Chemist I

Southfield, MI

We are looking for a Chemist I to join our Coatings team in Southfield, MI.

Come create chemistry with us

The automotive coatings division is one of BASF's most dynamic and fast-growing businesses in the region. We have great people filled with a passion to deliver innovative, high quality coatings solutions to our customers – auto makers and aftermarket alike. Our team is dynamic, customer focused and growth oriented.

We are searching for a professional to join our team in Southfield, MI R & D site where our integrated approach to product development and research allows us to create chemistry for a sustainable future. You will work in a high-pressure/demanding environment with the goal of meeting customer expectations and meeting their timelines. This is an excellent opportunity for you to demonstrate your varied skills and contributing to our continuous improvement.

You are required to take a Munsell Hue color test, which will be given during the interview process. This position will require lifting of 50 pounds on an occasional basis.

• Working in a lab environment to make paint samples, spraying, evaluating it for performance, and identifying the adjustments to meet customer specifications for color and other paint properties.
• Managing priorities and multi-tasking will be essential as you plan lab activities to meet internal and external customer expectations and specifications.
• Effective interaction with both internal and external customers including Manufacturing and Field Service teams
• Utilizing the knowledge, you have with color and/or paint, you would be beneficial to solve customer problems in the areas of appearance, color, and film performance.
• Developing application methods to reproduce customer problems, design experiments to address the issues, work with manufacturing to implement changes, report root cause and corrective actions.
• Initiating codes, inspection plans, and formulations update.

• High school diploma/GED required with 3+ years expertise or Bachelor's degree in chemistry, Polymers, Biology or related field and 1+ year related expertise.
• 1 or more years of experience in Automotive Coatings required.
• General understanding of both Waterborne and Solventborne formulations and their application.
• Color matching a plus.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Organizational skills with an ability to manage priorities and multi-tasking
• Lean and Six Sigma Tools would be a plus. Proven LEAN and problem-solving skills.
• In-depth computer knowledge (particularly in SAP)

At BASF, you will have the chance to do meaningful work towards building a more sustainable future. In addition to competitive compensation and benefits, BASF provides you with access to a wide range of elements to help you be your best. It's what we call . We are committed to providing benefits, programs, and opportunities that support our employees' overall well-being, personal growth, and a safe, collaborative, and inclusive work environment.

Just some of the many benefits we offer include:

• Flexible work arrangements whenever possible
• Highly competitive retirement savings plan with company match and investment options
• Well-being programs that include comprehensive mental health support for you and your household family members
• Family forming benefits (fertility, adoption and surrogacy reimbursement, maternity/parental leave, and more)
• Back-up child and elder care with discount programs for families of all ages and stages
• Mentoring and career development opportunities that allow you to share, learn, and thrive
• Matching gifts program that allows you to deepen the impact of your contributions to qualified charities.
• Employee crisis support for when the unexpected happens
• Access to our BASF wine cellar, employee discounts, and much more

As one of the largest chemical companies in North America we have been finding solutions for your everyday needs and addressing the most complex economic, environmental, and sustainability challenges for more than 150 years

At BASF we empower our employees with the tools, guidance and opportunities they need to advance and succeed in work and life. Giving you the support you need to be your best and fulfill your personal ambitions is what helps us create chemistry. After all, our success is linked to yours. Whatever path you envision, BASF is a great place to build a rewarding, successful career.

Belong to Something Bigger. #belongatBASF

BASF takes security & data privacy very seriously. We will never request financial information of any kind via email, private text message or direct message on any social medial platform or job board. Furthermore, we will never send a candidate a check for equipment or request any type of payment during the job application process. If you have experienced any of the above, please contact to report fraud.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, age, citizenship, color, religion, sex, marital status, national origin, disability status, gender identity or expression, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.