Senior Formulation Chemist

Denso Inc., based in Houston, TX, is a subsidiary of Winn & Coales International, a leading manufacturer of anti-corrosion coatings. Our product range includes Protal liquid epoxies, Denso petrolatum tapes, mastics, primers, and more. With a legacy that dates back to 1883 in London, England, Winn & Coales developed the renowned Denso tape, designed for long-term protection of buried steel pipelines against corrosion. Today, Denso continues to innovate in the field of corrosion protection, offering marine protection systems such as fiberglass forms, epoxy grouts, and petrolatum tape wrap systems.

Role Description

The Senior Formulation Chemist will provide expertise in new product development, focusing on the synthesis, formulation, analysis, and testing of innovative liquid epoxy coatings. This role will drive the development of high-performance formulations for tank linings and pipeline coatings used in chemical, oil & gas, and marine applications. The senior chemist will oversee support- level technicians and chemist collaborate with internal teams and external customers on technical matters and ensure the successful commercialization of new products. Additionally, the Senior Formulation Chemist will lead projects and contribute to the advancement of polymer synthesis and coating technologies.

Core Job Responsibilities

• The successful candidate will have a broad background in Organic Chemistry with core expertise in organic molecular design and synthesis methodologies as well as reaction mechanisms.

• Detailed understanding of epoxy formulation, testing, application and curing of epoxy-based systems.

• Hands on experience and fluency with various rheology and thermal analysis instruments specific to thermoset chemistry.

• Ability to independently design and execute experiments utilizing scientific methods. Prepare and test coating samples, analyze data and provide conclusions for path forward.

• Communicates with manager, Marketing, Manufacturing, Procurement, vendors, and various business partners to ensure the successful commercialization of products; utilizes internal networks when possible.

• Demonstrate the capability to plan, work, and create reports independently.

• Complete product development project(s) within the defined project timelines.

• Maintaining accurate records of research data, formulations, and test results.

• Demonstrate a personal commitment to the team by helping / assisting other employees.

• Identify opportunities for enhancement in industrial coatings products, processes, and materials, and deliver solutions that provide improved performance and efficiency.

• Proactively network and develop industry relationships and build strategic connections to drive growth, innovation and influence within the industrial coatings industry.

• Assisting in resolving any issues that may arise during the application or use of coatings.

• Provide training and guidance to technicians and/or lower-level chemists. Develop the technical skills of team members through on-the-job training.

• Maintain a safe work area through observance of all laboratory safety procedures and practices.

Education and Experience Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master’s or Ph.D. in Polymer Chemistry, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or equivalent area; Master’s degree or Ph.D. preferred.

• 1-5 years (Bachelor’s or Master’s) or 0-2 years (Ph.D.) of experience within the paint and/or coatings industry; Industrial and marine coatings and tank linings experience preferred.

• Background in polymer chemistry and/or polymer physics

• Knowledge of polymer structure-property relationships

• Experience with polymer synthesis for coating applications preferred

• Excellent communication skills with the ability to concisely present information and proposals to all organizational levels.

• Proactively network and develop industry relationships and build strategic connections to drive growth, innovation and influence within the industrial coatings industry.

• Assisting in resolving any issues that may arise during the application or use of coatings.

• Provide training and guidance to technicians and/or lower-level chemists. Develop the technical skills of team members through on-the-job training.

• Maintain a safe work area through observance of all laboratory safety procedures and practices.