R&D Formulation Chemist

Summary: The R&D Formulation Chemist is responsible for formulating innovative and competitive products for the automotive appearance, detailing, and restoration industry. This role leads new product development from concept through production scale-up, working cross-functionally with Quality, Sales, Marketing, and Operations to exceed customer expectations and respond to requests for new and improved products.

Responsibilities

Specific duties are intended to describe activities that support the summary above. The list is not all inclusive – other duties may be required to cover the breadth and depth of the position. Develop and perform all formulation requirements including new and innovative product research, raw material research and sourcing, formulation development, product efficacy studies, lab-scale production, stability studies, manufacturing protocol development, specification creation, and production scale-up activities.

Work directly with Quality to develop product specifications and test methods; ensure formulations meet all internal quality standards prior to release. Work directly with contract customers to develop new products and oversee successful production scale-up, ensuring customer requirements are met at every stage. Evaluate new and alternative raw materials for functionality, stability, regulatory compliance, and cost reduction opportunities.

Identify and investigate product improvement possibilities in conjunction with Sales and Marketing efforts; translate market needs into viable formulation concepts. Research current and proposed raw materials with respect to state, national, and international safety and health regulations; identify and address areas where formulas may require modification for compliance.

Maintain detailed laboratory notebooks and associated project files; communicate project status, findings, and recommendations to appropriate stakeholders in a timely manner. Provide data and technical recommendations to support GHS Safety Data Sheet (SDS) development and maintenance. Develop a working knowledge of all Malco product lines and provide technical assistance to Sales, Marketing, Quality Control, and other departments as needed.

Participate on cross-functional Quality Improvement Teams (QIT) and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives. Perform complaint investigations; analyze reported product issues, identify root cause, and recommend corrective actions.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biology, or a related science discipline required. Advanced degree preferred. Experience / Requirements: 7+ years of new product formulation experience, preferably in consumer products and/or the automotive detailing industry including compounds, polishes, waxes, tire dressings, and car wash products Demonstrated experience with stability studies, efficacy testing, and production scale-up in a laboratory or manufacturing environment Familiarity with GHS/SDS requirements and chemical safety and health regulations at state, national, and international levels Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to clearly present technical findings to both scientific and non-scientific audiences Strong organizational and time management skills; ability to manage multiple concurrent projects and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment Experience in a manufacturing environment preferred; ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a cross-functional team Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook); experience with laboratory information management systems a plus