Senior Scientist - Formulation

JOB TITLE: Senior Scientist - Formulation

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

Axalta Coating Systems is seeking a new Scientist / Senior Scientist to join the Formulation Technology R&D team and lead product development programs. This assignment will be located at Axaltas new Global Innovation Center (GIC) in Philadelphia, PA. This role is responsible for developing new coatings for the transportation and industrial markets. The formulator should be familiar with ingredients used in paints and how these ingredients are manipulated to achieve desired properties. The person in this role will support formulation programs with significant interactions with raw material suppliers, resin synthesis experts, and application specialists.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage and execute formulation programs and related R&D projects.
• Lead R&D projects to develop new product platforms and innovative formulating practices using internally developed and externally sourced materials.
• Translate customer needs and product performance gaps into well-defined technical specifications.
• Design and implement critical testing methods to correlate coating properties with end-user performance.
• Present technical findings and project updates to internal stakeholders and external customers.
• Contribute to and expand Axaltas intellectual property portfolio through innovation.

Qualifications:

• Advanced degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Polymer Engineering, or Materials Science preferred. A minimum of 57 years of hands-on technical experience may be considered in lieu of an advanced degree.
• Extensive formulation experience with waterborne or solventborne coatings, including primers, basecoats, or clearcoats is a strong plus.
• Familiarity with coating application processes, particularly spray application, is a plus.
• Knowledge of standard coating tests (e.g., rheology, appearance, color, film properties) is a plus.
• Proficient in using Design of Experiments and statistical tools for data-driven decision making.
• Proven leadership or supervisory experience in a technical environment.
• Experience in project management and familiarity with the Stage-Gate process.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment with evolving objectives.
• Demonstrated problem-solving capabilities and innovative thinking.
• Commitment to Axaltas core values: integrity, critical thinking, effort, and efficiency.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
• Passion for staying current with advancements in technology and translating them into commercial solutions.
• Willingness to travel up to 10% as required.

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.