Senior Scientist (Industrial Coatings)

Job title Senior Scientist (Industrial/O&G Coatings) 

Location: Dallas, TX 

Reports to: Head of R&D 
 

Hempel, founded in Denmark in 1915, is a world-leading supplier of trusted coating solutions. Across the globe, our products protect and beautify buildings, infrastructure and other assets, and play an essential role in our customers' businesses. They help minimize maintenance costs, improve aesthetics, and increase energy efficiency. Through our brands Hempel, Neogard, Crown Paints, Wattyl and Farrow & Ball, we provide solutions for the Marine, Energy, Infrastructure and Decorative industries. 

Job Summary: The Senior Scientist will lead the research, development, and commercialization of high‑performance coatings that meet stringent industrial and OEM requirements—delivering superior corrosion protection, durability, application efficiency, and regulatory compliance for oil & gas pipelines, coil lines, and OEM partners. 

Essential Responsibilities: 

• Lead end‑to‑end formulation development and manage Stage‑Gate projects from concept through commercialization. 

• Formulate, screen, and optimize resin/pigment/additive systems for corrosion resistance, mechanical performance, cure chemistry, and other target properties. 

• Design and analyze DOE studies using statistical methods. 

• Prepare and apply panels via drawdown, spray, and coil‑line simulation. 

• Develop and execute test plans aligned with ASTM, ISO, API, and NACE/AMPP standards, including adhesion, flexibility, impact, hardness, abrasion, corrosion/weathering, and chemical resistance testing. 

• Document results, write technical reports, and create specification sheets. 

• Partner with Process Engineering and Production to scale formulations, run pilot batches, and establish QC methods and specifications. 

• Lead technical discussions with customers and OEMs, support on‑site trials, and troubleshoot application issues. 

• Evaluate alternative raw materials for performance, cost, and sustainability. 

• Collaborate cross‑functionally with Product Management, Sales, Procurement, and mentor junior scientists. 

• Maintain project plans, risk registers, and milestone reporting. 

• Develop application guides, safety materials, and training content. 

• Contribute to IP strategy, literature reviews, and competitive benchmarking. 

Minimum Qualifications: 

• B.S. or M.S. in Chemistry, Polymer Science, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related field. 

• 7–10+ years of industrial coatings R&D experience with demonstrated commercialization success. 

• Strong expertise in resin chemistries, cure mechanisms, and hands‑on formulation, applicati