R&D Chemist

BDC Brands - a veteran- and family-owned home improvement products manufacturer - is seeking a hands-on, Senior Formulation Chemist, individualcontributor responsible for developing high-performance waterborne clear coatings incorporating functional additive technologies to improve clarity, durability, and optical performance. This role is execution-driven-focused on formulation, testing, troubleshooting, and scale-up support.The Technical Director sets R&D strategy; this position drives the technical execution that enables speed-to-market and competitive differentiation. Success in this role directly impacts revenue, profitability, and BDC's market position.Key Responsibilities (but not limited to):Research & FormulationIndependently develop and optimize waterborne, environmentally friendly clear coating formulations aligned with performance and commercial targets.Evaluate and integrate functional additives that influence optical/spectral behavior while maintaining clarity/low haze.Investigate and qualify new or alternate raw materials to support performance, cost, and supply continuity goals.Generate repeatable formulation math and batch procedures to support lab efficiency and manufacturing scale-up.Testing & AnalysisDesign and execute experiments to improve product durability, clarity, performance and manufacturability.Develop and validate clear-coating test methods (haze/clarity, gloss, adhesion, abrasion, chemical resistance, water resistance, accelerated weathering).Interpret internal and third-party data and translate findings into recommendations and next steps.Cross-Functional Collaboration & DocumentationPartner with Production, Quality, and Supply Chain to ensure smooth lab-to-manufacturing transfer and troubleshoot scale-up issues.Maintain accurate formulation records, stability data, and test documentation.Present technical summaries and project updates to leadership and cross-functional teams.Laboratory & Safety ManagementFollow and model all laboratory safety requirements, PPE usage, and chemical-handling procedures.Maintain a clean, organized, audit-ready lab environment.Continuous Improvement & InnovationTrack industry trends, new raw materials, and emerging additive technologies.Recommend workflow, testing, or formulation improvements that increase speed or product performance.Additional ResponsibilitiesBDC is a fast-moving, collaborative company. This position may occasionally take on additional projects or responsibilities to support the company's priorities.Ideal Candidate Profile:Commit to EXCELLENCE: Deliver high-quality formulations and documentation that consistently meet performance and manufacturing standards.Be TENACIOUS (Figure It Out): Persist through formulation challenges and proactively solve problems with urgency and ownership.Exhibit a COMPETITIVE SPIRIT: Drive innovation that positions BDC ahead of market competitors in performance and technology.DO More with LESS: Use resources efficiently and identify cost-saving or time-saving opportunities in materials and workflows.Lead by Example (Integrity & Accountability): Demonstrate professional communication, scientific rigor, and strict adherence to safety.Be a CHANGE Leader: Embrace new technologies and methods, champion continuous improvement, and adapt quickly to evolving project needs.Qualifications:RequiredBachelor's degree or higher in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or related field.7+ years of formulation experience in coatings or sealants, preferred; strong preference for waterborne clear coatings and exterior durability.Demonstrated ability to deliver formulations from bench to pilot to production.Strong understanding of additive selection, formulation stability, and common coating failure modes.Effective written and verbal communication.Must be able to work full-time on-site in Brooksville, FL.PreferredExperience with optical/spectral functional additives or dispersion technologies.Ability to interpret UV-Vis-NIR data or collaborate with third-party labs for optical correlation.Physical Demands:Ability to stand for extended periods in a laboratory setting.Ability to lift up to 25 pounds occasionally.Manual dexterity to handle chemicals, lab tools, and testing equipment.Compensation & Benefits:Competitive salary commensurate with experience.Full benefits: health, dental, vision, life insurance.401(k) with company match.Paid time off and holidays.Collaborative, values-driven environment with opportunities to grow.

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