Lead Development Chemist

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.

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 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