Senior Lead Chemist

Job Description:

Summary:

The ideal candidate will bring a blend of technical and formulation expertise in aftermarket car care product development and strategy. Under the technical collaboration and/or direction of an R&D Leadership, the candidate will develop multiple projects in a fast-paced innovative environment. They are responsible for research,development,technicalevaluationandtestingoftheformulations.Thispositionrequiresacreative individual with a passion for technical learning and curiosity. The Senior Lead Chemist will spend approximately 50% oftheirdaily activity working at the lab benchto create newproducts and solve complex technical problems to support the ITW Global Brand’s business strategies.

Dutiesand Responsibilities:

• Translatescustomerneeds/consumerpaintpointsintoeffectiveproductdesignsandcustomer-driven innovation strategies by partnering with Marketing & Technical Service/Application Engineering.

• Identifies, plans, recommends and completes major technical programs leading to innovative applicationsorextensionsofexistingandnewtechnologiesthathavesignificantimpactonthe organization.

• Collaboratewithvariousrawmaterialsuppliers/crossfunctionalteamstoresearch,developand create differentiated products and solutions using surfactants, silicone fluid and its derivatives, polymers, and solvents.

• Leadformuladevelopment&managetechnicalaspectsofassignedprojectswithinITW’sstage-gate process in conjunction with a project manager.

• Clearlyidentifyprojectgoals,productdesignrequirements,technicalapproach,teststrategy,and conduct laboratory evaluations, comparison testing and issue final comprehensive reports.

• Conductpatentsearchestomonitorcompetitiveinnovationsandgenerateintellectualpropertyin own area of development in the form of patents, formulation know-how, and trade secrets.

• Support the scale-up of formulations from lab scale to mid- and full-size manufacturing batches. Coordinate and work with internal departments on the technology transfer for scale-up, and commercialization,anddeterminetheappropriatedesignandproductspecificationstomaximize ease of manufacturing and customer applications. Knowledge of ISO practice/requirements for manufacturing scaleups will be added advantage.

• Provideshort-andlong-termsupportforcurrentproductstomaintainITW’sreputationforquality and performance by qualifying alternative sources of raw materials and validating performance.

• Managemultipleprojects/tasksindependentlyandaspartofateamandfullyutilizeanalytical laboratory equipment.

• Understand,followandstayabreastofimportantsafety,health,environmental,qualityand regulatory requirements affecting this industry.

• Minimalbusinesstravelrequired(<10%)

• Otherdutiesas assigned.

MinimumQualifications:

• Master’sdegree,orhigher,inChemistryorChemicalEngineering.Ph.D.preferred.

• Minimum6-8yearsproductformulationexperience,preferablywithconsumer-packagedgoods.

Additionalqualificationstohelpyousucceedinthe role:

• Experienceinsurfactant/silicone/solvent/inorganicandpolymerchemistry.Knowledgeofsurface wetting / non-wetting phenomena, knowledge of reactive chemistry a plus.

• Experienceinphysical/chemicalcharacterizationofsurfaces.

• Abilitytomanagemultipletasksinafast-pacedinnovativeenvironment.

• Abilitytoworkindependentlyandasacontributingteammember.

• Excellentproblem-solvingskillsandlogicalapproachtosolvingscientificproblems.

• Detailoriented,flexible,innovativeandself-motivated.

• Mustdemonstrateabilitytoperformtaskscorrectlyandconsistently.

• Willingtocollaborateandworkincross-functionalteamstoadvanceideasandprojects.

• Strongcommunication,interpersonalandorganizationalskillsareessentialwiththeabilitytoclearly present ideas to a cross-functional team and manufacturing partners.

ITW is an equal opportunity employer. We value our colleagues’ unique perspectives, experiences and ideas and create workplaces where everyone can develop their careers and perform to their full potential. 

As an equal employment opportunity employer, ITW is committed to equal employment opportunity and fair treatment for employees, beginning with the hiring process and continuing through all aspects of the employment relationship. 

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected Veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.