Automotive Aerosol Paint Chemist

Job Title: Automotive Aerosol Paint Chemist
Location: Sycamore, IL
Job Type: Full-Time
Department: Laboratory - Research & Development
Reports To: Technical Director

Position Summary:

We are seeking a detail-oriented and innovative Automotive Aerosol Paint Chemist or Automotive Paint Chemist to support the development, testing, and improvement of aerosol paint and aerosol chemical product formulations used in automotive repair facilities, automotive fabricators and for the general automotive aftermarket sector. This role involves collaboration with multidisciplinary teams to enhance vehicle coatings performance, durability, and sustainability. The ideal candidate will have strong experience in formulation chemistry, propellant selection, and compatibility testing, along with a solid understanding of regulatory and performance standards in the automotive and aerosol industries.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and test paint and chemical formulations for automotive applications, including 1K Primers, 1K Color Coats, 1K Clearcoats, 1K Trim Paints, along with various Automotive Cleaners and Lubricants on various substrates including a wide range of plastics.
• Formulate aerosol products for automotive use, balancing performance, safety, stability, cost, and regulatory compliance.
• Conduct product analysis using various analytical techniques call out in ASTM, DIN, and automotive manufacturer’s specifications.
• Support product development by testing chemical resistance, corrosion resistance, impact resistance, adhesion, thermal stability, and wear properties.
• Evaluate and optimize chemical processes to ensure compliance with VOC, environmental, and safety regulations (EPA, CARB, REACH, TSCA, et al).
• Collaborate with manufacturing and quality teams to troubleshoot material or formulation-related issues in manufacturing or field use.
• Provides management with written and verbal reports of laboratory testing and process trials or studies.
• Maintain documentation and prepare technical reports, specifications, and regulatory filings.
• Stay up to date with industry trends, new materials, and innovations in automotive chemistry.
• Participate in the qualification of suppliers and raw materials.
• Select and evaluate solvents, active ingredients, propellants, and packaging components (valves, cans, actuators).
• Perform failure analysis and reformulations based on performance testing and customer feedback.
• Support scale-up activities, pilot production trials, and manufacturing troubleshooting.

Qualifications:

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related field (Master’s preferred for advanced development roles).

Experience:

• 5–10 years of experience in automotive 1K paint formulation (aerosol a plus) along with some automotive chemical product development.
• Familiarity with automotive aftermarket products (e.g., brake cleaner, engine degreaser, spray wax, undercoating, tire shine).
• Hands-on experience with chemical testing and analytical instrumentation (GC-MS).
• Knowledge of automotive material standards (e.g., ASTM, DIN, ISO) is a plus.
• Experience with propellant systems (hydrocarbons, HFOs, CO₂, DME, etc.).

Skills:

• Strong formulation, problem-solving, and analytical thinking.
• Able to adapt and change quickly in response to new situations and demands.
• Excellent laboratory skills and safety practices.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and work cross-functionally.
• Knowledge of chemical compatibility with metals, plastics, and rubber materials.
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds. May work in areas where noise level is such that hearing protection is required.
• May be exposed to varying amounts of dust/powders.
• Good organization skills
• Effective communication and technical writing abilities.
• Has the ability to tailor communications to fit the needs of the audience and understand customer requirements.
• A creative problem solver, with the ability to think on your feet.

Preferred Experience Areas:

• Automotive Primers, Base Coats, Clear Coats, Trim Paints
• Automotive Cleaners and Maintenance Products
• Polymer chemistry
• Aerosol propellants and components
• Applications to Automotive plastic substrates
• VOC compliance and sustainability in automotive materials
• Flammability and pressure testing

Work Environment:

This position involves work in laboratory, manufacturing, and office settings. May occasionally require travel to customers’ facilities or supplier sites. Safety protocols must be strictly followed due to the use of pressurized and flammable materials.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $60,000.00 - $100,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $60,000 - $100,000