Polyurethane Dispersion Formulation & Development Chemist at UBE Corporation America Inc. – Naugatuck, Connecticut

JOB SUMMARY

The purpose of this position is to grow our technical portfolio and sales in the areas of Polyurethane Dispersions (PUDs) and urethane coatings. Successful candidates will work with existing and prospective customers to understand market needs, apply our current product portfolio for material recommendations, and develop new formulations to expand our product offering and market presence. They will collaborate with sales, product development, marketing, to be able to lead technical projects, synthesize polyurethane dispersion's and prepolymers, and commercialize new products

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Understand UBE product portfolio and apply product recommendations for existing markets.
• Meet with customers to discuss technical opportunities and grow sales in polyurethane dispersions and coatings.
• Hunt for new opportunities & develop relevant application data.
• Translate customer needs into relevant product chemistry and lead development efforts to solve unmet customer and market needs.
• Synthesize and formulate polyurethane dispersions, blocked isocyanates & prepolymers.
• Shepherd new product commercialization and scale up from lab to production.
• Prepare & characterize prototype formulations.
• Perform chemical and mechanical testing on formulations to generate relevant customer and application data.
• Develop new application testing methods as needed to grow business.
• Align with Sales, Product Mgmt, & colleagues globally to grow sales.
• Lead Cross-functional teams and opportunities to completion.

Key Skills & Competencies:

• Independent thinker with strong problem-solving skills and ability to manage complex tasks while balancing multiple priorities.
• Demonstrates sound judgment and a disciplined approach to work.
• Highly self-motivated; takes initiative without requiring direction.
• Strong interpersonal skills; comfortable engaging with customers and driving new business opportunities.
• Advanced technical knowledge in organic chemistry, coating chemistry, polymer science, and urethane coatings.
• Ph.D. in organic chemistry, coating chemistry, or polymer science preferred.
• Proven ability to lead, organize, plan, execute, and communicate effectively within cross-functional teams.
• Skilled in interfacing with external customers, vendors, suppliers, and internal global colleagues across urethane functions.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• BS or MS is required in organic chemistry, polymer science, or a related field with appropriate industrial experience.
• A Ph.D. in organic chemistry, coating chemistry or polymer chemistry is desirable.
• 5-10 years of Experience.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Synthesizing, formulating and characterizing urethane coating chemistry, i.e. polyurethane dispersions (PUD's), blocked isocyanates & prepolymers.
• Polyurethane coating and polyurethane dispersions formulation development and product commercialization.
• Developing & maintaining key customer relationships.
• Understanding of the coatings market related to polyurethane dispersions, blocked isocyanates and related prepolymers, applying to technology growth strategies.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement: UBE is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, status as a protected veteran, or status as a qualified individual with a disability.