Senior Scientist - Dispersion

JOB TITLE: Senior Scientist - Dispersion

About Axalta Coating Systems

Axalta Coating Systems is a global leader in the coatings industry, providing innovative, sustainable solutions for automotive, industrial, and refinish applications. With a commitment to research and development, we strive to enhance performance, durability, and aesthetics across a wide range of coating products.

Job Summary

We are seeking a Pigment Dispersion Scientist to join our dynamic R&D team. This individual will be responsible for developing and optimizing pigment dispersion formulations, processes, and technologies to enhance the performance of our coatings. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in chemistry, material science, or chemical engineering with a focus on pigments, dispersions, and coatings. This role involves leading formulation programs and collaborating with cross-functional teams to advance our coatings technology. Additionally, the scientist will work closely with laboratory technicians, guiding experimental designs and ensuring quality control in pigment dispersion studies.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage formulation programs and related R&D projects focused on pigment dispersions.
• Formulate and develop pigment dispersions for use in coatings, ensuring optimal stability, color strength, and performance.
• Investigate new pigment dispersion technologies and raw materials to enhance formulation efficiency.
• Characterize and evaluate dispersions using rheological, particle size, and stability testing methods.
• Optimize dispersion processes to improve efficiency, quality, and cost-effectiveness.
• Lead project teams that build new product platforms and formulating practices using innovative materials developed internally and/or through external partners.
• Translate customer wants and product performance gaps into technical product specifications, defining critical tests to relate coating properties to end-use performance criteria.
• Work collaboratively with cross-functional teams including R&D, manufacturing, application specialists, and quality control.
• Troubleshoot dispersion-related issues in existing and new formulations.
• Stay up to date with industry trends, technologies, and regulatory requirements.
• Summarize and present findings to management, suppliers, and external customers.
• Understand and contribute to expanding Axaltas intellectual property estate through innovation.
• Assist in the design of experiments, conduct experiments independently, and collect, summarize, and present data.
• Provide technical guidance to laboratory technicians, ensuring proper execution of experiments and maintenance of lab equipment.
• Ensure a safe working environment, including proper handling, categorization, and disposal of chemicals.

Qualifications:

• BS, MA, or Ph.D. in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or related field.
• Minimum 3+ years of experience in pigment dispersion formulation, coatings development or coatings-related experience. Minimum 5 years of hands-on technical experience will be considered in lieu of an advanced degree.
• Strong knowledge of pigment chemistry, surfactants, and dispersion mechanisms.
• Familiarity with dispersion equipment (e.g., bead mills, high-shear mixers) and characterization techniques (e.g., rheology, particle size analysis, spectroscopy) is desirable.
• Familiarity with coatings applications in automotive, industrial, or architectural sectors is a plus.
• Supervisory experience leading technicians is desirable.
• Knowledge of spraying, printing, and other coating application processes.
• Capable of adapting in a rapidly evolving market with loosely defined objectives.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail.
• Project management experience and familiarity with the Stage-Gate process is a plus.
• Excellent written & oral communication skills for internal and customer audiences.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, TEAMS, PowerPoint, and Excel.
• Willingness and ability to travel ( Our Company:

  Axalta has remained at the forefront of the coatings industry by continually investing in innovative solutions. We engineer technologies that protect customers products whether they are battling heat, light, corrosion, abrasion, moisture, or chemicals and add dimension and beauty with colorful finishes. We have a vast and ever-evolving portfolio of brands primed to play an important part in everything from modernizing infrastructure around the world to enabling the next generation of electric and autonomous vehicles.

  Axalta operates its business in two segments: Performance Coatings and Mobility Coatings, which serve four end markets, including Refinish, Industrial, Light Vehicle and Commercial Vehicle, across North America, EMEA, Latin America and Asia-Pacific. Our diverse global footprint allows us to deliver solutions in over 140+ countries and coat 30 million vehicles per year. Weve recently set an exciting 2040 carbon neutrality goal, in addition to 10 other sustainability initiatives, and we take pride in working with our customers to optimize their businesses and achieve their goals.

  2 - Professionals (EEO-1 Job Categories-United States of America)