Chemist - Product Development & Coatings Innovation

We are seeking an experienced Formulation Chemist to lead the development of advanced coating technologies and drive innovation across a diverse portfolio of specialty coating products. This position plays a critical role in bringing new products from concept through commercialization while providing technical expertise to manufacturing, quality, regulatory, and customer-facing teams.

The ideal candidate will combine strong formulation expertise with hands-on laboratory skills and a passion for solving complex technical challenges in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the formulation, development, optimization, and testing of high-performance coating systems for demanding industrial and recreational applications.
• Design and execute laboratory studies to evaluate coating performance including adhesion, durability, chemical resistance, corrosion protection, weatherability, and overall application characteristics.
• Drive new product development initiatives from concept and proof-of-concept through pilot production, scale-up, and commercial launch.
• Analyze experimental results and translate findings into actionable recommendations, technical reports, and presentations.
• Provide technical support to manufacturing operations by investigating process improvements, troubleshooting production challenges, and ensuring product consistency.
• Partner closely with cross-functional teams including Operations, Quality, Regulatory, Supply Chain, and Commercial teams to deliver innovative solutions that meet customer and market requirements.
• Identify opportunities for raw material innovation, formulation optimization, cost reduction, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Monitor industry trends, emerging technologies, competitive products, and evolving regulatory requirements to support strategic product development efforts.
• Serve as a technical resource and mentor for junior scientists and laboratory personnel, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and safety.
• Maintain accurate laboratory records and ensure compliance with internal quality systems and applicable regulatory standards.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Polymer Science, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related technical discipline. Advanced degree preferred.
• 5 years of experience in coatings formulation, product development, or applied chemistry within specialty chemicals, industrial coatings, protective coatings, materials, or related industries.
• Strong understanding of resin technologies including epoxy, polyurethane, acrylic, alkyd, and other high-performance coating systems.
• Experience supporting pilot production, manufacturing scale-up, and commercialization activities.
• Proven ability to independently manage projects and deliver results in a cross-functional environment.
• Excellent analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including technical documentation and customer-facing presentations.

Desired Expertise

• Coatings Formulation
• Product Development & Commercialization
• Analytical Chemistry
• Materials Characterization
• Research & Development
• Process Improvement
• Root Cause Analysis
• Manufacturing Support
• Technical Problem Solving
• Project Leadership
• Continuous Improvement
• Regulatory & Quality Compliance

This is a Permanent position based out of Greensboro, NC.

The pay range for this position is $75000.00 - $95000.00/yr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Will provide as needed during screening process.

This is a fully onsite position in Greensboro,NC.

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 9, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.

Salary : $75,000 - $95,000