Technical Manager – Synthetic Applications (Coatings, Adhesives & Tougheners)

LOCATED IN CHICAGO, RELOCATION ASSISTANCE IS PROVIDED

We are a premier specialty chemical manufacturer that custom-synthesizes high-performance intermediates, specialty surfactants, block polymers, and functional resin modifiers. Serving global leaders across the Coatings, Adhesives, Sealants, and Elastomers (C.A.S.E.) markets, our technical teams turn complex synthetic chemistry into scalable, commercial solutions.

Position Overview

We are seeking a Synthetic Applications Leader to bridge the gap between our synthetic chemistry platform and real-world application performance. In this high-impact technical leadership role, you will direct the application development, formulation, and technical evaluation of new synthetic additives, reactive modifiers, and resin tougheners for coatings and structural adhesives.

You will work directly with our synthetic R&D chemists to establish clear structure-property relationships—guiding the design of next-generation molecules (EO/PO block copolymers, ester/amide intermediates, modified siloxanes) based on how they perform in cured polymer matrices and coating systems.

Key Responsibilities

• Applications Leadership: Lead and mentor a team of application chemists and technicians evaluating synthetic additives in coatings, industrial adhesives, and toughened thermoset resins.
• Toughener & Modifier Development: Design formulation strategies and test protocols to evaluate structural toughening, impact resistance, flexibility, and adhesion in epoxy, polyurethane, acrylic, and hybrid adhesive systems.
• Synthesis-to-Application Alignment: Partner closely with synthetic R&D chemists to translate application performance data back into molecular design, optimizing polymer architecture, molecular weight, and functional grouping.
• Coatings & Adhesives Formulation: Develop prototype formulations, benchmarks, and technical data packages for flow/leveling additives, surface modifiers, adhesion promoters, and toughening agents.
• Commercial & Customer Engagement: Serve as the primary technical interface for customer technical service, joint development projects, and technical presentations with key tier-1 accounts.
• Testing & Analytics: Oversee comprehensive physical, mechanical, and rheological testing (fracture toughness, impact resistance, tensile/peel strength, lap shear, viscometry, and cure kinetics).

Qualifications

• Education: B.S., M.S., or Ph.D. in Polymer Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or Organic Chemistry.
• Experience: 7+ years of hands-on industrial experience in application development, technical service, or formulation chemistry within the coatings, adhesives, or structural resins sectors (with 2+ years in a technical leadership capacity).
• Core Application Expertise: Proven expertise in formulating and evaluating structural adhesives, industrial coatings, and toughened thermoset networks (epoxies, polyurethanes, acrylics).
• Synthetic Chemistry Literacy: Strong understanding of synthetic polymer chemistry (alkoxylates, block copolymers, esters, amides, organosilicones) and how molecular structure dictates end-use physical/mechanical properties.
• Customer Interfacing Skills: Strong track record of collaborating with clients, troubleshooting customer technical challenges, and driving commercial product adoption.