Chemist

At NPAA, we believe our employees are our greatest strength. We are proud to offer a generous and competitive rewards package, including:

• Earned Bonus Structure – attendance bonuses, annual merit increases, and an annual incentive bonus plan.
• Time Off & Holidays – 11 paid holidays each year, plus paid time off to support work-life balance.
• Health & Retirement – comprehensive health and welfare plans, along with a 401(k)program featuring an exceptional company match.
• Career Growth & Recognition – tuition reimbursement, employee recognition programs, and opportunities to grow within the organization.
• Culture & Community – as part of the NPAA family, you’ll enjoy company events throughout the year celebrating and appreciating our employees’ hard work and dedication.

POSITION SUMMARY:

Technical position based in Lansing with travel required. Requires customer focused lab work as assigned by supervisor,
including paint and panel preparation, customer correlation and problem investigation work, record keeping, and other
customer/product support activities a s established by supervisor. Occasional overtime is required.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:

Technical Skills

• Working knowledge of formula raw materials and their functional roles in coatings.
• Identifies technical issues and applies foundational coatings chemistry to analyze results and define next steps with supervisor guidance.
• Contributes to internal and external problem-solving efforts.
• Utilizes product loading charts to formulate new colors.
• Maintains direct customer interaction as required.

Application Knowledge

• Operates hand-spray equipment to produce consistent test and evaluation panels.
• Developing knowledge of customer application methods and automated spray systems (e-stat, rotary, etc.).
• Understands core spray correlation variables (atomization, gun speed, distance).
• Sprays per established correlations with limited assistance; develops new correlations with support.
• Adjusts product or application parameters to improve workability under guidance.

Communication Skills (Oral & Written)

• Communicates technical data and project results to chemists, managers, Field Technical Service, and the Technical Director. 
• Proficiency in both English and Spanish is preferred.
• Interfaces regularly with internal representatives and assigned NPAA customer accounts.
• Prepares monthly reports and maintains detailed lab notebooks and formulation records.
• Authors comprehensive lab reports with data-driven conclusions.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint for technical communication.

Customer Focus

• Travels with NPAA personnel to support customer trials; occasional independent travel.
• Applies knowledge of NPAA internal procedures to address customer requests.
• Adjusts priorities to meet customer timelines and trial schedules.
• Represents NPAA professionally in high-demand customer environments.

Business Process Knowledge

• Executes processes to transition product from Lab to Plant to Customer (RMIF, TSCA/DSL, NMI, Spec Testing, Formula Holds, SAP, AS/400, EDS, Mass Change, Lab Notebooks, Customer IDs, Correlations, Complaint Process).
• Demonstrates detailed understanding of NPAA workflow requirements.
• Independently advances tasks with strong attention to accuracy and timeliness.

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry or a related scientific field.
• Minimum of 2 years of relevant industry experience.
• Manufacturing industry experience preferred.

SALARY RANGE:

$57,428.80 to $87,464.00 annually. Compensation for this role is negotiable based on experience and skill set.

Additional Competencies: 

• Willing to travel, work overtime, and flexible shifts as business needs require.
• Able to work in a fast-paced environment and support additional departmental responsibilities.
• Capable of wearing required PPE (clean shaven for respirator use) and safely working with isocyanates.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to present technical information professionally.
• Demonstrates teamwork, professionalism, and respect in all interactions.
• Self-motivated, adaptable, detail-oriented, and able to meet deadlines with minimal supervision.

Nippon Paint Automotive Americas Inc. provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.