Product Development Chemist

The Product Development Chemist will play a critical role in developing and optimizing innovative coating, ink, and adhesive solutions for KURZ Transfer Product’s diverse product lines, including automotive, appliance, medical, and consumer industrial applications. This position requires a strong understanding of chemistry, a passion for innovation, and the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.

Key Tasks and Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize new and existing formulations for coatings, inks, and adhesives, ensuring they meet stringent performance requirements and customer specifications.
• Conduct research and development activities, including material evaluation, testing, and analysis.
• Lead and manage R&D projects, collaborating with internal and external stakeholders to ensure timely and successful project completion.
• Provide technical support to customers, sales teams, and production departments.
• Conduct competitive analysis, identifying market trends and opportunities for new product development.
• Perform rigorous quality control testing and ensure all formulations meet established standards.
• Adhere to all safety regulations and protocols related to chemical handling and laboratory operations.
• Maintain detailed records of all research, development, and testing activities.
• Lead and support supplier reviews to identify raw materials that can improve product performance, manufacturing processes, and cost savings.
• Lead and assist with cost-saving opportunities and lean initiatives.
• Maintain and follow all worksite rules for safety, waste management, chemical handling, and disposal. (Improved clarity)
• Minimal travel requirements (<5%)
• Other duties as required.

Skills and Abilities

• Work Ethic: Team orientated and able to work independently as needed Formulation Expertise: Ability to investigate, develop, and formulate various materials like coatings, lacquers, inks, and adhesives.
• Communication: Collaborate clearly with all organizations to ensure smooth production flow.
• Quality control: Possess a keen eye for detail and the ability to distinguish colors precisely to conduct thorough quality inspections.
• Problem-Solving: Strong ability to investigate new product requirements, identify solutions, and optimize existing processes.
• Safety compliance: Understanding and adherence to safety protocols for handling and mixing chemicals.
• Physical abilities: Meet the physical demands of the role, stand/sit for an extended amount of time
• Mobility: Climb steps frequently and maintain sustained focus for an extended periods.
• Continuous improvement: Maintain a process optimization mindset.

Experience and Education

• Minimum BS in Chemistry or related discipline (Masters Degree a plus)
• 3 – 5 years of experience in:
• Formulating, developing, and testing coatings, inks, lacquers, colorants, color matching, and color spectrophotometer
• Lab to commercial production development and management experience required
• Experience with gravure, silk screen, and digital printing technologies and processes a plus.
• Strong understanding of color science, pigmentation, dispersion, and other visual appearance properties.
• Color Matching experience preferred.
• Familiarity with SAP/Microsoft Office.
• Knowledge of color theory