Senior Coatings Chemist, Pigment Dispersion Specialist

Job Description

Job DescriptionShape the Future of Automotive Coatings—One Dispersion at a Time

Picture your day at NPAA: you calibrate the horizontal mill before sunrise pilot runs, prepare finely tuned prototype dispersions, and dive into data that tells the story of particle size, stability, and gloss. By afternoon, you’re partnering with operations to translate bench results into plant-ready parameters, checking in with suppliers on the latest media technologies, and mentoring chemists on both technical methods and business processes. You close the day by drafting concise, on-time reports that move our most critical projects forward—and keep NPAA at the forefront of automotive OEM coatings.

What You'll Do

• Prepare prototype batches using lab-scale pigment dispersion equipment.
• Characterize and analyze dispersions destined for coating formulations.
• Collaborate closely with technical and operations teams to align with coating and manufacturing requirements.
• Engage with raw material and equipment suppliers to track innovations and industry trends.
• Support manufacturing scale-up trials both on-site and off-site.
• Assist with dispersion manufacturing operations within NPAA.
• Develop clear internal reports and management-ready drafts, meeting project timelines.

What You Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in a science field with 5+ years relevant experience, or an advanced degree in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering.
• Demonstrated expertise in pigment dispersion.
• Hands-on familiarity with common dispersing techniques, including horizontal mill usage.
• Strong safety mindset handling paints and chemicals with required PPE.
• Curiosity and drive to learn, improve, and share knowledge.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel).

Rewards & Benefits

• Earned Bonus Structure: attendance bonuses, annual merit increases, and an annual incentive bonus plan.
• Time Off & Holidays: 11 paid holidays each year, plus paid time off to support work-life balance.
• Health & Retirement: comprehensive health and welfare plans, and a 401(k) program with an exceptional company match.
• Career Growth & Recognition: tuition reimbursement, employee recognition programs, and pathways to advance.
• Culture & Community: enjoy NPAA events that celebrate and appreciate our team’s dedication.

Our Commitment

We build strong relationships—across customers, suppliers, and internal teams—and we invest in your ability to lead, teach, and innovate. Your technical training and business process coaching will help the next generation of chemists thrive, while your insights open doors to new business and process improvements.

EEO Statement

Nippon Paint Automotive Americas Inc. provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.