New Product Development Jobs in Stuart, FL (NOW HIRING)

The R&D Technician is a hands-on laboratory position supporting the development, testing, and commercialization of new and existing products. Working alongside SCF's chemists, you will prepare formulations, design and conduct experiments, develop and perform test methods, analyze results, and help troubleshoot technical problems. This is not a routine testing-only position. Experiments and projects change frequently, and technicians are expected to understand the purpose of their work, contribute observations and ideas, and take increasing ownership as they develop.

This role is well suited to someone who is curious about how and why things work, notices details and patterns others may overlook, and enjoys turning observations into better experiments and products. You'll encounter problems we don't already know the answer to, so we value people who observe carefully, ask questions, challenge assumptions, document results honestly, and work with their teammates to determine what to try next.

As your experience grows, you will have opportunities to take greater ownership of experiments and project activities and to participate in manufacturing trials, supplier interactions, and customer technical support.

What You’ll Do

• Prepare, modify, and test experimental product formulations.
• Design and conduct laboratory experiments with guidance from SCF chemists.
• Develop, adapt, and perform laboratory test methods to evaluate product performance.
• Observe experimental behavior, identify patterns and unexpected results, and contribute ideas for follow-up experiments.
• Analyze experimental data, draw appropriate conclusions, and communicate observations and recommendations to the project team.
• Troubleshoot formulations, test methods, equipment, and manufacturing issues.
• Maintain thorough, accurate, timely, and organized laboratory records, including unexpected or unsuccessful results.
• Help define project tasks, prepare experiments, and carry work through to completion.
• Support manufacturing scale-up, plant trials, supplier discussions, and customer technical activities as experience develops.
• Maintain laboratory equipment, materials, and work areas so the R&D team can operate safely and effectively.
• Collaborate with colleagues across R&D and the business to meet project objectives.

What We’re Looking For

• Bachelor's degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science, or related scientific discipline.
• Strong hands-on interest in laboratory experimentation and product development.
• Ability to think logically about experimental problems and learn new test methods and equipment.
• Strong observation, organization, and attention to detail.
• Ability to communicate technical information clearly in writing and conversation.
• Willingness to ask questions, receive feedback, and learn from unsuccessful experiments.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a small-team environment.

Helpful, But Not Required

• Previous laboratory research experience, including academic research.
• Formulation chemistry experience.
• Analytical instrumentation experience.
• Manufacturing or pilot-scale experience.
• Previous interaction with customers, suppliers, or cross-functional technical teams.

Surface Chemists of Florida, Inc., is a small R&D company that primarily focuses on the development, production, and sale of specialty industrial chemicals across several diverse markets. We have been testing, developing, and commercializing products for over 57 years.
Our team is small, collaborative, technically curious, and motivated to solve difficult problems. We value people who take their work seriously without taking themselves too seriously, who are comfortable asking questions and challenging assumptions, and who are willing to step in where needed. We value people who take ownership of their responsibilities, follow through on commitments, and care about the success of their teammates, customers, and the company as a whole. Because we are a small company, individual contributions are visible and have a meaningful impact on our customers and our business.