Senior Chemist - Metalworking Fluid, Product Development and Support

Job Title: Senior Chemist – Metalworking Fluid, Product Development and Support


Location: New Providence, NJ


New finish, Proven expertise. Bolder ambition.

If you're someone who inspires others, owns their impact, and wants to elevate what they do, you'll fit right in.

Until July 1, our business was part of BASF. As part of the current transition, all job listings and the application process are still hosted on the BASF platform and therefore fully presented in BASF branding. Please do not be confused by this: All roles are positions at Surventis, and your application will be submitted to us.

At Surventis, we go beyond the surface - in everything we do. We put customers at the center, think one step ahead, and develop solutions that create real value and lasting partnerships. We inspire each other to think further, take ownership of our work, and constantly push to elevate what's possible. If you bring your full self, challenge the obvious answer, and want to grow with a team that means it - this is your place.


Where the Chemistry Happens:

This position will work in a team environment under the supervision of the Technology Manager, MWF at the New Providence, NJ site. The position will involve occasional travel to customer site, and other Surventis / Chemetall sites for work and/or training. When not engaged in these activities, the position will support work in the New Providence MWF Development Laboratory as part of their responsibilities.


Formula For Success:

We are seeking an experienced Senior, Product Development Chemist for our Metalworking Fluids (MWFs) technology. This role involves product development, product modifications / adaptations, performance testing, customer support, and global collaboration to help develop and support MWFs for local and global markets.

Product Development:

• Formulate and optimize metalworking fluids including semi-synthetics, synthetics, soluble oils and straight oils.
• Evaluate product performance through lab and field testing (e.g., corrosion protection, lubricity, foam control, microbial resistance).
• Identify opportunities for sustainability, cost reduction and performance enhancement.

Technical Support:

• Provide advanced technical support to customers, sales teams, and manufacturing operations.
• Analyze field samples and performance data to recommend solutions and improvements.
• Provide support for product trials and troubleshooting at customer sites when needed.

Project Management:

• Lead R&D projects from concept through commercialization, managing time lines and communication throughout the project milestones.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including marketing, regulatory, and operations both locally and globally.
• Mentor junior chemists and contribute to team development and knowledge sharing

Documentation & Compliance:

Prepare technical reports, presentations and any technical documentation related to the position and data that has been gathered.

Ensure formulations meet performance and regulatory requirements as defined by the project targets.

Innovation & Continuous Improvement:

• Stay current with industry trends, raw material innovations and emerging technologies.
• Identify opportunities for sustainability and performance enhancements.
• Global Collaboration:
• Work closely with international colleagues in R&D, marketing, and regulatory teams to align product strategies and share technical insights.
• Participate in global technical forums and cross-regional projects to ensure consistency and leverage best practices.
  
  
  

Ingredients for Success:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related field.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in metalworking fluid formulation and support.
• Strong knowledge of base oils, emulsifiers and additives used in MWFs.
• Familiarity with ASTM, DIN, and other MWF relevant test methods.
• Excellent problem-solving, communication and project management skills.
• Ability to travel occasionally (up to 10%) for customer visits and field support.
  
  
  

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with tribology.
• Knowledge of industrial machining processes and equipment.
• Familiarity with analytical techniques such as FTIR, GC-MS, ICP, and HPLC.
  
  
  

Privacy statement

Surventis takes security & data privacy very seriously. We will never request financial information of any kind via email, private text message or direct message on any social medial platform or job board. Furthermore, we will never send a candidate a check for equipment or request any type of payment during the job application process.


Pay transparency

Surventis is committed to pay transparency practices. The competitive Pay Range for this role is $76,000 - $115,000. Actual pay will be determined based on education, certifications, experience, and other job-related factors permitted by law.


Equal employment opportunities

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, age, citizenship, color, religion, sex, marital status, national origin, disability status, gender identity or expression, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.