Lead Customer Development Chemist

The DCS Customer Support Chemist Lead will be a technical expert in coatings technology and color, supporting Automotive OEM customers as part of our product development team. You will lead new color and product development projects, ensures successful product launches, and collaborates with customers and our teams to guide innovation, quality, and growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead new color and product development, including approval through NPI processes and successful launch execution.

• Manage color development activities, including hand-off from design/core teams to DCS teams and ensuring on-time, in-full (OTIF) launches.

• Support automotive OEM coatings (including solventborne basecoats) across multiple customers.

• Create formulations within ERP systems.

• Design and implement testing matrices for specification validation, product confirmation, and customer approval.

• Use statistical analysis and DOE tools to drive product development and improvement projects.

• Manage custom or special projects addressing customer requests and production or line issues.

• Establish and implement best practices for color program management and development processes.

• Partner directly with OEM customers to communicate technical recommendations and ensure product and process compliance.

• Collaborate to support projects tied to business growth and customer success.

• Maintain lab safety standards and proactive 5S practices.

• Mentor and develop team members while contributing to training on technology and processes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry or related field with 5–6 years of experience, OR Master's degree with 2–3 years of experience

• Experience with coatings technology, with expertise in color development and product formulation.

• Experience supporting automotive OEM customers and managing product development or launch activities.

• Proficiency with IT tools such as GSM, RMT, and NPD systems.

• Experience applying experimental design and statistical analysis (DOE) in product development.

• Prior experience leading a team and in project management.

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About us: 

PPG: WE PROTECT AND BEAUTIFY THE WORLD™ 

Through leadership in innovation, sustainability and color, PPG helps customers in industrial, transportation, consumer products, and construction markets and aftermarkets to enhance more surfaces in more ways than does any other company. To learn more, visit www.ppg.com and follow @PPG on X. 

The PPG Way 2030  

We are customer champions 

Proactive. Bold. Trustworthy. Everything we do starts with our customers. We listen, move fast and don’t stop until we solve their biggest challenges. When our customers win, we all grow. 

We act with purpose and speed 

Agile. Data-driven. Empowered. We take smart risks to stay ahead of the competition. We work proactively with agility, using quality data to develop solutions that create value.  

We are excellent operators 

Productive. Collaborative. Accountable. No matter our role, we identify problems, take ownership and always bring solutions. We are both proactive and responsive to drive continuous improvement and deliver results. We support our frontline, the faces of PPG to our customers.   

We compete to win 

Future-focused. Driven. Ambitious. We are passionate about growing our business and winning with our customers. We deliver results, embrace new technologies and leverage agility and speed as strengths. 

We are PPG proud 

Strong. United. Passionate. We work safely, act with integrity and value our diverse perspectives. We celebrate achievements and take pride in the positive impact we create together to protect and beautify the world. 

At PPG we use AI in the hiring process to make the process more efficient. AI tools do not make hiring decisions. You can learn more by going to  https://careers.ppg.com/us/en/candidate-resources.  

PPG provides equal opportunity to all candidates and employees. We offer an opportunity to grow and develop your career in an environment that provides a fulfilling workplace for employees, creates an environment for continuous learning, and embraces the ideas and diversity of others. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, pregnancy, race, color, creed, religion, national origin, age, disability status, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.  

If you need an adjustment due to a disability, please email recruiting@ppg.com. 

PPG pay ranges and benefits can vary by location which allows us to compensate employees competitively in different geographic markets. PPG considers several factors in making compensation decisions including, but not limited to, skill sets, experience and training, qualifications and education, licensure and certifications, and other organizational needs. Other incentives may apply.  
Our employee benefits programs are designed to support the health and well-being of our employees. Any insurance coverages and benefits will be in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans and associated governing plan documents.  Benefits will be discussed with you by your recruiter during the hiring process. 

PPG values your feedback on our recruiting process. We encourage you to visit Glassdoor.com and provide feedback on the process, so that we can do better today than yesterday.