R&D- Scientist (Industrial Wood)

The R&D Scientist leads in the assessment, development, reformulation, quality, maintenance, and enhancement of products through planning, executing, and analysis of experiments with clear and accurate results. This includes adherence to sound performance, quality, and economic goals/requirements.  Advanced technologies will be utilized to develop differentiated products that exceed consumer expectations. The individual is accountable for the solution of complex technical problems (product/process) using knowledge of raw materials, formulations, substrates, instruments, coatings application equipment and customer processes. This role is responsible for timely and accurate completion of multiple projects of moderate to high level complexity while also serving as a mentor to less experienced formulators. This position requires expert level knowledge and experience in related coatings technologies/markets.

Job duties include contact with other employees and access to confidential and proprietary information and/or other items of value, and such access may be supervised or unsupervised. The Company therefore has determined that a review of criminal history is necessary to protect the business and its operations and reputation and is necessary to protect the safety of the Company’s staff, employees, and business relationships.

30% Travel

• Adherence to safety policies and laboratory procedures.
• Leadership of the assessment, development, reformulation, quality, maintenance, and enhancement of products through planning, executing and analysis of experiments with clear and accurate results.  
• Demonstrate innovation and initiative in developing new project proposals and R&D programs of key strategic significance.
• Develop new products and methods, improve existing products, and anticipate/prevent/solve complex technical problems.  
• Identify, recommend and lead strategic projects and assess technology solutions.  
• Collaborate with innovation team to develop and implement new technology platforms.
• Develop solutions for complex technical problems (product/process) and demonstrate expert knowledge in the use of raw materials, substrates, application equipment and instrumentation.  
• Expertise in at least one solvent borne coatings technology, conversion varnish formulation expertise preferred.
• Preserving technical resource base by issuing periodic reports on development projects and reformulations. Substantiate formula changes with documentation.
• Interface with sales, marketing, quality and manufacturing teams to help provide an orderly flow of products, support and information to Sherwin-Williams customers.
• Develop new/innovative coating products that will allow Sherwin-Williams to provide differentiated solutions to our customers.
• Understand Industrial Wood Division customer market segments and coatings performance requirements.
• Provide mentoring to lower level technical professionals.
• Lead multiple technically complex projects simultaneously without supervision.
• Understand the use of the Stage Gate Process in product development.
• Maintenance of laboratory equipment, including calibration with appropriate documentation.
• Independently lead projects/groups without direct supervision from manager.
• Responsible for following all ISO procedures and safety policies/practices.
• Provide technical assistance as required and maintain awareness of current developments.
• Show good business awareness and a broad perspective on problems and issues to develop products/processes that are novel and of commercial importance, and to leverage internal technology in support of maintaining and reducing cost.

Minimum Requirements
• Must be legally authorized to work in the country for which you are applying for employment (without now or in the future needing sponsorship for employment work visa and/or permanent residence status)
• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Must have a bachelor’s degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (“STEM”) field
• 8+ years of coatings formulation experience 
• Experience with solvent borne coatings formulation 
• Application and troubleshooting of OEM coatings 
• Strong understanding of solvent based product end use and customer processes 
• Familiarity with ASTM, KCMA, BIFMA, WDMA, and AAMA performance parameters and testing methods 
• Familiarity with common finishing equipment in Industrial Wood markets, including kitchen cabinet and furniture segments

Preferred Qualifications
• Master’s Degree in Chemistry, Polymer Science, Coatings Technology or related field
• 10+ years of coatings formulation experience 
• Experience formulating conversion varnish products for the kitchen cabinet market segment 
• Experience in direct customer interactions, including presentations, finishing line trials, quality investigations, etc. 
• Mentorship experience
• Proficiency in using DFSS tools in product development
• DFSS Green Belt Certification

Successful candidate will be required to sign an Employee Restrictive Covenant Agreement where permitted by law.