What are the responsibilities and job description for the Sr R&D Scientist - Industrial Division position at Rust-Oleum?
We are seeking an experienced and innovative Senior R&D Scientist with deep expertise of industrial paints and coatings to join our R&D team in the Consumer Product Goods (CPG) sector. This role focuses on developing and optimizing industrial coating products, ensuring they meet the highest standards of performance, safety, and regulatory compliance. This position provides leadership to internal research, product development, and cross-functional teams. The candidate must possess demonstrated competencies and experiences in project management, documentation, and communication. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in chemistry, particularly in the formulation and application of industrial products.
Technology Competency:
The Senior R&D Scientist candidate will demonstrate and apply the following skills to their work and has a proven track record of performing this consistently.
- Strong understanding of Scientific Methodology. Hypothesis driven research and problem-solving capability using experimental design, data analysis and documentation.
- Coating Chemistries: alkyd, epoxy, phenolic, polyurethane, polyaspartics and sil(ox)anes etc.
- Coating Formulation Science: Lead the design, development, and optimization of industrial coating formulations including brush, rolled and spray applications for various protective coatings including general industrial, corrosion protection, containment, tank linings and other high-performance applications (waterborne and/or solvent borne)
- Utilize in-depth knowledge of industrial coating applications, industrial specifications (SSPC, MPI, ISO, etc..), and professional end user requirements to develop high-performance products.
- Apply expert knowledge of organic chemistry and material science to troubleshoot complex formulation issues, enhance product performance, and ensure product stability and safety.
Technical Leadership:
The Senior R&D Scientist demonstrates and applies the following attributes
- Ability to develop and implement project plans with proven technical leadership, technically guiding complex R&D projects and team members
- Ability to generate accurate timelines, time management, prioritization, and resource utilization, while measuring progress and providing updates in alignment with our marketing team
- Ability to make strategic decisions both technically as well as guide staff utilization, advising leaders and scientists to execute initiatives while managing business strategy and value creation
- Outstanding verbal and written technical communication, interpersonal communication and presentation skills.
- Has a plan and executes for innovation. Skillset and track record in identifying and scouting new and innovative ideas.
- Continuous learning and intimate awareness of open literature and competitive landscape
- The Senior R&D Scientist works with assistance on the allocation of resources towards initiatives by working with leadership
- The Senior R&D Scientist demonstrates the ability to have influence in decision making and a demonstrated ability to communicate with project stakeholders and cross-functional teams, leadership and external scientific community.
Organization Leadership:
The Senior R&D Scientist demonstrates and applies the following attributes
- Continuous learning, growth mentorship, and teaching skills. This candidate must have a willingness to develop others and work with R&D management to help refine and develop the skillsets of the team.
- Agility to respond to emerging business needs - strong management of change skills
- Builds strong partnerships internally within R&D, internal functions (marketing, manufacturing, sourcing, etc.) and externally (vendors, customers, etc.)
- Managing high stakes and challenging situation with all levels of organizations
- Using, assessing the organizational processes and developing new processes to improve efficiency and quality
- Outstanding presentation skills
- Demonstrate strong career ambition – potential to become top leader
- Strong business acumen
Education Guidelines
- BS in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials, or other equivalent scientific field required
- MS or PhD strongly preferred
Rust-Oleum is an equal opportunity employer. Employment selection and related decisions are made without regard to sex, race, age, disability, religion, national origin, color, or any other protected class.
About Us
Solving challenges is the very foundation of who we are. After all, in the beginning, our founder, sea captain Robert Fergusson, didn’t particularly care about paint. When he founded our company in 1921, he just wanted to keep his ship intact and stumbled upon a valuable solution. Today, that discovery is Rust-Oleum Corporation.
The same passion that drove the Captain to spend his next few years creating the world’s first rust-preventative paint still drives us today. When we see a problem, we work diligently until we’ve perfected a solution, which has led to some of the most cutting edge, durable and innovative products in the industry. Our creative and talented team of over 3000 people across every corner of the world, help us remain the global leader in protective paints and coatings for both home and industry.
