Coatings Application Scientist

Element is currently seeking an Applications Coating Scientist in the greater Charlotte, NC area.

Our client is a minerals solutions provider supporting various industrial markets.

Currently seeking a Coatings Application Scientist supporting the Applications Development Team. As a Coatings Application Scientist, you will support the innovation in the Paint, Coatings, Adhesives, & Sealants markets through formulation design, evaluation, and engagement with paint and coatings customers.

The successful candidate will have the following Key Accountabilities:

• Identify emerging trends, unmet market needs, and novel opportunities where minerals can create new performance or cost advantages
• Design, execute, and analyze laboratory experiments to evaluate mineral functionality in various coating systems
• Develop prototype products and technical proof-of-concepts demonstrating the value of mineral-based solutions
• Lead the on-going maintenance of the coatings laboratory to support coatings formulation applications
• Conduct the coatings laboratory projects supporting new product development and commercial growth. Develop technical value propositions. Translate voice of customers (VOC) into key performance attributes. Design and conduct experiments to demonstrate and quantify functional and performance benefits using customer language.
• Interface with the technology platform, corporate analytical laboratory, and pilot staff to ensure seamless technology transfer and scale-up.
• Support coatings technical product commercialization, assisting in the creation of technical data sheets, brochures, and new product launch packages
• Support within a cross-functional team to develop IP strategy in the coatings space. Conduct annual coatings IP landscape study, stay up to date to competitive IP.
• Coordinate comparative testing & evaluation of competitive products in the coatings markets.
• Supervise lab technicians.
• Provide training and technical assistance to Sales, Operations, Marketing and other Covia affiliated employees involved in supplying and servicing the coatings markets. Serve as a resource for customer problem resolving and technical support.
• Represent the organization in forums and conferences within specific area of application expertise.

The successful candidate will have the following Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in chemistry or chemical engineering with 10 years’ experience in the relevant industry, or Master /Ph. D degree with 5 years of industrial experience
• Experience in resin systems and formulations with pigments, fillers, curing agents, activators
• Experience in various paint and coating systems, including architectural interior, exterior coatings, industrial coatings, and specialty applications such as solar reflection coatings.
• Laboratory experience with chemicals, MSDS, ventilation and safety training
• Hands-on ability to execute analytical / laboratory procedures and maintain applicable equipment / systems
• Deep knowledge of coating formulations with a structured methodology for building, optimizing, and testing coating formulations is preferred
• Experience with Critical to Quality (CTQ) process is preferred

Benefits:

• Excellent Healthcare Benefits – medical, vision, dental
• 401K with company matching
• Paid Time Off + Paid Holidays
• Disability plans and Life / AD&D
• Employee Assistance Program