Sr Formulation Chemist (Hybrid)

Senior Formulation Chemist

SUMMARY

The Senior Formulation Chemist assists the Senior Research and Development Chemist in developing new automotive chemical and lubricant products from concept to commercialization that support company growth. The associate in this position will also assist with mixing chemicals, performing testing, documenting results, cost optimization of formulas, label approval, and technical customer questions.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function of the job.

• Design and create new formulas for the automotive chemicals industry. This includes automotive, industrial, and commercial lubricants as well as windshield wash, cleaners, RV antifreeze, and other automotive fluids.
• Collaborate with team members to realize new products.
• Be a product technology expert.
• Enhance and improve upon current products.
• Modify formulations for cost optimization or based on production test results.
• Perform hands-on testing and analysis of products.
• Formulate hand blends and obtain materials needed to make them.
• Analyze and interpret test data of in-process and finished products to determine chemical content and other characteristics.
• Design, review, revise, and document standard operating procedures for R&D test equipment and lab practices and complete training for associates.
• Identify and contribute to continuous improvement efforts to reduce costs or increase productivity without reducing effectiveness.
• Assist the Quality Engineer in dispositioning non-conforming product.
• Assist maintaining R&D lab equipment at high quality level and calibration, including lab equipment repair.
• Analyze and interpret R&D test data and prepare technical reports for use by production and management personnel.
• Answer technical questions related to formulations for internal and external customers, taking into account confidential information of the company, customers, and suppliers.
• Review product labels to verify accuracy of technical and performance claims.
• Prepare chemical solutions for use in processing materials and direct testing procedures.
• Maintain R&D lab supplies by verifying inventory and places orders when needed.
• Maintain R&D records associated with testing, samples, and blends.
• Coordinate outside lab testing.
• Prepare samples for shipment.
• Properly dispose of samples and supplies.
• Maintain good housekeeping and regularly clean work area, machines, and equipment.
• Adhere to established company values, practices, policies, and procedures at all times. Follow and support compliance with all applicable safety rules, laws, regulations, and standards.
• Maintain an open and candid working relationship with immediate supervisor/manager in discussing matters of importance.
• Demonstrate regular and punctual attendance at the assigned work location. Travel required on a periodic basis.

MARGINAL FUNCTIONS

The individual may be asked to perform other duties.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

An individual qualified for this job must be able to:

• Demonstrate knowledge of standard laboratory practices and effectively use laboratory equipment.
• Operate a computer- PC proficiency.
• Show strong understanding of the automotive industry and how fluid formulas work.
• Pay attention to details and pursue quality in accomplishing work duties and tasks. Look for opportunities to reduce costs or increase productivity without reducing effectiveness.
• Possess excellent communication skills, both oral and written, with the ability to communicate with co-workers, team members, and internal or external customers effectively and professionally. Communicate technical information to non-technical personnel.
• Read, analyze, and interpret scientific and technical journals and instructions (in oral, written, diagram and schedule form), financial reports, and legal documents. Respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community.
• Efficiently perform accurate mathematical calculations.
• Analyze problems, develop potential causal factors, and help guide teams of associates through root cause analysis and determination.
• Handle challenges skillfully, thoroughly, and effectively.
• Ability to manage multiple projects concurrently.
• Independently take advantage of opportunities to improve or increase skills, abilities and job knowledge.
• Make sure that work is delivered on time and of high quality.
• Develop good work practices in order to get the job done.
• Use equipment, resources, and time in an efficient and effective manner.
• Use good judgment when making decisions.
• Always perform work in a safe manner.
• Take direction and work well with others.
• Be honest in all interactions and dealings with co-workers, internal and external customers, and vendors.
• Do the right thing, even when it is difficult.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE, EDUCATION, AND CERTIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's Degree in science or technical field or at least 2 years related experience is required.
• Candidates with formulating experience for products such as cleaners, degreasers, automotive antifreeze, or other automotive fluid products would be strongly considered.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an individual to successfully perform the Essential Functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• This is a desk-based job and will require the individual to remain seated for long periods of time and have the manual dexterity to operate standard office equipment such as computer keyboard, mouse, calculator, phone, copier/scanner, and similar machines.
• The individual will also need to use manual dexterity to measure fluid components for hand blends of formulas and may need to transport fluid containers weighing up to fifty pounds, with or without assistance.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

The environmental conditions described here are representative of those the associate encounters while performing the Essential Functions of the job.

• The individual will work in an office setting in the same room as other individuals. Noise levels are average for an office and include conversation and/or office equipment noise.
• The individual will also work in laboratory setting and may be exposed to atmospheric conditions or hazardous materials. Appropriate personal protective equipment will be provided.