Associate Chemist

Peter-Lacke USA is seeking a highly-motivated, scientifically trained individual to fill the position of Associate Chemist for our Troy, Michigan manufacturing facility. The ideal candidate will have an undergraduate degree in Chemistry, with a minimum of 3-5 years of relevant work experience, including bench chemistry. This position offers the right candidate training and advancement opportunities as the company grows.

Required Skills

• Scientific Testing Methods (pH, Viscosity, Adhesion - Color Matching and Coatings Application Skills Preferred)
• Paint Industry-Related Regulatory Requirements
• Standard Laboratory Practices (Proper Notebook/ Record Keeping)
• Experience with Global Standards (ASTM, DIN, SAE- Automotive Specifications Preferred)
• Familiarity with Regulatory Requirements (Coatings Related Experience Preferred)
• Material Approval Processes
• Chemical Knowledge in a Relevant Industry/ Field (Coatings, Inks, Stains, Sealants, Polymers/Resins - Broad Coatings Technology Knowledge Preferred)
• Microsoft Office (intermediate proficiency), including Outlook
• Strong Interpersonal Skills

Essential Responsibilities

• The duties and responsibilities listed below are an integral part of the job and are performed on a regular basis. Other non-essential duties may be assigned.
• Processes assigned lab orders in an accurate and timely manner, professionally documenting work utilizing Lab Notebooks.
• Coat parts/plaques/panels to be used for testing and/or demonstration purposes.
• Responsible for product scale-up/first time batches and resolution of processing issues faced by manufacturing and/or quality.
• Assists the Quality department with the investigation of customer complaints and the subsequent generation of corrective actions.
• Conducts research on current manufactured products to improve product performance.
• Maintains and operates laboratory equipment and instruments.
• Assists in maintaining a professional, organized laboratory by keeping all lab equipment, fixtures and common work areas clean and orderly and following Chemical Hygiene procedures.

Education & Experience

• Scientific Bachelor’s degree (Chemistry, Biology, Polymer Science, or Chemical Engineering-preferably in Polymers & Coatings Technology)
• 3-5 years coatings industry experience, or commensurate work experience.
• Experience must include bench work in a coating or polymer laboratory environment (color technology, color matching, and paint test & application methods are a plus).
• Must be able to pass color evaluation and acuity tests or have demonstrated successful color matching skills.
• Preferred: Exhibit broad general knowledge of coatings and paint technology & industry-related regulatory requirements.
• Preferred: Possess a general understanding of automotive specifications and material approval processes.
• Must be proficient in the use of Microsoft programs such as Excel, Word and Office applications.
• Maintains a valid Operator/Driver’s License and Passport (or the ability to acquire a Passport).

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to walk. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, and ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to fumes or airborne particles and toxic or caustic chemicals. The employee is frequently exposed to moving mechanical parts. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Travel for training and customer support, primarily domestic, represents up to 10-20% of the job.

About Peter-Lacke USA
Peter-Lacke USA is the first U.S. subsidiary of Peter-Lacke GmbH, an international leader of advanced paint systems based in Hiddenhausen, Germany, developing and producing state-of-the art paint systems for substrates such as plastic, glass, wood, and metal for leading companies from the automotive, household appliances and electronics industries for 117 years. For more information on our company, please visit us at www.peter-lacke.com.

Peter-Lacke USA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We offer an excellent benefit package including cafeteria style health insurance, dental, vision, life, disability, 401(k), 11 paid holidays annually, plus paid time off.

*_All applications/resumes will be considered for no more than 60 days after submission. We are unable to respond to each applicant individually. If your resume fits our needs, someone will reach out to you.
_*

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $55,000.00 - $70,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Education:

• Bachelor's (Preferred)

Experience:

• Coatings Industry: 3 years (Preferred)

Work Location: In person