Job Description

The R&D Senior Chemist is responsible for conducting specialized analyses, testing, and the formulation of new products, with a focus on latex and water-borne resin synthesis. This role involves developing and refining chemical formulations, executing moderate-scale projects or components of larger initiatives, and establishing quality standards. The Senior Chemist independently manages the commercialization of new resin while collaborating closely with manufacturing teams to support scale-up and production. With expertise in polymer synthesis and coating formulations, the chemist provides technical leadership across multiple product lines, applications, and markets. Additionally, this role may include supervising support-level technicians and mentoring entry-level chemists.

Job duties include contact with other employees and access to confidential and proprietary information and/or other items of value, and such access may be supervised or unsupervised. The Company therefore has determined that a review of criminal history is necessary to protect the business and its operations and reputation and is necessary to protect the safety of the Company’s staff, employees, and business relationships.

Responsibilities

Responsibilities:

  • Lead or support NPD projects from concept to commercialization, including planning and executing R&D investigations under the guidance of the Synthesis Technical Manager. Manage project timelines, budgets, and deliverables.
  • Collaborate cross-functionally with Analytical/Material Science, Process Chemistry, HSE, and Business teams to drive project success and align on shared goals.
  • Conduct lab-scale WB resin synthesis (emulsion, polyurethane dispersion...) and develop coating formulations. Perform application testing, analyze data, refine technical strategies, and recommend the next steps. Document and communicate findings through presentation and technical reports.
  • Apply experimental design principles to deepen understanding and develop innovative solutions aligned with project objectives.
  • Review patents and emerging technologies to identify opportunities for innovation and product development.
  • Act as a technical liaison, addressing moderately complex inquiries from manufacturing, quality control, and internal stakeholders regarding development activities.
  • Operate and maintain laboratory equipment, ensuring proper calibration and cleanliness. Use both standard and specialized instruments as needed.
  • Provide guidance or supervision to technicians, junior chemists, or support staff on research activities.
  • Ensure compliance with departmental policies, safety protocols, and applicable regulations.
  • Perform additional duties as assigned to support the R&D and NPD functions.

Qualifications

BASIC QUALIFICATION:

  • Must be legally authorized to work in the country for which you are applying for employment (without now or in the future needing sponsorship for employment work visa and/or permanent residence status).
  • Must be at least 18 years of age

FORMAL EDUCATION:

Required:

  • Bachelor's degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (“STEM”) field

Preferred:

  • Master’s or Ph.D. in Chemistry or related area

KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE:

Required:

  • 5 or more years polymer synthesis lab experience

Preferred:

  • 5-7 years of polymer synthesis and coatings specific industry experience
  • In-depth understanding of polymer structure-property relationships and coating formulation.
  • Proficiency in emulsion polymerization highly desired
  • Proficiency in Polyurethane dispersion and PUD/Acrylic hybrid highly desired

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:

10%

Upon completion of construction, the individual selected for this role will primarily work at the new Sherwin-Williams Global Technology Center in Brecksville, Ohio. Construction is expected to be complete in 2025. Until then, the role will be based at Breen Technology Center, located at 601 Canal Road, Cleveland, OH 44113.

About Us

At Sherwin-Williams, our purpose is to inspire and improve the world by coloring and protecting what matters. Our paints, coatings and innovative solutions make the places and spaces in our world brighter and stronger. Your skills, talent and passion make it possible to live this purpose, and for customers and our business to achieve great results. Sherwin-Williams is a place that takes its stability, growth and momentum and translates it to possibility for our people. Our people are behind the strength of our success, and we invest and support you in:

Life … with rewards, benefits and the flexibility to enhance your health and well-being

Career … with opportunities to learn, develop new skills and grow your contribution

Connection … with an inclusive team and commitment to our own and broader communities

It's all here for you... let's Create Your Possible

At Sherwin-Williams, part of our mission is to help our employees and their families live healthier, save smarter and feel better. This starts with a wide range of world-class benefits designed for you. From retirement to health care, from total well-being to your daily commute—it matters to us. A general description of benefits offered can be found at http://www.myswbenefits.com/. Click on “Candidates” to view benefit offerings that you may be eligible for if you are hired as a Sherwin-Williams employee.

Compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case and will impact where actual compensation may fall within the stated wage range. The wage range listed for this role takes into account the wide range of factors considered in making compensation decisions including skill sets; experience and training; licensure and certifications; and other business and organizational needs. The disclosed range estimate has not been adjusted for the applicable geographic differential associated with the location at which the position may be filled. The wage range, other compensation, and benefits information listed is accurate as of the date of this posting. The Company reserves the right to modify this information at any time, with or without notice, subject to applicable law.

Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws including with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act where applicable.

Sherwin-Williams is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, age, pregnancy, genetic information, creed, marital status or any other consideration prohibited by law or by contract.

As a VEVRAA Federal Contractor, Sherwin-Williams requests state and local employment services delivery systems to provide priority referral of Protected Veterans.

Please be aware, Sherwin-Williams recruiting team members will never request a candidate to provide a payment, ask for financial information, or sensitive personal information like national identification numbers, date of birth, or bank account numbers during the application process.

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Confirmed 4 hours ago. Posted a day ago.

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