Demo

Research Chemist

PPG
Burbank, CA Full Time
POSTED ON 6/7/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 7/5/2026
PPG Aerospace Leadership is broadly seeking internal candidates across the enterprise to join our team and drive innovation in product development.

If you are passionate about leadership and technical innovation, this role is de

signed for you. As S&T Research Chemist, Expert , you will be responsible for advancing the development, process and commercialization of Aerospace Topcoat products. In this position, you will need to have good understanding of formulation-property relationships, to design and develop products that can meet various customer specification requirements robustly.

Key Responsibilities

  • Formula & Product Development: Develop products to meet industrial standards, specifications, and other customer requirements. Apply fundamental chemical and materials science knowledge to accelerate innovation and new product development. Monitor the technology landscape, including the patent landscape, and produce new patents.
  • Project Management: Use appropriate experimental designs and data analysis techniques to support product development. Manage project timelines and deliverables, including project management, capturing updates, meeting internally and externally, and reporting.
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with various departments to ensure the successful scale-up, qualification, and commercialization of new materials and product line extensions.

Qualifications

  • Educational Background: Ph.D. in Materials Science, Polymer Science, Materials Chemistry, or Materials Engineering.
  • Experience: Minimum of 3 years of experience in laboratory work or formulation background
  • Technical Expertise: Strong background in inorganic or organic chemistry, statistical design, DOE DFMEA, PFMEA . Attention to detail and good organizational skills.
  • Leadership Skills: Demonstrated ability to guide and mentor teams. Strong collaboration skills and a desire to work in a team-oriented, global environment are important.
  • Citizenship: Must be a US Citizen or Permanent Resident.

About Us

PPG: WE PROTECT AND BEAUTIFY THE WORLD™

Through leadership in innovation, sustainability and color, PPG helps customers in industrial, transportation, consumer products, and construction markets and aftermarkets to enhance more surfaces in more ways than does any other company. To learn more, visit www.ppg.com and follow @PPG on X.

The PPG Way 2030

We are customer champions

Proactive. Bold. Trustworthy. Everything we do starts with our customers. We listen, move fast and don’t stop until we solve their biggest challenges. When our customers win, we all grow.

We act with purpose and speed

Agile. Data-driven. Empowered. We take smart risks to stay ahead of the competition. We work proactively with agility, using quality data to develop solutions that create value.

We are excellent operators

Productive. Collaborative. Accountable. No matter our role, we identify problems, take ownership and always bring solutions. We are both proactive and responsive to drive continuous improvement and deliver results. We support our frontline, the faces of PPG to our customers.

We compete to win

Future-focused. Driven. Ambitious. We are passionate about growing our business and winning with our customers. We deliver results, embrace new technologies and leverage agility and speed as strengths.

We are PPG proud

Strong. United. Passionate. We work safely, act with integrity and value our diverse perspectives. We celebrate achievements and take pride in the positive impact we create together to protect and beautify the world.

At PPG we use AI in the hiring process to make the process more efficient. AI tools do not make hiring decisions. You can learn more by going to https://careers.ppg.com/us/en/candidate-resources.

PPG provides equal opportunity to all candidates and employees. We offer an opportunity to grow and develop your career in an environment that provides a fulfilling workplace for employees, creates an environment for continuous learning, and embraces the ideas and diversity of others. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, pregnancy, race, color, creed, religion, national origin, age, disability status, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.

If you need an adjustment due to a disability, please email recruiting@ppg.com.

PPG pay ranges and benefits can vary by location which allows us to compensate employees competitively in different geographic markets. PPG considers several factors in making compensation decisions including, but not limited to, skill sets, experience and training, qualifications and education, licensure and certifications, and other organizational needs. Other incentives may apply.

Our employee benefits programs are designed to support the health and well-being of our employees. Any insurance coverages and benefits will be in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans and associated governing plan documents. Benefits will be discussed with you by your recruiter during the hiring process.

PPG values your feedback on our recruiting process. We encourage you to visit Glassdoor.com and provide feedback on the process, so that we can do better today than yesterday.

Salary.com Estimation for Research Chemist in Burbank, CA
$84,066 to $106,793
If your compensation planning software is too rigid to deploy winning incentive strategies, it’s time to find an adaptable solution. Compensation Planning
Enhance your organization's compensation strategy with salary data sets that HR and team managers can use to pay your staff right. Surveys & Data Sets

What is the career path for a Research Chemist?

Sign up to receive alerts about other jobs on the Research Chemist career path by checking the boxes next to the positions that interest you.
Income Estimation: 
$77,423 - $102,547
Income Estimation: 
$74,048 - $101,143
Income Estimation: 
$70,620 - $94,639
Income Estimation: 
$91,114 - $126,315
Income Estimation: 
$99,598 - $128,732
Income Estimation: 
$61,863 - $81,722
Income Estimation: 
$77,272 - $101,684
Income Estimation: 
$78,084 - $104,270
Income Estimation: 
$75,043 - $100,052

Sign up to receive alerts about other jobs with skills like those required for the Research Chemist.

Click the checkbox next to the jobs that you are interested in.

  • Analytical Chemistry Skill

    • Income Estimation: $128,588 - $163,256
    • Income Estimation: $133,838 - $172,011
  • Laboratory Results Reporting Skill

    • Income Estimation: $92,794 - $129,125
    • Income Estimation: $100,703 - $123,303
Employees: Get a Salary Increase
View Core, Job Family, and Industry Job Skills and Competency Data for more than 15,000 Job Titles Skills Library

Job openings at PPG

  • PPG St Louis, MO
  • As a Territory Sales Manager on PPG's Automotive Refinish team, you will guide profitable sales growth and strengthening customer relationships within a de... more
  • 10 Days Ago

  • PPG Los Angeles, CA
  • As a Production Manager in our Aerospace Division, you will oversee the supervisors within the Military Coatings and Military Layup areas and have a specif... more
  • 10 Days Ago

  • PPG Kennesaw, GA
  • PPG has an exciting opportunity for an Aerospace Shipping and Receiving Supervisor at our Kennesaw, GA location. In this on-site role with PPG's Aerospace ... more
  • 11 Days Ago

  • PPG Delaware, OH
  • As the PPG Operations Specialist of ECoat You will lead all three shifts in ECoat working first shift with direct reports. Reporting directly to the Ecoat ... more
  • 11 Days Ago


Not the job you're looking for? Here are some other Research Chemist jobs in the Burbank, CA area that may be a better fit.

  • Harken Research Pasadena, CA
  • Senior Analytical Chemist (HPLC / LC-MS/MS) With Growth Potential Location: Pasadena, CA (On-site) Compensation: $80,000 – $110,000/year (DOE) Opportunity:... more
  • 2 Months Ago

  • HRL Laboratories Malibu, CA
  • HRL Laboratories pioneers the next frontiers of physical and information science. Delivering transformative technologies in automotive, aerospace and defen... more
  • 1 Month Ago

AI Assistant is available now!

Feel free to start your new journey!