Formulation Chemist Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

$70,000 - $95,000 per year

Description: The Chemist II at Dunn-Edwards plays an integral role in the organization, dedicating approximately 75% of their responsibilities to supporting Manufacturing and 25% to Product Development. This individual collaborates with several teams, including Manufacturing, Process Chemists, Quality Control, and Product Development, to ensure the consistency of product quality, efficient scale-up processes, and prompt resolution of production challenges. Their duties include conducting research and development, managing product development projects, and assisting manufacturing by troubleshooting problematic batches, refining procedures, and guaranteeing compliance with standards. Chemist II works closely with other technical staff to design experiments, develop paint and coating formulas, and test these formulations using established protocols. They are responsible for collecting and reporting data, ensuring all experiments are performed accurately, efficiently, and thoroughly. Essential skills for the role include strong communication, organization, teamwork, and keen attention to detail. All tasks must adhere to Dunn-Edwards’ environmental, health, and safety (EHS) guidelines.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: The Candidate must possess comprehensive knowledge of practices, concepts, and procedures relevant to the design, production, and performance testing of paint and coatings formulations. They operate independently, receiving guidance from experienced technical colleagues to ensure assignments are completed promptly. The role involves developing expertise in coatings raw materials, formulation science, and experimental design, while also building a thorough understanding of Dunn-Edwards’ products, current market trends, and competitors. At times, Chemist II may mentor, train, or supervise Technicians and Associate Chemists.

Maintaining precise and detailed records is a core responsibility. The role routinely prepares presentations and communicates experimental results to the technical team as needed. They also review opportunities for improvement in processes and products with the Group Leader. Keeping a clean and professional workspace and practicing good housekeeping are mandatory. Participation in safety inspections and adherence to safety best practices are expected.

• Provide direct technical support to Manufacturing for production batches, including troubleshooting distressed or out-of-spec batches.
• Collaborate closely with the Process Chemist to resolve formulation, processing, and scale-up issues.
• Investigate root causes of batch failures or deviations and recommend corrective and preventive actions.
• Support batch adjustments, reformulations, and rework activities in partnership with Manufacturing and Quality teams.
• Assist in scaling up new and reformulated products from laboratory to plant production.
• Monitor production trends to identify opportunities for process optimization, cost savings, and efficiency improvements.
• Contribute to continuous improvement efforts and validate manufacturing processes.

Supervisory Responsibilities: This position does not have formal supervisory duties. However, Chemist II may occasionally mentor, train, or direct the work of Technicians and Junior Chemists.

Education and/or Experience: A bachelor's degree (B.S. or B.A.) from an accredited four-year college or university and at least four years of relevant coatings or formulation experience, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience is required. Candidates with a master's degree (MS) or doctorate (PhD) need at least one year of experience.

Coatings experience is required.

Experience with Stage Gate Processes and Six Sigma methodologies is considered an advantage.

Experience with design of experiments (DOE) statistical methods is preferred.

Successful new product development and commercialization experience is desired.

Demonstrated examples of innovation are required.

Communication Skills: Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, patents, technical procedures, or governmental regulations.  Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.  Ability to effectively prepare and deliver presentations to a variety of audiences and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, industry professionals, and the general public.

Mathematical Skills: Ability to apply advanced mathematical concepts such as statistical analysis, design of experiments (DOE), exponents, logarithms, quadratic equations, and permutations.  Ability to apply mathematical operations to such tasks as frequency distribution, determination of test reliability and validity, analysis of variance, correlation techniques, sampling theory, and factor analysis.

Computer Skills: Proficiency with MS Office.  Experience with database systems, project management software, and statistical software preferred.

Reasoning Ability: Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables. 

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Additional Information: This role may require some interaction with other departments, including Manufacturing, Quality Control, Regulatory, and/or Marketing to address specific needs. 

Compensation: Salary

This job description should not be construed to imply that the above functions are the entire standard of the position.  As an employee, the individual shall follow and complete any other instructions related to duties, which may be required by a superior.

Safety & Possible Hazards:

• Always wear proper personal protective equipment.
• Observe all safety procedures.
• Report any unsafe condition to the Production Supervisor or Plant Manager at once.

Health & Safety Training Requirements:

• HMIS Training (i.e., Hazard Communication: 29 CFR 1910.1200 and GISO 5194).
• Personal Protective Equipment (i.e., Level A through D: GISO 3382, 3384 and 3385).
• Emergency Response & Evacuation (i.e., 29 CFR 1910.120 and GISO 5192).