Sr. Customer & Application Development Engineer, Coatings

About the position

This role is focused on growing the ProxximaTM polyolefin thermoset system business, which utilizes cyclic C5 monomers and proprietary additives, built upon Nobel Prize-winning catalyst technology. The goal is to demonstrate the application and performance advantages of ProxximaTM polyolefin thermoset coatings technology and assist customers in adopting it for their existing coating products. The position is based at the Baytown Technology and Engineering Complex in Baytown, Texas, with collaboration with commercial colleagues in Spring, Texas, and occasional travel in North America and internationally for customer trials.

Responsibilities

• Develop new anti-corrosion coatings and other coating formulations.
• Develop Interpenetrating Polymer Network (IPN) type coatings combining ProxximaTM chemistry with that of epoxy, urethane, aspartic urea, and siloxane, etc., to produce novel hybrid coatings.
• Utilize equipment located in our Baytown facilities to fabricate smooth, defect-free coating samples needed to assess corrosion resistance and other performance parameters mimicking targeted industrial service conditions.
• Provide on-site technical support for customers developing new products using ProxximaTM resins and catalysts.
• Assist customers in application processes (spray, brush, roller, etc.) optimization and, where needed, provide guidance on equipment upgrades.
• Provide technical insights gleaned from the market to help guide new application developments.
• Provide market insights to inform and update business strategy.
• Develop novel technology to strengthen the portfolio of intellectual property.
• Author technical reports and technical publications to share learnings.
• Co-author promotional brochures and technical data sheets highlighting performance benefits.
• Train and mentor less experienced colleagues.

Requirements

• B.S., M.S. or PhD in Chemistry, Engineering, Coatings Science, Polymer Science, Materials Science or related degree
• 5+ years of industrial experience formulating high-performance thermoset coatings
• Strong understanding in thermoset coating chemistries (epoxy, urethane, urea, siloxane, radiation curing, etc.)
• Strong understanding in coating formulation principles, coating additives, colorants, adhesion promoters, anti-corrosion pigments and additives, inorganic fillers, extenders, rheology modifiers, etc.
• Knowledge of coating application methods, airless spray, plural component spray, brushing, roller, etc.
• Understanding of polymer structure-property-processing relationship
• Knowledge of ASTM, ISO, AMPP coating test methods
• Knowledge of statistical experimental design (DOE) and formulation optimization
• Knowledge of major thermoset coating markets, applications
• Strong interpersonal, analytical and communication skills
• Proficient in use of computers and possess excellent administrative and organizational skills
• Must be hands on with inclination to be lab based
• Knowledgeable of Intellectual property development/assessment/procurement

Nice-to-haves

• Knowledge and experience of hybrid coatings of mixed chemistries, polymeric blends, IPN a plus
• Knowledge of ROMP (ring opening metathesis polymerization) and p-DCPD (dicyclopentadiene) chemistry a plus

Benefits

• Pension Plan: Enrollment is automatic and at no cost to you. The basic benefit is a monthly annuity to be paid to you in retirement for the rest of your life.
• Savings Plan: You can contribute between 6% and 20% of your pay and are encouraged to enroll right away. If you contribute at least 6% to your savings plan, the Company will contribute a 7% match.
• Workplace Flexibility: We have several programs such as “Flex your Day”, providing ad-hoc flexibility around when and where you work, as well as longer-term programs such as leaves of absence and part-time work.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans.
• Culture of Health: Programs and resources to support your wellbeing.
• Employee Health Advisory Program: Provides confidential professional counseling for you and your family, including tools and resources promoting mental health and resiliency at no additional cost to you.
• Disability Plan: Income replacement for when you cannot work due to illness or injury occurring on or off the job. Enrollment is automatic and at no cost to you.