Construction Materials Scientist

Classification:

Salary

Job Description:

Are you looking for a new challenge? Passionate about innovation? Want to work for a global company that values integrity, teamwork, and loyalty? 

At LATICRETE International, we aim to be the leading construction brand trusted globally for high-performance tile and stone installation systems and building finishing solutions. We’ve been in business for 70 years, family-owned for three generations, and can be found in over 100 countries. The Hartford Business Journal even named us one of Connecticut’s top family-owned companies in 2017! 

We don't just make innovative, industry-leading products. Our purpose is to improve the built world and the lives of those who build it. We strive to connect with, engage with and improve the lives of our employees, our customers, our partners, and the global communities in which we operate. 

We are seeking passionate and ambitious employees who want to make a difference not just within our organization, but within their communities, our industry, and the world. If that sounds like you, then what are you waiting for? Join the family and expand your horizons!

Just some of our benefits:

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• 401k
• Tuition reimbursement
• 13 paid holidays in addition to paid vacation and sick time
• Flexible spending
• Life Insurance, AD&D and Supplemental Insurance

POSITION SUMMARY

Under general supervision, the Scientist is responsible for independently formulating and conducting analytical tests in accordance with ANSI, ISO, International standards, ASTM procedures and/or other accepted methods. The Scientist is also responsible for designing complex chemical studies and experiments on organic and/or inorganic compounds for other chemists in the team.  This role is also responsible for in-depth analysis of data and accurately reporting results. Scientists will demonstrate technical expertise and techniques in a specific area along with a complete understanding of projects. The scientist also demonstrates competency in planning research projects, production and Quality control. They are expected to train and work with chemists on assigned projects. Scientists are expected to use independent judgment within specific area to determine appropriate approach to project work. Additionally, they must identify new materials and develop quality control tests for new products and maintain working knowledge of all analytical equipment, procedures and techniques.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Additional duties and responsibilities may be assigned, as necessary. 

 Design, Develop and Validate - (60%)   

• Under general supervision, formulate products to meet specified requirements.
• Devise and conduct experiments to solve increasingly complex problems.
• Evaluate and suggest new raw materials through increasing communication with raw material suppliers.
• Review and perform competitive testing and analysis as required.
• Maintain a clean working laboratory environment as well as properly working equipment. Ensure that all instruments that required periodic calibration and validation requirements do so per laboratory calibration/validation procedures.
• Comply with all laboratory, company, state and federal safety regulations.

Provide Product Support - (20%)

• Maintain cooperative, professional attitude with all LATICRETE employees and customers.
• Support Technical Services requests to evaluate field complaints in specific area.
• Support Operations in evaluating product inconsistencies & providing disposition
• Participate in multi-disciplinary teams.
• Communicate results within R&D, cross-functional departments and Stage Gate Review meetings.
• Help organize and participate in field trials as required.
• Interact with end-use customers and contractors to understand product usage, limitations, and needs.
• Assist and guide the production scale-up of new products developed: Write batching formulas for the production department based upon completed and approved laboratory formulations. Follow process through to full commercialization.
• Determine Quality Control parameters for product testing. Design Experiments for Chemists, review data and analyze results.

Data Analysis and Documentation - (10%)

• Responsible for documenting all work via approved methods and sharing developments via occasional technical presentations.
• Independently process, analyze, and interpret results and data in specific area.
• Summarize ongoing work and findings to colleagues during department meetings.
• Document work continuously according to standard practice.
• Summarize all project work in a formal end report.

Mentor and Train New and Junior Team Members (10%)

• Write work instructions for R&D related test procedures.
• Help guide new and junior team members within the lab.  Be a resource for escalations and problem solving.  
• Impart Company knowledge of policies and procedures to help them orient to the organization.
• Consistently uphold Company culture through positive communications, managing conflict and fostering an open and constructive environment.  

REQUIRED SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and Experience:

• BS in Chemistry, Material Science, Polymer Science or relevant Engineering discipline is required.
• MS a plus.
• 8+ years of construction materials formulation experience with a proven track record of successful New Product Development, Scientific report writing, and skills in mentoring people.

Specialized Skills and Experience: 

• Experience formulating products in a research and development lab environment in a specific area of the construction industry.
• Experience with Production/Operations, Product Management, QC, ISO processes, Analytical Chemistry, Product Development, Finance, Accounting and Marketing departments.
• Must be familiar with the process of researching patents, writing invention disclosures, and other publications within the industry.
• Demonstrated analytical ability in specific area, well organized, detail oriented, and systematic in documenting results.
• Demonstrated verbal and written communication skills in order to present and write reports.
• Ability to organize and present results in a clear concise manner.
• Must be able to analyze data independently and apply some specialized knowledge (e.g. DOE and statistical methods to solve problems).
• Must be a self-starter and able to multi-task.              
• Computer skills: Intermediate to Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Outlook and other specialty software systems as required.

Physical Requirements:

• Lift: Must be able to lift and/or carry a minimum of 50 pounds.  
• Push/Pull: Must be able to push/pull 50 pounds.
• Standing: Must be able to stand at least 50% of the day.
• Sitting: Must be able to sit at least 50% of the day.

Travel:

•  Domestic travel may be required as needed <10%

The hiring range for this position is $150,000 to $160,000. Actual compensation is based on experience, skills, geographic location and other job related factors permitted by law.