At a Glance
- Tasks: Develop and improve automotive coating products through hands-on formulation and testing.
- Company: Join a specialist team in the automotive coatings industry.
- Benefits: Competitive salary and opportunities for career growth in a dynamic environment.
- Other info: Ideal for self-motivated individuals who enjoy problem-solving and hands-on work.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on innovative automotive products while working in a collaborative team.
- Qualifications: Degree in Chemistry or related field with practical lab experience.
The predicted salary is between 29700 - 36300 £ per year.
- Development Chemist
- Swindon, Wiltshire
- Competitive Salary
Overview
- We are recruiting for a Development Chemist to join a small, specialist team developing and improving coating products for the automotive industry.
- This is a hands-on product development position combining formulation, laboratory testing, product trials, technical support and manufacturing scale-up.
You will work across the full development process, from developing and testing formulations through to supporting production and conducting trials with customers.
- The role would suit a Development Chemist, Formulation Chemist, Coatings Chemist, R&D Chemist or Product Development Chemist with experience of coatings, paints, formulations or a related chemical product environment.
The Role
- You will be involved in the development and improvement of automotive coating products, including primers, basecoats and clearcoats, ensuring products meet customer specifications, quality requirements and relevant industry standards.
• Your responsibilities will include
- Formulating and developing automotive coatings, paints and related chemical products.
- Developing and modifying formulations to meet customer specifications and performance requirements.
- Selecting and evaluating raw materials and assessing their impact on product performance and stability.
- Carrying out laboratory testing, product evaluation and performance testing.
- Conducting stability testing and quality checks to ensure consistency and product performance.
- Developing and validating test methods in line with customer requirements and relevant legislation.
- Applying coatings and assessing their performance under different conditions.
- Carrying out product trials within the laboratory and at customer sites.
- Investigating formulation or product performance issues and supporting technical problem solving.
- Preparing technical reports, test results and product development documentation.
- Supporting the transition of new and improved formulations into production.
- Providing technical support to the production team during manufacturing scale-up, trials and troubleshooting.
- Working closely with customers, production and other technical teams to resolve issues and deliver product improvements.
- Ensuring laboratory and development activities comply with health, safety, quality and regulatory requirements.
- Keeping up to date with relevant legislation, standards and technical developments within the coatings industry.
About You
We are looking for a practical and technically minded chemist who enjoys working across both laboratory development and real-world product applications.
Essential
- Degree or equivalent qualification in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or a related scientific/technical discipline.
- Experience or a strong understanding of coatings technology, formulation or chemical product development.
- Practical laboratory experience involving formulation, testing or product development.
- Strong attention to detail and a methodical approach to testing and problem solving.
- Ability to interpret technical data and produce clear technical documentation.
- Good communication skills and the confidence to work with production teams and customers.
- A hands-on approach and willingness to get involved across the full product development process.
Desirable
• Experience in one or more of the following would be advantageous
- Automotive coatings / automotive paints
- Industrial coatings
- Paint formulation
- Coatings formulation
- Primer, basecoat or clearcoat development
- Polymer or resin chemistry
- Surface coatings
- Chemical product development
- Laboratory testing and performance evaluation
- Coating application/testing
- Product trials
- Manufacturing scale-up
- Technical support within a manufacturing environment
- Customer-facing technical support
Previous experience within a small or specialist manufacturing business would also be beneficial, as the role requires someone who is comfortable being hands-on and supporting a wide range of activities when required.
What We're Looking For
Above all, you will be a self-motivated, practical and hands-on Development Chemist who enjoys solving technical problems and seeing products progress from laboratory development through to production and customer application.
You should be comfortable working in a small team where responsibilities can vary from day to day, and where your technical input can have a direct impact on product quality, development and customer satisfaction.
If you are currently working as a Development Chemist, Formulation Chemist, Coatings Chemist, Paint Chemist, R&D Chemist, Product Development Chemist or Chemical Development Scientist, this could be an excellent opportunity to develop your career within a specialist automotive coatings environment.
