Sr. R&D Scientist
On-site · White City, Oregon, United States
Job Summary
Lead the execution of high-performance coatings and advanced material development programs from concept through qualification, scale-up, and commercialization. This role includes hands-on laboratory work in coating formulation and materials development, directing technician-supported lab execution, and building technical evidence for projects. Candidates must have an advanced degree, 5+ years in relevant industry experience, strong coating chemistry knowledge, and the ability to drive projects through structured development processes.
Required Qualifications
- Advanced degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Physics, Materials Science, Polymer Science, or a related technical field.
- 5+ years of relevant industry experience in coatings formulation, coatings development, materials development, process development, or related chemical product development.
- Demonstrated success leading technical development work in an industrial R&D environment.
- Strong knowledge of coating chemistry, formulation design, cure mechanisms, pigment and filler interactions, and performance-property relationships.
- Strong understanding of formulation and process engineering and the realities of scaling products from lab to manufacturing.
- Experience with scale-up, plant trials, production implementation, qualification, or manufacturing troubleshooting.
- Experience driving projects through a phase-gate, stage-gate, or similar structured development process.
- Experience preparing technical evidence packages, milestone updates, and gate-review materials.
- Experience coordinating work across technicians, manufacturing, suppliers, vendors, or other cross-functional stakeholders.
- Ability to design experiments, interpret data, and solve technical problems with limited oversight.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong organization, prioritization, and documentation habits.
- Ability to work on site.
- Must be authorized to work in the United States and meet applicable export-control requirements, including qualification as a U.S. Person.
Desired Qualifications
- Experience with powder coatings, liquid coatings, protective coatings, specialty finishes, or other formulated industrial products.
- Experience directing or mentoring technicians, associates, or junior scientists.
- Experience with supplier qualification, raw material commercialization, or vendor management.
- Experience with analytical methods such as FTIR, DSC, TGA, GPC/SEC, rheology, particle size analysis, GC, HPLC, or microscopy.
- Experience using DOE, statistical analysis, validation, or manufacturing readiness activities.
- Experience with customer-facing technical support, field issue resolution, product stewardship, or SDS-support workflows.
- Familiarity with manufacturing processes, process controls, and quality systems.
Additional Requirements
- Must be authorized to work in the United States and meet applicable export-control requirements, including qualification as a U.S. Person.
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