R&d Chemist

Job Overview:
The position is based in Chicago Heights, Illinois, and requires occasional travel to customer sites, trade shows, etc. throughout the country as needed.

**Primary Responsibilities**
- Formulation and research and development of industrial coatings cleaning chemicals, adhesion promoters, and metalworking lubricants.
- Knowledge of in-process products, final products, and processing techniques.
- Test in-process and field products analytically and by wet chemistry methods and maintain accuracy of product performance. Analytical experience background helpful.
- Bench process and QC experience to expand existing products and develop new line offerings.
- Exhibit decision making, problem resolution and creative thinking skills.
- Provide written and verbal technical communication and support to the PICO sales team, customers, and internal management (e.g. lab reports, in-process project updates, standing project status reviews).
- Maintain accurate daily information, correspondence, and interactions; support technical functions related to ISO 9001:2015.
- Work with sales and management for continuous product development and formula improvements.
- Technical data preparation and presentation delivery (both internally and for customer consumption).
- In addition, individual may perform other duties as assigned and/or required to fulfill this position.

**Qualifications**
- Bachelor’s degree in chemistry or related field of study; 5 years minimum related lab, metalworking, cleaners, and adhesion promoter industry experience.
- Ability to build effective relationships and partner with customer contacts, suppliers, and outside technical support services.
- Exceptional verbal and written communication skills; willingness and ability to independently collaborate with the PICO sales team on design inputs/targets, status updates, and findings/recommendations for all assigned projects.
- Highly motivated self-starter with excellent time management skills.
- Willingness and ability to travel to customer plants and supplier locations. Strong business acumen is required to succeed in this area.
- 5+ years’ experience with lab equipment (FTIR, Titration, GC, etc.).
- Manage multiple activities and tasks with shifting and competing deadlines.
- Results and detail oriented, strong work ethic, ability, integrity, and excellent attendance expected.
- Proficient computer, communication, documentation, execution, and presentation skills.
- Experience in Microsoft Office, Excel, Outlook, etc. Chempax ERP and CRM software knowledge a plus.
- Exhibit confidentiality, integrity, excellent work ethic, and motivation.
- Comply with company's policies and procedures and guidelines.
- Individuals with current confidentiality / non-disclosure agreements may not qualify for employment.

PICO offers all direct full-time employees:

- 8 paid holidays
- PTO - paid time off
- Medical Insurance
- Employee paid Dental and AFLAC Insurance
- Simple IRA with 3% match
- Tuition reimbursement

PICO is an at will, equal opportunity employer.

Pay: $75,000.00 - $85,000.00 per year

**Benefits**:

- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Tuition reimbursement

Schedule:

- 8 hour shift
- Day shift
- Monday to Friday

**Experience**:

- Laboratory experience: 1 year (preferred)

Ability to Commute:

- Tinley Park, IL (required)

Work Location: In person