Your CV will be forwarded to Jonathan Lee Recruitment, a leading engineering and manufacturing recruitment consultancy established in 1978.
The services advertised by Jonathan Lee Recruitment are those of an Employment Agency.
In order for your CV to be processed effectively, please ensure your name, email address, phone number and location (post code OR town OR county, as a minimum) are included.
Development Chemist in Swindon employer: Jonathan Lee Recruitment Careers
Join a forward-thinking company that values innovation and hands-on expertise in the advanced propulsion and test engineering sector. With a strong commitment to employee development, we offer a collaborative work culture where your contributions directly impact our cutting-edge projects. Located in a dynamic environment, we provide competitive pay, opportunities for professional growth, and a supportive team atmosphere that encourages practical problem-solving and continuous improvement.
Contact Details:
Jonathan Lee Recruitment Careers Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Development Chemist in Swindon
✨Get Involved in the Chemistry Community
Engage with local chemistry societies and attend their events. Whether it's a conference or a seminar, these gatherings can be gold mines for networking and spotting job openings at companies like Jonathan Lee Recruitment Careers. Plus, being face-to-face with industry professionals can leave a lasting impression!
✨Utilise Online Platforms for Chemistry Jobs
Don’t just rely on mainstream job boards. Sites like Chemistry World and Chemjobs are specifically geared for our field. Set up alerts for new openings at places like Jonathan Lee Recruitment Careers to be the first to apply!
✨Showcase Your Research & Projects
Create a professional online portfolio that highlights your chemistry projects or research. This could be a blog or a simple website that showcases your skills and experience. When you apply to Jonathan Lee Recruitment Careers, you want them to see what you can do beyond the CV.
✨Connect With Recruiters Specialised in Chemistry
Reach out to recruitment agencies that focus on the chemistry sector. They often have inside tracks on job openings at companies like Jonathan Lee Recruitment Careers and can provide valuable advice tailored to full-time roles in our industry. Don't be shy to ask for insights!
We think you need these skills to ace Development Chemist in Swindon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Lab Skills:When applying for a chemistry position, make sure to highlight any lab experience you've got. Mention specific techniques and instruments you've worked with, as they can set you apart from other candidates. For us, demonstrating your practical skills is as important as your theoretical knowledge!
Tailor Your CV to Chemistry:It's essential to structure your CV in a way that’s appealing for a chemistry role. Highlight relevant projects, research publications, and coursework that demonstrate your expertise. If you’ve completed specific certifications, make sure to list those as well—they can really boost your chances!
Craft a Chemistry-Focused Cover Letter:In your cover letter, share your enthusiasm for the field of chemistry and why you want to work at Jonathan Lee Recruitment Careers. Talk about any research or projects that inspire you, and express your willingness to contribute to the team. We love seeing genuine passion for chemistry in applications!
Include Relevant References:Since chemistry roles can be quite specific, having reference letters from professors or previous employers in the field can be a huge plus. Make sure to include contacts who can vouch for your skills and dedication, as it adds credibility to your application.
How to prepare for a job interview at Jonathan Lee Recruitment Careers
✨Know Your Experiments
Get ready to chat about your hands-on experience in the lab. We should be prepared to discuss specific experiments we've conducted, the results, and any challenges we faced. This shows them we don't just know the theory but can apply it in practice!
✨Master the Technical Speak
Brush up on the relevant terminology and concepts in chemistry. Make sure we can discuss different chemical processes, analytical techniques, and safety protocols fluently, as they might throw some technical questions our way. Being precise and confident can really set us apart!
✨Show Off Your Projects
Make a portfolio showcasing our best lab work and any research projects we've been involved in. It's a great way to demonstrate our skills and passion for chemistry. We should tailor it to highlight the aspects most relevant to Jonathan Lee Recruitment Careers and the Development Chemist role.
✨Be Ready for Problem Solving
Expect some scenario-based questions where we might need to solve chemical problems on the spot. They could ask about unexpected results or how to improve a process. Let's practice thinking on our feet and explaining our thought process clearly!
