Senior Scientist (Industrial Coatings)

Job title Senior Scientist (Industrial/O&G Coatings)

Location: Dallas, TX

Reports to: Head of R&D

Hempel, founded in Denmark in 1915, is a world-leading supplier of trusted coating solutions. Across the globe, our products protect and beautify buildings, infrastructure and other assets, and play an essential role in our customers' businesses. They help minimize maintenance costs, improve aesthetics, and increase energy efficiency. Through our brands Hempel, Neogard, Crown Paints, Wattyl and Farrow & Ball, we provide solutions for the Marine, Energy, Infrastructure and Decorative industries.

Job Summary: The Senior Scientist will lead the research, development, and commercialization of high‑performance coatings that meet stringent industrial and OEM requirements—delivering superior corrosion protection, durability, application efficiency, and regulatory compliance for oil & gas pipelines, coil lines, and OEM partners.

Essential Responsibilities

• Lead end‑to‑end formulation development and manage Stage‑Gate projects from concept through commercialization.
• Formulate, screen, and optimize resin/pigment/additive systems for corrosion resistance, mechanical performance, cure chemistry, and other target properties.
• Design and analyze DOE studies using statistical methods.
• Prepare and apply panels via drawdown, spray, and coil‑line simulation.
• Develop and execute test plans aligned with ASTM, ISO, API, and NACE/AMPP standards, including adhesion, flexibility, impact, hardness, abrasion, corrosion/weathering, and chemical resistance testing.
• Document results, write technical reports, and create specification sheets.
• Partner with Process Engineering and Production to scale formulations, run pilot batches, and establish QC methods and specifications.
• Lead technical discussions with customers and OEMs, support on‑site trials, and troubleshoot application issues.
• Evaluate alternative raw materials for performance, cost, and sustainability.
• Collaborate cross‑functionally with Product Management, Sales, Procurement, and mentor junior scientists.
• Maintain project plans, risk registers, and milestone reporting.
• Develop application guides, safety materials, and training content.
• Contribute to IP strategy, literature reviews, and competitive benchmarking.
  
  

Minimum Qualifications

• B.S. or M.S. in Chemistry, Polymer Science, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• 7–10 years of industrial coatings R&D experience with demonstrated commercialization success.
• Strong expertise in resin chemistries, cure mechanisms, and hands‑on formulation, application, and testing to ASTM/ISO/API/NACE/AMPP standards.
• Proven experience scaling formulations from lab to plant and establishing QC/QA specifications.
• Strong data analysis capabilities and clear, concise technical communication skills.
  
  

Preferred

• Experience with pipeline, coil, or OEM coatings; familiarity with cathodic protection environments, CUI mitigation, and surface preparation/pretreatment systems.
• Understanding of sustainability frameworks and global regulatory requirements.
• Experience contributing to IP (patent drafting, landscaping) and conducting literature/competitive reviews.
• Proficiency with ELN, LIMS, and data visualization or statistical tools.
  
  

What is in it for you?

• Medical, dental and vision insurance coverage options that begin on your first day of employment
• Flexible HSA and FSA options to manage healthcare and dependent care expenses
• 12 paid holidays
• 15 vacation days to start
• 6 personal days
• Paid leave for jury duty and bereavement
• 401(k) plan options with immediate company match and full vesting from day one
• Basic life insurance, short-term and long-term disability coverage for the unexpected
• Enjoy 16 weeks of fully paid maternity leave or 4 weeks of paid paternity leave, supporting you during life’s most important moments.
• A strong flexibility policy making you thrive both in your job and privately
  
  

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Direct applicants only; we are not engaging with outside recruitment agencies.

Application due

2026-02-28

Seniority Level

Mid-Senior level

Job Functions

Quality Assurance, Research, Science

Industry

Chemicals

At Hempel, you’re welcomed to a global community of 7000 colleagues around the world. A workplace built on shared trust, mutual respect and support for each other.

We’re on a mission to double our impact. To succeed, we need bright minds and team players. Which is why, from day one, your input, ideas and initiative are not only welcomed, but expected. In return, you will enjoy great opportunities for development in a growing global company – and be part of the solution by contributing to our global impact.

At Hempel, we are committed to everyone feeling safe, valued and treated equally, in an environment where each employee can bring their authentic selves to work.  We believe that inclusion is key to innovation and by bringing together the most diverse perspectives and talents, we can achieve great things, together.