Formulation Chemist

Job Title:

Formulation Chemist

Location:

Sumter, South Carolina (Greater Columbia, SC Area)

Travel:

Up to 10% (occasional supplier or customer visits)

Industry:

Industrial / Protective Coatings

Employment Type:

Full-Time

Position Summary

We are seeking a hands-on

Formulation Chemist

to support development, optimization, and commercialization of industrial coating technologies. This role is laboratory-centered and will require direct bench work including formulation, testing, and scale-up support for solventborne coating systems.

The ideal candidate has experience working with

alkyd, polyurethane, and/or epoxy resin technologies

and enjoys translating R\&D concepts into robust, manufacturable products.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, reformulate, and optimize solvent-based industrial coatings.
• Perform hands-on formulating and application testing in the laboratory.
• Design experiments to improve performance, cost, and manufacturability.
• Conduct physical, mechanical, and corrosion testing to validate coatings.
• Support

scale-up from lab to full manufacturing

, including plant trials.

• Collaborate with production, quality, and technical teams to resolve issues.
• Evaluate raw materials and qualify alternative suppliers.
• Maintain detailed technical documentation and reports.
• Provide occasional technical support to internal stakeholders or customers.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry or related scientific discipline.
• Minimum

3 - 5 years of formulation experience

(coatings or related materials).

• Hands-on laboratory experience in formulation and testing.
• Authorized to work in the United States.
• Strong troubleshooting, data analysis, and practical problem-solving skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with

solvent-based alkyd, polyurethane, or epoxy coatings

.

• Knowledge of pigment dispersion, rheology modifiers, and application methods.
• Experience supporting

manufacturing scale-up and commercialization

.

• Background in industrial, protective, or corrosion-resistant coatings.
• Familiarity with ASTM/SSPC performance testing.

Work Environment

This role requires routine laboratory work, handling of chemical raw materials, and operation of testing equipment using appropriate PPE and safety practices.