Product Development Chemist II

With a purpose to make tomorrow a little bit better than today for each other, our customers, and our communities, Ascentek provides an environment where you can love what you do and be your best every day. 

What you will enjoy by being a part of a 2025 USA Great Place to Work certified company:

A position that is: Salary, Full time, Mon-Fri

• Medical Plan options, including fertility coverage and free mental health and telehealth coverage 


• Dental and Vision Insurance 


• FSA/HSA options 


• Paid parental leave 


• Company-provided short-term disability, long-term disability, and life insurance 


• Supplemental Insurances, including accident, critical illness, hospital, and supplemental life insurance 


• 401(k) with a generous company match 


• Pet Insurance Benefits 


• Tuition reimbursement 


• 21 Paid Days Off 


• 7 Paid Holidays 

• Short-term Incentive Plan (STIP), ask your Talent Partner for details


• Dress For Your Day (casual dress environment)


• Paid comprehensive on-the-job training


• Company phone provided


• Company computer provided


• Career advancement opportunities

This role develops and leads projects to identify and implement new technologies that enable differentiated performance claims for lubricant, coolant, and grease products. Promotes and contributes to a zero-incident safety culture through continuous improvement of laboratory methods and procedures, leading by example in adherence to PPE requirements, safety protocols, and chemical hygiene plans. Manages and mentors scientists and engineers, fostering technical excellence and professional development.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• With limited to no guidance, troubleshoots lab equipment in area of expertise


• Instructs on JDE, Raw Material Spec Database; recommends improvements to process, and methodologies; cross-functional training in Supply Chain, Blending, Marketing and Distribution


• May be called on to mentor Chemist I. Writes and discusses research results and reports; presents data and findings to customers relative to new product lines or support of existing product lines


• Actively builds "internal equity"; cross-functional with all internal Departments and communicates openly/effectively. Participates in cross-functional internal Teams, communicates effectively and demonstrates a collaborative, positive attitude

Education:

• Requires a B.S./B.A. degree with emphasis in sciences, Chemistry preferred.

Experience and/or Training: 

• 3-10 years of chemistry experience


• Advanced knowledge of key product areas and 1-2 product line areas and demonstrated ability to run and troubleshoot on selected tests lab equipment.


• Proven to be effective in DOE, data interpretation, and time management


• Active member in applicable industry organization


• Intermediate knowledge level of lubricant fundamentals, base oils, additives, lubricant testing, QA, used oil analysis and condition monitoring or applicable discipline


• Key contributor to Technology lab and internal/external customers; Demonstrated ability to advance research with some input from Technical Specialist or Chemist III


• Has been involved in cross functional projects (outside of technology/lab) and/or continuous improvement projects


• Can periodically travel to other Ascentek locations and customer locations and act as a technical resource

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, stand, walk, talk, hear, and use hands to finger, handle or touch objects, tools or controls.  The employee is occasionally required to bend, twist, push, pull, climb stairs, reach, lift, carry and grasp objects.  The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to 45 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close/far vision, color vision, depth perceptions and the ability to adjust focus.  The mental and physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an individual to successfully perform the essential functions of this position.

Protective Clothing Required (for Laboratory and Production Areas):  Laboratory Coat or Safety Vest, Safety Glasses, Gloves, Long Pants and Closed-Toed Shoes.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

Work is performed in a laboratory, general office, and production environment.  Most areas are climate controlled dry, indoor areas.  The noise level of the work environment is usually moderate, but the production facility may have an increased noise level.  There is exposure to solvents, acids, corrosives, and other chemicals in the laboratory and production areas.  There may be additional exposure to fumes, vapors and mists.  The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an individual encounters while performing the essential functions of this position.

The anticipated hiring range for the role you are applying for is between $75,000 and $95,000 annually. This anticipated hiring range is based on several factors, and subject to increase based on the below:

1. Experience and qualifications: The depth of relevant experience and specific skills you bring to the position.


2. Education and certifications: Any additional qualifications that enhance your ability to succeed in the role.


3. Market and industry benchmarks: We compare compensation packages with industry standards to ensure we are competitive.


4. Internal equity: We strive to maintain pay equity across the organization to ensure fairness for all teammates performing similar work.

At Ascentek, we are committed to providing accurate and up-to-date information about our career opportunities. For the most accurate job descriptions, salary details, and benefit information, we encourage you to visit our official careers page at https://www.ascentek.com/careers/.

Ascentek is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. Qualified applicants including women, minorities, veterans, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.