Formulation Chemist

We are seeking a highly skilled Formulation Chemist to join our team at Jamestown Distributors. As a key member of our product development team, you will be responsible for driving innovation and quality within our product lines.

Your primary focus will be on researching and developing formulations, improving existing products, and collaborating closely with cross-functional teams to bring solutions to market. You will work closely with our vendor partner chemists to ensure accurate production of JD developed formulas and serve as a resource on all technical material issues.

We are looking for a dynamic, entrepreneurial leader with a strong technical background and a passion for pushing the boundaries of what's possible. If you have a proven ability to manage projects from inception through to completion, demonstrated people leadership skills, and an ability to communicate complex concepts with ease and simplicity to all stakeholders, we want to hear from you.

• Determine chemical and physical properties, compositions, structures, relationships, and reactions of organic and inorganic compounds.
• Develop, improve, and customize products, equipment, formulas, processes, and analytical methods.
• Reverse engineer products as necessary in order to improve formulas and raw material issues.
• Utilize established methods and procedures and laboratory equipment to perform analytical testing of substances.
• Maintain laboratory instruments, troubleshoot malfunctions, and work with multiple pieces of laboratory equipment.
• Evaluate and ensure compliance with laboratory safety procedures and standards.
• Provide technical strength in the department with skilled analytical techniques, superior QC performance, technically sound SOPs and methods, and instrument (method) troubleshooting.
• Develop and execute product characteristic testing.
• Provide support to inbound QC of raw materials and finished components.
• Work with suppliers to ensure accurate production of JD developed formulas, and serve as a resource on all technical material issues.
• Generate technical reports and product SDS's as necessary.
• Mentor a team of multiple technical employees.
• Clearly articulate formulation ideas, concepts, and strategies to appropriate stakeholders.
• Collaborate with our vendor partner chemists.

• A bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or comparable (advanced degree preferred).
• 2-5 years of work experience with polymer formulations, including experience with epoxies and solvent- and water-based coatings.
• Experience with epoxy is required.
• Experience with paint and adhesives is preferred.
• Knowledge of coatings, formulation tools, techniques, performance metrics and manufacturing processes.
• 1-2 years of management or people leadership experience and cross-functional team management skills.
• Excellent communication, presentation & organizational skills.
• Excellent analytical problem-solving skills to make timely & accurate decisions.
• Technical proficiency with computers and scientific equipment.

The ability to understand and appreciate diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and ways of thinking. Adherence to standard operating procedures, health and safety guidelines, and employee handbook. Bonus if you have a passion for boating, making, or the maker community.

• Medical, dental, and vision benefits
• Simple IRA with 3% company match
• Generous bonus program
• Life insurance & long term disability
• Flexible schedules
• Paid time off + paid holidays
• Weekly pay

• Access to a full workshop with free training
• Gym membership at discounted rate
• Free kayak rentals
• Product discounts