Principal Innovation Chemist

Principal Innovation Chemist

RPM Industrial Coatings Group is home to 11 industry-leading coatings and finishing brands. Our dynamic portfolio includes liquid coatings, powder coatings, touch-up and repair products, sundries, adjuvants, and much more. You'll find our products around the globe in industries from architecture and automotive to farming, forestry, marine, and more.

RPM Industrial Coatings Group is part of RPM International Inc., a $7.3 billion global company with subsidiaries that are market and industry leaders in specialty coatings, sealants, building materials, and related services. From homes and workplaces to infrastructure and precious landmarks, RPM's brands are trusted by consumers and professionals alike to help build a better world.

Kopcoat is the world's leading supplier of innovative chemical products for the protection of farms, forests, and buildings. For over 25 years, Kopcoat has provided superior solutions to control and eliminate mold, decay, insects, water damage, and more. And we do it while providing outstanding service for our customers.

The RPM Innovation Center of Excellence is a state-of-the-art research and development facility that was designed to foster collaboration and harness the collective expertise found across our businesses. Features include liquid and powder application labs, resin and analytical labs, a sample production area, and a formulation lab, among other resources. It also serves as a destination for onsite customer training and application trials.

The Principal Innovation Chemist is responsible for the development and implementation of new technologies, raw materials, processes, and products. The role requires problem-solving, strong analytical, and communication skills with a focus on leading projects, mentoring chemists along with collaboration with cross-functional teams across all regions and segments.

Main Responsibilities

• Lead the formulation development process for new products, ensuring compliance with industry regulations and standards.
• Conduct experiments to formulate and optimize product performance, stability, and safety, utilizing advanced analytical techniques.
• Conduct stability studies and assess the performance of formulations under various conditions, providing actionable insights for continuous improvement.
• Prepare monthly reports on projects/initiatives, communicate with leadership team weekly on priorities and expectations, coordinate, update, and communicate quarterly with team members on company goals.
• Stay current with industry trends and emerging market technologies, contribute to the development of profitable platforms across all segments and markets.

Key Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry or related science field, with 5+ years of laboratory experience in a related field or Master's degree in Chemistry or related science field, with 2+ years of laboratory experience in a related field.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ability to analyze problems, identify solutions, and communicate them clearly.
• Thorough knowledge of applicable chemistry, techniques, and procedures.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively to a range of stakeholders.
• Proficiency in relevant software and product management tools.
• Strong organizational and multitasking skills.