PVC Chemist

Job Details: Level: Experienced, Job Location: 20219 NORTHLINE RD

• TAYLOR, MI, Position Type: Full Time, Education Level: 4 Year Degree, Salary Range: Undisclosed, Job Category: Automotive, Position Summary The PVC Chemist develops, improves, and supports PVC plastisol products for the automotive industry, including underbody coatings, seam sealers, anti-chip coatings, and sound deadeners. The role also supports water-based coatings and rubber-based adhesives and sealants. It covers formulation, testing, scale-up, OEM approvals, and technical support for customers and production.

Responsibilities

PVC plastisol formulation Formulates and optimizes PVC plastisols for automotive underbody coatings, seam sealers, anti-chip coatings, and sound deadeners. Selects and balances PVC resins, plasticizers (including non-phthalate alternatives), fillers, stabilizers, adhesion promoters, and rheology modifiers. Controls viscosity, sag resistance, and pumpability for robotic and airless spray application.

Designs formulations for proper gelation and fusion within OEM paint-shop oven bake windows, including adhesion over e-coat and oily metal. Other formulation Formulates water-based coatings, including sound deadeners and underbody materials. Formulates rubber-based adhesives and sealants. Testing and approvals Runs routine and investigative testing, including viscosity and rheology, gel and fusion behavior, adhesion, chip resistance, corrosion and salt spray, and heat and cold aging.

Tests products to automotive OEM specifications and manages the approval process with OEMs. Applies and interprets standard scientific theories, concepts, and techniques. Raw materials and production Finds and qualifies alternative raw materials, including plasticizer and resin substitutions. Scales up new and modified formulations from lab to production.

Troubleshoots production and customer issues, such as viscosity drift, poor gelation, blistering, and adhesion failures. Compliance Ensures formulations comply with applicable regulations and customer requirements, including DOT, TSCA, REACH, Prop 65, OEM restricted-substance lists, and IMDS reporting. Communication and leadership Writes technical reports and prepares and presents project reports to customers and project sponsors.

Participates in trade shows, conferences, and technical seminars. Guides and mentors less experienced technical staff. Works with technical staff, sales, business managers, and the outside technical community. Maintains a lab notebook according to company standards. All other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

BS or MS in Chemistry, Polymer Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related field preferred. 5–15 years of lab experience, including hands-on formulation of PVC plastisols, sealants, or coatings. Automotive OEM experience preferred, including working to OEM specifications and approval processes. Knowledge of plasticizer chemistry and related regulatory trends preferred.

Lean Manufacturing experience. Excel required; QAD or other ERP system experience preferred. Physical Requirements and Work Environment Prolonged periods of standing, walking, sitting at a desk, and working on a computer. Must be able to lift up to [15 / 50] pounds. Works in a laboratory and production environment with exposure to chemicals, fumes, and heated equipment.

Must wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) and follow lab safety procedures.