Lead Chemist

P.O.R. Products is a top manufacturer of rust preventive and specialty coatings for metal, with a history dating back to 1923. Originally known as Wood Finishing Products Co, we produced shellac coatings and related products under the Absolute brand name. In 2016 we sold the wood flooring divsion along with the Absolute Coatings name. We rebranded ourselves P.O.R. Products (Paint Over Rust Rust Products, LLC.) to reflect our focus on specialty metal coatings for heavy industrial equipment, agricultural machines, and automotive applications of our renowned POR-15 brand.Job SummaryWe are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Lead Chemist to join our team and drive the formulation of innovative industrial and automotive coatings. The successful candidate will be responsible for the hands-on development of high-performance coatings for a range of applications, ensuring product quality, durability, and compliance with industry standards. This role requires a hands-on approach to formulation development, testing, and optimization. Additionally, the Lead Chemist will be responsible for maintaining a safe working environment in the lab.This is a fully on-site position (Mon-Fri) at our New Rochelle, NY location.Key ResponsibilitiesFormulation & Development: Independently formulate industrial and automotive coatings, including primers, topcoats, and specialty finishes based on communicated objectives. Develop new and improved formulations to meet targeted performance criteria.Product Optimization: Enhance and optimize existing coatings for cost-efficiency, performance, and ease of production.Research & Innovation: Stay updated on the latest trends and advancements in coating technology. Explore and integrate new materials and processes to improve coating performance and sustainability.Process Development: Work closely with manufacturing teams to transition laboratory formulations into commercial production, ensuring product integrity and quality are maintained.Quality Control & Regulatory Compliance: Manage QC of production batches and manage QC records of raw materials. Manage color matching and create specifications for standards for production. Ensure formulations adhere to industry standards, including regulatory requirements such as VOC compliance and environmental safety. Create quality control targets to maintain consistency and performance of coatings. Author SDS of commercialized formulas.Technical Support: Provide technical expertise to internal teams and external customers. Troubleshoot and resolve issues related to coating performance, application, and consistency.QualificationsMinimum Bachelors - Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or other sciences required (Graduates of Coatings Programs are preferred).Solid understanding of coating raw materials, polymer chemistry, and formulation techniques.At least 3-6 yrs experience in lab environment, ideally in a formulation role.Paint and coatings formulation (automotive or industrial) and/or technical service a plus.Familiarity with environmental regulations and industry standards (e.g., VOC compliance).Possesses excellent scientific, analytical and reasoning skills.Possesses excellent communication skills.Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.Proactive, highly enthusiastic and energeticThe expected compensation for this position is a base salary of $85,000-$110,000 annually and is eligible for a 5% bonus, depending on experience and qualifications.

Created: 2025-03-03