Senior R&D Chemist

Cranleigh STEM is working with a leading chemical business renowned for its innovation in their respective markets. They are looking for a Senior R&D Chemist to join their dynamic team driving the development of cutting-edge conformal coating technologies.

Role Overview
As a key member of the R&D team, you will be responsible for the design formulation and testing of new conformal coating materials. You will collaborate closely with teams in the UK and USA contributing to product development process improvements and customer support initiatives.

Senior R&D Chemist Key Responsibilities
Research & Development:

• Design and develop new conformal coating formulations.
• Conduct formulation trials preparing and evaluating multiple coating samples.
• Assess key properties of coatings including physical chemical and electrical resistance characteristics.
• Evaluate new raw materials for their suitability in formulations.
• Operate automated selective coating equipment to apply coatings for environmental testing.
• Maintain accurate records of all lab work in company notebooks and databases.
• Adhere to safety protocols and maintain an organised laboratory environment.
• Participate in customer site visits to trial and validate new materials.

• Support the scale-up of newly developed products from lab to full production.
• Identify opportunities to enhance manufacturing efficiency and reduce costs.
• Validate alternative sources of existing materials.
• Assist with the testing and qualification of new and existing coating products for customer applications.

Senior R&D Chemist Required Skills & Experience

• Degree level qualification (BSc or PhD) in Chemistry Materials Science or a related field.
• Proven experience in R&D within coatings adhesives paints or advanced chemical formulations.
• Strong knowledge of laboratory testing methods.
• Experience with Viscosity Rheology FTIR and related analytical instruments is advantageous.
• Detail-oriented with strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Organised methodical and able to prioritise multiple projects.
• Comfortable working in a collaborative project-driven environment.

Why Join?

• Work with a globally recognised chemical business at the forefront of innovation.
• Engage in diverse R&D projects with real-world industrial applications.
• Enjoy professional development opportunities in a supportive and collaborative work environment.

Comp + excellent company benefits
Chemistry/R&D/Formulation/Coatings/Paints