New

Lead Development Chemist

PPG Industries, Inc
retirement plan
United States, Michigan, Adrian
961 Division Street (Show on map)
Sep 18, 2026
Lead Development Chemist responsible for managing special adhesives and sealants projects at the Adrian, MI manufacturing site. This role focuses on root cause analysis, commercial formula revisions, customer communication, and cross-functional collaboration with Operations, Quality, and Optima teams. The position supports growth initiatives in North America while maintaining existing customer accounts. Success requires strong communication, collaboration, and the ability to independently scope and execute projects. Experience with epoxy-amine, polyurethane, PVC plastisol, and waterborne latex chemistries is beneficial. PPG offers comprehensive benefits such as Health, Dental, Life, Retirement Plan, Paid Vacation & Holidays, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Disability/Leave, and other Voluntary benefit offerings. Actual benefit offerings confirmed at the time of hire. Key Responsibilities Lead and manage special adhesives and sealants projects Conduct root cause analysis to resolve customer-reported issues Revise commercial formulas as needed Collaborate effectively with Operations, Quality, and Optima teams Facilitate product launches through involvement in the Secure Launch process Develop technical expertise in product scale-up and launch activities Build and maintain relationships with technical leaders, stakeholders, and commercial teams Present technologies, test reports, and strategies to internal and external customers Support company growth strategies and maintain existing accounts Travel domestically and internationally as needed (~10%) Qualifications PhD in chemistry, polymer science, coatings science, material science, or physical/chemical engineering with 1-3 years of industrial experience, OR BS/MS in similar fields with 5-7 years of industrial experience Must have industry experience in adhesives and sealants to be considered. Demonstrated hands-on research and leadership skills Experience with root cause analysis methodologies Strong oral and written communication skills across all levels and functions Ability to work independently and within cross-functional teams Experience designing and developing experiments based on statistical principles Self-starter with leadership and problem-solving capabilities Experience in product or customer development environments is preferred Experience interacting with internal and external customers is a plus #LI-onsite PPG /PPG