Sr. Chemist

Company Description

Permatex is a leading manufacturer, distributor and marketer of premium chemical products to the automotive maintenance and repair, home and hardware markets. Product categories include gasket makers, sealants, hand cleaners, threadlockers, adhesives, cleaners, repair kits, and lubricants under well-recognized brand names such as Permatex®, the Right Stuff®, Fast Orange®, Spray Nine®, Versachem®, and Devcon® home.

Job Description

Summary:

This position entails all aspects of product development and support, including innovation and new product conception/feasibility and formulation preparation under the supervision of the R&D Director. The successful candidate will be proficient in problem troubleshooting and the implementation of differentiating product improvements to our current line and will be expected to assist leading and developing members of the R&D team. A high degree of independent work ability and individual initiative will be expected in fulfilling the requirements of this position.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead development and testing of innovative products
• Coordinate, monitor, and perform (as needed) field testing of new systems
• Utilize both new and existing products to develop solutions for various market applications
• Conduct competitive product evaluations and benchmarking of relevant products
• Develop and perform qualitative tests and clearly report results and observations
• Evaluate new and existing specialty chemicals and polymers for suitability in development projects
• Assist in redesign of existing products to meet customer requirements
• Scale-up of new prototype products including all monitoring and evaluation of field testing prior to final approval and production
• Develop mutually beneficial, respectful, and effective relationships with peers to ensure seamless coordination between departments, maximize synergy, and maintain a shared vision, strategy, and focus
• Responsible for determining the technical feasibility of New Product Development projects as well as materials of composition and manufacturing
• Maintain a high level of awareness of current product and market trends to support product line growth and innovation
• Ensure safety by both identifying potential hazards and observing all safety requirements
• Travel up to 10%

Qualifications

 Minimum Qualifications:

• BS degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or applicable field.
• 7+ years relevant work experience.
• Emphasis on aqueous chemistry and performance properties. 
• Must be innovative, flexible, curious and have exhibited visionary success by identifying and successfully translating market ideas into tangible business solutions.
• Must have demonstrated success in reading market conditions, understanding and prioritizing speed and urgency based on changing market conditions.
• Must have proven & successful new product launch experience, including intimate familiarity with innovation funnel, stage gate product development process, strong supplier relationships and effective product lifecycle planning.
• Design, testing, validation process expertise

Additional Preferred Qualifications:

• Proven portfolio management and project/process management experience
• Business acumen and excellent presentation skills (to customers, vendors, senior internal staff)
• Experience in the Automotive industry

Competencies:

• Must have a solid strategic view that positions the business to win in markets
• Results oriented—understands the importance of delivering tangible results and embraces accountability
• Can effectively apply an “outside-in” approach to solutions and opportunities, seeing through the eyes of the consumer and customer
• Anticipates and manages complex situations
• Understands 80/20 methodology and can drive strong financial results and growth targets
• Personal composure under pressure
• Balances data, logic and intuition in decision-making

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job. This job description should not be construed to contain every function/responsibility that may be required to be performed by an incumbent in this position.  Incumbents are required to perform other related functions as assigned.

Additional Information

ITW is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled. EEO is the law. ITW invites any employee and/or applicant to review the Company’s Affirmative Action Plan. This plan is available for inspection upon request by emailing