Coatings Chemist

Crafco, Inc. is seeking a Coatings Chemist at our New Corporate Office & Lab Facility in Phoenix, AZ.

The Coatings Chemist is responsible for product development, formulations, specification development, performance studies and improvements, quality oversight, and manufacturing process and product improvements for Crafco sealcoat, coatings and paints. The role requires a deep understanding of plant systems and manufacturing, extensive knowledge of applicable specifications, product performance characteristics, raw materials, experimental methods, and strong computer and communication skills.

This position offers a competitive salary, and an excellent benefits package including profit sharing, a matching 401(k), health, life, dental, vision, short‑ and long‑term disability, holiday, personal & sick pay, maternity leave, and more.

• Lead technical development of products, both new and improvements to current products.
• Communicate and interact with the Crafco Product Manager, Sales and Marketing, and customers to determine required product characteristics.
• Take the lead on projects and work with lab technicians.
• Identify appropriate raw materials needed to achieve desired characteristics.
• Design and oversee studies to be performed by Crafco or external sources to develop product formulations.
• Design and oversee verification evaluations for developed products.
• Develop manufacturing instructions and procedures for production plants.
• Assist in designing and developing packaging materials and processes for products when needed.
• Work with Quality Assurance to develop quality control procedures for raw materials and finished products.
• Report progress at periodic engineering and management meetings.
• Develop product specifications, test procedures, use instructions, and documentation as needed.
• Propose new and innovative product types for the company.

• Understand Crafco/Ergon production capabilities and communicate improvement opportunities.
• Understand application procedures.
• Provide answers to customer questions and recommendations on product specifications, properties, performance, use, and applicability.
• Develop and deliver presentations on products or processes within the company and to customers or trade organizations.
• Maintain a good understanding of competitive product characteristics and performance.
• Participate in applicable trade and technical organizations.

• Oversee raw material and finished product quality results at production plants to determine if adjustments are needed.
• Evaluate and recommend alternative raw material sources and types for production.
• Establish working relationships with plant production and quality personnel.
• Maintain up‑to‑date formulations and manufacturing instructions for assigned products at plants.
• Monitor the LIMS for quality data and act on statistical findings.

• Optimize formulations considering specification conformance and production quality results.
• Develop plans and procedures to improve manufacturing processes as appropriate.
• Evaluate new raw materials, formulations, and production methods to improve product performance and/or reduce costs.
• Stay aware of new technologies, raw materials, processes, and industry changes that may influence company products and report accordingly.

• BS degree in an appropriate scientific field.
• Minimum three years of related work experience in coating products.
• Minimum three years of experience in product development.
• Proficient with email, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Working knowledge of MRP systems.
• Ability to travel up to approximately 25% when needed.
• Ability to lift 50 lbs.
• Must have a clean driving record.

Crafco, Inc. has delivered confidence through innovation, quality, and value to our customers since 1976. It is the world's leading manufacturer of paved‑preservation products and equipment. As a subsidiary of Ergon, Inc., our core values—Empowered Service, Selfless Leadership, Purposeful Growth, and Respectful Relationships—create an excellent work environment for future growth.

Crafco, Inc. is an equal‑employment‑opportunity employer and a drug‑free workplace. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. and have a valid driver’s license. Any employment offers are contingent upon a pre‑employment drug test, background check, and MVR.

Salary: $90,000 – $120,000 per year