Chemist - Conversion Coatings (Pre-paint Treatments) (BASF-Chemetall)

Now Hiring! Chemist - Conversion Coatings (Pre-paint Treatments) (ECT-Chemetall)

 

Come create chemistry with us!

 

BASF/Chemetall, is the Surface Treatment global business unit of BASF’s Coatings division, operating under the Chemetall brand, and a leading supplier of applied surface treatments worldwide. At BASF/Chemetall, we develop and manufacture tailor-made technology and system solutions for applied surface technology. Our products protect metals from corrosion, facilitate forming and treatment, prepare parts optimally for the painting process and ensure excellent coating adhesion. Our technologies and products are used in a variety of industries and end markets such as automotive, aerospace, aluminum finishing and metal forming.  

 

The chemical treatment of metal surfaces is BASF/Chemetall core competence. The focus of our worldwide activities is on the development and implementation of customized technology and system solutions for surface treatment.

 

 

We are looking for a Chemist - Conversion Coatings to join our Technical Service team in New Providence, NJ. 

 

The ideal candidate will develop new products, product modifications, and test procedures for the evaluation of these products. This position interfaces with Business Development and Manufacturing to introduce new products and solve customers’ technical problems. They will recommend appropriate products for customers’ operations and provide technical consultation/advice to the Field Sales force and Field Application Engineers.

As a Chemist - Conversion Coatings (Pre-paint Treatments) (ECT-Chemetall), you create chemistry by...

 

• Provide customer and field technical support, including laboratory and on-site support for line start-ups, troubleshooting, process optimization, and technical problem resolution.
• Support Automotive OEM and key customer initiatives, including RFQs, technical reviews, customer business meetings.  Plan, execute and document operating window definition and optimization as well as process validation studies in both customer and laboratory environments.
• Evaluate and modify conversion coating products and test procedures to meet customer, regulatory, and performance requirements.
• Interface with Segment, Manufacturing, Sales, and Field Application colleagues to introduce new products and align technical solutions with customer needs.
• Provide technical training and guidance to customers, OEM account managers, field teams, and internal stakeholders.
• Maintain laboratory operations and equipment in compliance with Chemetall/BASF quality systems, safety requirements, and audit expectations (including IATF).
• Support product maintenance activities, including raw material stewardship, specifications, change management, and technology transfer or regional alignment.
• Continuously develop technical expertise through hands-on laboratory work, collaboration with global technical teams, and participation in industry and internal technical forums.
• Demonstrate strong communication, collaboration, and professionalism, including clear technical documentation, customer-facing communication, and informal mentoring of team members.
• Ensure compliance with quality, safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements, including proper use of PPE and adherence to site procedures.
• Work involves laboratory and field environments with exposure to chemicals, solvents, moderate noise, and temperature conditions.  Position requires frequent computer use and the physical ability to perform laboratory and field-related tasks, including sitting, walking, standing, viewing a monitor, lifting up to 20 lbs. regularly and up to 50 lbs. occasionally, fine manipulation, pushing and pulling with hands, reaching above shoulder level, and grasping with the hands.

If you have...

 

• Bachelor’s degree in chemistry or chemical engineering is required.
• Minimum of 3 years of industrial experience. 
• Prior experience with lab and onsite technical support and guidance to customers. 
• Knowledge and understanding of Pre-paint Treatments is required. 
• Knowledge and understanding of thin films is preferred. 
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written. 
• Team player
• Safety driven
• Travel for this position is 30%; includes overnight travel to customer sites within N.A.

Create your own chemistry with you@BASF

 

At BASF, you will have the chance to do meaningful work towards building a more sustainable future. In addition to competitive c