customer, scale-up with Manufacturing and optimization of performance at the customer site. 
• Works as an active member of cross functional project teams with Manufacturing, Product Management, IT and Sales. 
• Applies statistical methods to investigate problems and analyze results.
• Organize objectives, set milestones and deliver results against aggressive timelines.
  • Interact with others in R&D and/or Sales and Marketing to propose new projects targeted to provide growth opportunities in traditional and adjacent markets. 

Minimum Requirements

• BS/MS 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 in coatings.
• 5-10 years of practical R&D/Chemistry experience. Coatings background a plus.
• Knowledge of product design and formulation.
• Skills to develop and/or implement coating characterization test methods, calibrate and run instrumentation, and interpret results.
• Knowledge of design of experiment (DOE) techniques. 
• Excellent communication skills (verbal and written), problem solving capabilities, and the ability to work independently or as a part of a team.
• An understanding of chemical manufacturing as it relates to coatings, resins or polymers is a plus.
• Familiar with ISO certification requirements. 
• Willingness and ability to travel up to 20% of the time

Team & Organization:

• Ability to work with cross-function teams as resource and/or expert, developer as needed.

Additional Qualifications:

• Effective project Management and execution skills.
• Progressive work experience in high volume, global organization
• Experience implementing best practices and improvements.
• Ability to work and influence collaboratively and effectively within a global and diverse population.
• Ideal candidate is results oriented, creative, and a self-starter who demonstrates technical excellence and is comfortable working in a team environment.

Key Behavioral Competencies:

• Excellent communication skills to understand and document customer requirements and to effectively convey recommendations to internal customers.
• A change agent that has successful track record of building global internal relationships.
• A bias for action, and results orientation.

Overview

Axalta Coating Systems is seeking a BS/MS level Chemist to join its Technology group in Mt. Clemens, Michigan. The Chemist will advance our fundamental understanding of coatings technology in support of Axalta’s growth initiatives. This includes design and development, product improvements and modifications to improve coating performance and/or reduce cost while improving efficiency during manufacturing and application. This Chemist will work for our Transportation Coatings Division.