Coating Chemist - Mold Release

Job Description:

We are seeking an innovative and driven Coating Chemist to lead the development of next-generation mold release coatings while enhancing existing formulations for performance, manufacturability, cost optimization, and regulatory compliance.

In this role, you will partner closely with Operations, Marketing, and Sales to identify market opportunities and translate customer needs into high-performance coating solutions. This is an opportunity to take products from concept through commercialization while contributing directly to business growth and technical advancement.

Essential Responsibilities

Product Innovation & Development

• Develop new coating formulas and products from concept to launch in alignment with the New Product Development process.
• Lead activities including competitive performance benchmarking, market opportunity analysis, raw material sourcing, product stability testing, scale-up, and regulatory compliance assessment.
• Evaluate existing product formulations against competitors to identify improvements in process efficiency, regulatory compliance, and cost reduction.
• Develop testing processes that replicate customer applications and generate supporting data for product validation.
• Actively support the Change Control process for both new product launches and updates to existing products.
• Lead cross-functional project teams from concept through deployment.

Technical Expertise & Laboratory Leadership

• Develop, validate, and maintain analytical test methods and instrument calibration processes for R&D and QC.
• Maintain electronic and manual record-keeping systems for projects and customer samples.
• Support Manufacturing and Quality in investigating production abnormalities, conducting root cause analyses on rejected batches, and presenting findings for Quality review prior to implementation of changes.
• Follow the AS9100 Quality Management System as it applies to R&D and the defined Quality System.
• Actively participate in and support the Laboratory Safety and Chemical Hygiene Program.

Collaboration & Communication

• Work closely with commercial teams and customers to understand application requirements and define product specifications.
• Stay current with emerging mold release and coating technologies through literature review and industry trade shows.
• Communicate technical concepts and product benefits clearly to diverse audiences across the organization and externally.
• Manage multiple projects independently or collaboratively using the 80/20 philosophy.
• Attend company-sponsored training and external seminars as required.
• Act in accordance with company policies, procedures, and corporate ethics.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of formulation experience with silicon, epoxy, and/or hydrocarbon chemistries in aqueous systems.
• Required expertise in formulation of coatings and oil-in-water (O/W) emulsion systems.
• Experience with elastomer chemistries used in molding processes is a plus.

Additional Qualifications

• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Ability to adapt effectively in a dynamic work environment with changing priorities.
• Excellent listening skills and attention to detail when evaluating data and implementing actions.
• Strong decision-making ability with a sense of urgency.
• Self-sufficient, resourceful, results-driven, and accountable.
• Professional and ethical representation of the company.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills across all organizational levels.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
• Analytical mindset with mathematical skills appropriate for scientific computations.
• Proficiency in chemistry, formulation, manufacturing processes, and interpretation of standard analytical testing.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office products.
• Foster and exemplify ITW values: act with integrity and trust, operate with simplicity, treat everyone with respect, and participate in shared risk.
• Commitment to achieving Divisional goals and broader business objectives.

ITW is an equal opportunity employer. We value our colleagues' unique perspectives, experiences and ideas and create workplaces where everyone can develop their careers and perform to their full potential.

As an equal employment opportunity employer, ITW is committed to equal employment opportunity and fair treatment for employees, beginning with the hiring process and continuing through all aspects of the employment relationship.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected Veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.