Sr. Exec / Ass. Manager R&D - Sewri Mumbai

Job Description

We are seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented R&D Assistant to support our team in the development and innovation of high-performance paints and coatings. In this role, you will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to advance product development, ensure quality standards, and contribute to technical excellence. The ideal candidate will bring expertise in paint formulations, coatings testing, lab safety, and raw material analysis—ensuring compliance, innovation, and operational excellence in a dynamic R&D environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support R&D Projects: Assist in planning, executing, and documenting R&D experiments and projects related to paints and coatings, ensuring alignment with strategic goals.


• Material Testing: Conduct a variety of physical, chemical, and performance tests on paint materials and coatings—including adhesion, hardness, gloss, durability, and weatherability assessments—to assess quality, durability, and compliance with specifications (e.g., ASTM, ISO, NACE).


• Data Collection & Reporting: Maintain accurate, organized records of all R&D activities; prepare clear and concise technical reports and summaries for internal review, including failure analysis and root cause investigations.


• Product Formulation: Contribute to the development and optimization of paint formulations, balancing performance, cost-efficiency, and sustainability objectives using industry-standard resins, pigments, additives, and solvents.


• Raw Material Analysis: Perform chemical and physical characterization of incoming raw materials (e.g., resins, pigments, solvents, additives) to ensure consistency, purity, and suitability for use in formulations.


• Lab Safety & Compliance: Adhere strictly to lab safety protocols, including proper handling, storage, and disposal of hazardous chemicals; maintain MSDS/SDS compliance and participate in safety audits and training.


• Quality Assurance: Partner with the Quality Control team to perform inspections and validations on raw materials and finished goods, supporting continuous improvement initiatives and regulatory compliance.


• Industry Intelligence: Monitor industry trends, competitor activity, and emerging technologies to identify opportunities for innovation and differentiation—particularly in eco-friendly, low-VOC, and high-durability coating systems.


• Lab Management: Maintain a clean, safe, and well-organized laboratory environment; ensure proper handling, storage, and calibration of chemicals and equipment.

Required Skills & Competencies:

• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a methodical approach to experimentation and data interpretation—especially in coatings testing and raw material analysis.


• Fundamental knowledge of paint formulations, including resin chemistry, pigment dispersion, rheology control, and additive functionality, along with standard testing methodologies (e.g., ASTM, ISO, NACE).


• Hands-on experience with coatings performance testing (e.g., salt spray, UV exposure, humidity resistance, adhesion, gloss, hardness) and interpretation of results.


• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment, with strong time management and multitasking skills.


• Excellent organizational and documentation skills, with attention to detail and accuracy—particularly in maintaining lab safety logs and formulation records.


• Proficiency in using laboratory instruments (e.g., viscometers, gloss meters, weathering testers, particle size analyzers) and data analysis software (e.g., Excel, Minitab, OriginPro, or similar).


• Commitment to safety best practices and regulatory compliance in laboratory settings, including familiarity with OSHA, GHS, and local environmental health and safety (EHS) regulations.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science, Paint Technology, or a closely related field (preferred), or a Diploma in Paint Technology with relevant industry experience.


• Minimum 5 years of experience in R&D, preferably within the industrial or architectural coatings industry—with demonstrable experience in paint formulation, coatings testing, and raw material analysis.


• Hands-on experience with lab safety management, including chemical handling, waste disposal, and emergency response procedures.


• Experience with quality systems (e.g., ISO 9001, ISO/IEC 17025) and regulatory frameworks (e.g., REACH, TSCA, Prop 65) is highly desirable.