Universal Chemicals and Coatings, Inc. (UNICHEM) has been a market-leading formulator of high-performance custom industrial coatings, laminating adhesives, and container linings since 1967. The company has built its reputation on a strong foundation of science and research, with deep expertise in process technology, resin science, value-added engineering, and industrial market insights. UNICHEM’s interdisciplinary, problem-solving approach delivers tailored solutions to customers across the industrial drum and pail markets and coil-applied industrial coatings segments.
UNICHEM is a business unit of PRO-SET Formulated Resin Systems, LLC (PFRS), a global platform delivering high-performance formulated resin and polymer solutions for demanding applications across marine, aerospace, defense, electronics, energy, and advanced manufacturing markets. PFRS’s core expertise spans infusion, laminating, tooling, coatings, and adhesive resin systems engineered to solve complex customer challenges with precision, consistency, and reliability. PFRS is backed by Iron Path Capital, an operationally focused private equity firm.
About the Role
We’re looking for a curious and technically driven Aerospace Coating Chemist to join UNICHEM’s R&D team and help advance our formulating capabilities into the aerospace coatings market. In this role, you’ll develop and optimize high-performance coatings designed to meet the rigorous performance, safety, and regulatory requirements of aerospace applications; working at the intersection of formulation chemistry, quality science, and cross-functional collaboration.
This is an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to a company with a strong technical culture and a growing platform. If you’re energized by hands-on laboratory work, thrive on solving complex formulation challenges, and want your work to matter in a demanding application space, this role is for you.
Key Responsibilities
Formulation Development & R&D
- Design, develop, and optimize aerospace-grade coating formulations to meet performance, adhesion, durability, and regulatory specifications.
- Conduct structured laboratory experiments to investigate new materials, chemistry, and technologies in support of product innovation.
- Support scale-up of laboratory formulations through pilot and production phases, ensuring consistency and reproducibility.
- Identify and evaluate raw material alternatives to improve performance, cost, or supply chain resilience.
Quality Control & Analytical Testing
- Perform quality control assessments on raw materials, in-process samples, and finished products to ensure compliance with internal and industry standards.
- Execute formulation analysis and product testing using specialized laboratory instrumentation and standard test methods (e.g., ASTM, MIL-SPEC, aerospace OEM specifications).
- Document test results, maintain laboratory records, and contribute to technical reports with accuracy and attention to detail.
- Support root cause analysis and corrective action processes related to product quality or performance issues.
Collaboration & Continuous Improvement
- Work cross-functionally with production, quality, and commercial teams to support product launches, customer requests, and process improvements.
- Collaborate with technical and sales staff to understand customer application requirements and translate them into formulation targets.
- Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing product performance, laboratory efficiency, and documentation practices.
- Stay current on industry trends, regulatory developments, and emerging chemistries relevant to aerospace coatings.
Personality & Culture Requirements
- Technically rigorous: Brings precision and scientific discipline to formulation work and does not cut corners on documentation or testing.
- Curious and innovative: Approaches problems with an investigative mindset and actively seeks out new materials and approaches.
- Detail-oriented: Manages multiple tasks and experiments simultaneously without sacrificing accuracy.
- Collaborative: Works well across teams and communicates technical information clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.
- Self-directed: Organizes and prioritizes laboratory work with appropriate independence while staying aligned with project goals.
- Quality-minded: Treats quality and compliance as core to the work, not an afterthought.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s or advanced degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field.
- Strong proficiency in laboratory skills, including safe handling of specialized equipment, chemicals, and conducting controlled experiments.
- Demonstrated experience in quality control processes to ensure compliance with industry and company standards.
- Analytical skills for product testing, formulation analysis, data interpretation, and problem-solving.
- Excellent attention to detail and ability to manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously.
- Ability to work on-site at our Elgin, IL facility on a full-time basis.
- This role requires the ability to perform physical tasks associated with laboratory and manufacturing environments, including standing for extended periods, working with chemical materials, and operating laboratory equipment. Reasonable accommodation will be made for qualified individuals with disabilities.
Nice to Have (but Not Required)
- Prior experience in the aerospace, defense, or specialty coatings industry.
- Familiarity with aerospace coating specifications, MIL-SPEC standards, or OEM qualification processes.
- Experience with protective coatings, laminating adhesives, or container lining chemistries.
- Working knowledge of ambient cured epoxy, polyurethane, ceramic, silicone, polysiloxane or other thermoset chemistries.
What to Expect
- Work Schedule: Monday through Friday. Standard shift is 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM, with flexibility for adjusted start/end times based on role needs and individual preference. Hours may flex during project deadlines, testing cycles or special initiatives.
- Environment: Laboratory and light manufacturing setting. Areas may have variable temperatures. PPE and safety protocols are required and provided.
- Benefits: UNICHEM offers a competitive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision coverage; company-paid life insurance and short-term disability; and a 401(k)-retirement plan.
Equal Opportunity Employer
UNICHEM is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status.
Employment Disclaimer
This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the position. Employment with UNICHEM is at-will, meaning either party may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause or notice.
Employment is contingent upon successful completion of background check and drug screening, where permitted by law. UNICHEM will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with applicable law.
