Coatings Lab Representative, R&D

Job Function 

Reporting to the ​Coatings Technical Service Manager – Americas​, the ​Coatings Lab Representative (Technical Service Representative Coatings - Americas) ​will be based out of ​Ashtabula, Ohio ​and will ​work closely with the Manager with responsibility to provide direct technical support to our Coatings Business by interfacing and building relationships with customers to define and convert opportunities or to resolve customer complaints and issues.     
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Responsibilities  

• Complies with safety rules and regulations, attends safety meetings and training. Also, inspects work area for hazards/deficiencies and reports injury/illness and/or environmental incidents.   

• Design, plan and execute project elements in the laboratory, as well as in customers’ plants and laboratories, as appropriate, to meet customer requirements and expectations. 

• Complete benchwork necessary to convert opportunities or to resolve issues. 

• Provide effective and timely communication and recordkeeping at every stage of a project. This will include (but will not be limited to) progress reports, updates, call reports, electronic laboratory notebook, and project milestones reached or missed. 

• Active support of, and participation in, all appropriate ISO 9000 Business Management System and Health Safety and Environmental aspects. 

• Comply fully with the quality nonconformance process for handling customer complaints and the Quality Management System, including resolution of customer complaints through 8D Root Cause Analysis and other methodologies. 

• Determine specification requirements for materials used in or result from research and development. 

• Travel –– provide on-site customer support as deemed necessary by the Technical Service Manager, Coatings or Business Director, Coatings. 

• Participate, when necessary, in the planning process, including fiscal year tactical plan, budgetary expenses, project objectives, timeliness, and guidelines for the development of technologies to address market specific needs. 

• Establish safe chemical hygiene practices and procedures as it relates to the additives systems employed. 

• Communicate technology in terms of value-added features and benefits as they support project objectives. Prepare exhibits, specimens and presentations that illustrate key characteristics. 

• Perform all other tasks assigned by Supervisor or Manager. Perform other duties from time to time as assigned. 

Required Experience 

• Bachelor’s degree in BS/BA in an appropriate field of science or engineering (Chemist or Chem. Eng. preferred)

• 3+ years’ experience in pigment dispersions, paint technology, or coatings applications or commensurate experience. 

• 2+ years of hands-on experience working in a laboratory environment within a corporate or industry setting

• Direct colorant and/or paint formulation experience, or specific base chemistry experience ie water, solvent, 1K, 2K, epoxy, urethane, acrylic, enamel, alkyd. etc. 

• Academic background in coatings chemistry, polymer chemistry, surfactant/additive technology, or rheology is desirable  

• Demonstrated ability for problem solving and the capacity to handle several projects simultaneously are critical. 

• A basic commercial understanding of business and customer priorities. 

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills required. 

• Strong interpersonal skills. 

• Proven computer skills in Microsoft Word, Excel and Power Point.  Ability to generate and work with Excel models while simultaneously implementing new business enterprise systems. Power BI knowledge is preferred. 

• Works well in a close team environment. 

• Experience with business ERP a plus. 

Benefits 

• We offer a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, life insurance, paid vacation, and 401K. 

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to stand, walk, climb, or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.   Ability to lift and/or move up to 60 lbs. occasionally.  Color vision sufficient to perform essential job functions.

Vibrantz Technologies Inc. (“Vibrantz”) is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local fair employment practices laws. Vibrantz strictly prohibits and does not tolerate discrimination against employees, applicants, or any other covered persons because of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, ethnicity, sex, gender, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.