Chemist

Gougeon Brothers, Inc. has been a leader in epoxy technology and boat building innovation for over 50 years. Based in Bay City, Michigan, we’re a team of 50 employees who take pride in our craftsmanship, technical expertise, and commitment to quality. As we continue to grow and evolve, we're looking for a skilled chemist to help advance our epoxy formulations; solving real formulation challenges and developing the next generation of products that set the standard in our industry.

About the Role

We’re looking for a hands-on Chemist to develop new formulated epoxy products and improve existing ones. This is a bench-focused role that combines formulation work, raw material selection, and complete product characterization to advance the performance, sustainability, and profitability of GBI epoxy products.

You’ll spend the majority of your time at the bench; designing and running experiments, preparing and testing samples, and developing the test methods and data that drive product decisions while also supporting health and safety documentation, customer projects, and cross-functional teams. If you have a strong foundation in chemistry, enjoy solving problems through hands-on laboratory work, and want to make a direct impact on product innovation, this role is for you.

Compensation starts at $75,000 based on skillset and experience up to 10% performance bonus

Key Responsibilities

Formulation & Product Development

• Perform formulation work to develop new products and reformulate existing products.
• Design and conduct characterization experiments, including mixing and testing both wet and cured properties of developmental formulations.
• Spend substantial, dedicated time at the bench personally executing formulation, sample preparation, and testing work; this is a hands-on laboratory role rather than a primarily supervisory or desk-based one.
• Select raw materials and work with the purchasing department and suppliers to identify alternative sources when possible or required.
• Research new technologies that apply to GBI product development and advise the company on their impact and relevance.

Testing, Test Methods & Data

• Develop, validate, and approve test methods used to characterize raw materials and finished products, ensuring methods are repeatable, well-documented, and appropriate for the property being measured.
• Approve all epoxy product test data used for customer service and product development.
• Maintain a lab book and related databases as a written record of testing procedures and observations.

Health, Safety & Regulatory Support

• Support Health, Safety & Environmental (HSE) and Safety Data Sheet (SDS) efforts, including assisting with the “bridging” method when an SDS must be created manually, helping select appropriate tests, and interpreting results to support hazard characterization and regulatory compliance.

Customer & Cross-Functional Support

• Handle customer support projects assigned by the Chemistry and Engineering Manager.
• Provide professional technical support to quality control, technical customer service, and other product development team members.
• Collaborate closely with technical department team members by sharing project updates and soliciting feedback on experimental design and results.
• Stay involved with Technical Department supply chain issues to understand historical perspectives and the decision-making process.
• Update assigned projects and communicate project status using department project management software.

Personality & Culture Requirements

• Hands-on and practical: Energized by bench work and comfortable spending the majority of the day in the laboratory.
• Scientifically rigorous: Detail-oriented and disciplined about documentation, data quality, and repeatable methods.
• Problem-solver: Balances speed and scientific rigor to troubleshoot formulations and resolve product issues.
• Technical communicator: Able to explain complex chemistry clearly to colleagues and customers with varying levels of expertise.
• Collaborative spirit: Works effectively across departments and builds strong relationships with technical and non-technical colleagues.
• Continuous learner: Genuinely interested in new technologies, product applications, and industry trends.
• Quality and safety minded: Actively supports the GBI Quality System and company safety, health, and conduct policies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering from an accredited college or university, with an understanding of polymer structure/property relationships to translate fundamental properties to structural resin performance attributes.
• At least 3 years of related experience; 5 or more years strongly preferred.
•  Ability to use and maintain complex laboratory and other analytical instruments.
• Ability to manage multiple projects at the same time.
• Strong communication skills in both written and spoken English.
• Ability to use computer writing, spreadsheet, database, and ERP programs.
• Physical ability to work in office, laboratory, and production environments.
• Ability to lift heavy boxes or objects of thirty pounds or more.
• Comfortable with walking, turning, reaching, grasping, bending, and flexing throughout the workday.

Nice to Have (but Not Required)

• Hands-on experience formulating epoxy or other thermoset systems.
• Experience developing or validating analytical test methods.
• Familiarity with SDS authoring, hazard communication, and regulatory compliance.
• Experience scaling formulations from the bench to pilot or production.
• Familiarity with project management software.
• Knowledge of competitive products and current industry trends.

What to Expect

• Work Schedule: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday at our Bay City facility.
• Environment: Climate-controlled office areas with time spent in laboratory, production, and warehousing areas where temperatures and sound levels may vary. Smoke-free workplace.
• Flexibility: Hours may extend for meetings, special projects, or fieldwork. This is a key position that may require attending scheduled meetings outside normal working hours.
• Travel: Occasional travel may be required, with all associated expenses covered by the company.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Gougeon Brothers, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status.

Employment Disclaimer

This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the position. Employment with Gougeon Brothers, Inc. is at-will, meaning either party may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause or notice.

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of background check and drug screening, where permitted by law. Gougeon Brothers, Inc. will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with applicable law.