Product Development Specialist

Job Description

Job Function

Reporting into the Innovation and Development Manager, the Product Development Specialist - Coatings will be based out of Ashtabula, Ohio and will be responsible for providing developmental, technical support to our customer base in the Coatings markets and provide start-up support to Operations when projects are scaled up to production quantities.
 

Responsibilities

Set a positive example with respect to safety and overall professional performance.

Prepare project plans, periodic reports, and Gate Review information to allow smooth transition of new products from development through scale up to Operations.

Designing, planning and executing project elements in the laboratory and plant, as well as in customers’ plants and laboratories, if needed, to meet customer requirements and expectations.

Being responsible for the completion of bench work and processing work necessary to convert opportunities or to resolve issues through formulation.

Directly interfacing with vendors and/or customers to define and convert opportunities and resolve issues.

Providing effective and timely communication at every stage of a project.  This will include (but will not be limited to) progress reports, updates, and project milestones reached or missed.

Accompany commercial sales on customer visits for collaboration opportunities and/or development opportunities.

Work independently and in collaboration with other team members to meet project goals with accelerated schedules and significant commercial impact.

Compose presentations and reports to internal/external parties

Perform laboratory, pilot-scale and manufacturing work involving the development and/or scale up of dispersion products and processes for a multitude of coatings applications.

Coaching and reviewing the work of lower level professionals.

Comply with safety rules and regulations, lead /support safety meetings and training, inspects work area for hazards/deficiencies and initiates action to correct them. Also, reports injury/illness and/or environmental incidents.  

Maintain lab notebooks to organize, analyze, and record work product

Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Experience

BS/BA in an appropriate field of science (MS in Chemistry or Chem. Eng. preferred).

3+ years technical experience in the coatings industry.

Nominal understanding of color science with experience in the area of dispersion, wetting, and additive activity.

Ability to analyze, design and implement projects.

Ability and willingness to travel –– occasionally, on short notice.

Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications as required.

Preferred Experience

Good interpersonal skills with ability to work with and support colleagues, analyze and solve problems, control resources and implement programs, and possess project management skills.

Knowledge of critical chemical functionalities for waterborne/solvent born architectural and industrial urethanes, epoxies, acrylics polyester chemistries with respect to coatings industries.

Willingness and ability to continuously increase and maintain skills and knowledge in significant work areas.

Ability and willingness to work on multiple projects in an organized and structured manner.

Good oral communication skills – capable of providing presentations.

Good writing skills; able to write clear and concise reports.

Good understanding of Vibrantz products and customer processes.

The ability to operate in a self-directed manner and make independent decisions as required.

Ability to carry out efficient communication with team members as well as internal and external customers.