Industrial Coatings Formulation Scientist

About Us

For more than four decades, we’ve advanced specialty waterproofing, epoxy, surface, and texture coatings used by design and construction professionals. Our Westcoat product families simplify system selection and deliver durable, long-lasting performance across climates and conditions.

The Role

Step into a hands-on scientist role that blends formulation, testing, and quality leadership. As an Industrial Coatings Formulation Scientist, you’ll shape the chemistry and performance of next‑generation coatings—executing experiments, validating raw materials, and elevating product reliability across our portfolio.

Location, Schedule, and Reporting

• Onsite at our San Diego, CA headquarters
• Typical hours: 7:30 AM – 4:00 PM; occasional overtime to support production and business needs
• Reports to: Technical Director
• Supervisory responsibilities: None

A Day in the Lab

You’ll arrive to a prioritized bench plan—completing chemical and physical tests on in‑development and existing products, running color matches for production batches and custom requests, and documenting results with precision. Midday may include partnering with supplier or customer quality contacts to resolve issues and implement corrective actions. You’ll close the day by compiling insights, updating quality dashboards, and planning process or formulation improvements that reduce cost without compromising performance.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and apply methods for process control, process improvement, product testing, and inspection to meet safety and material specifications.
• Own and uphold quality standards, testing methodology, quality plans, documentation practices, and reporting protocols.
• Collaborate with supplier and customer quality teams to address quality issues and drive effective corrective actions.
• Develop and refine coating formulations under guidance from the Technical Director and leadership team.
• Lead and contribute to cost‑reduction initiatives while maintaining target quality levels.
• Create and deliver training content covering quality procedures and lab best practices.
• Support process certifications in partnership with the Technical Director or Plant Manager.
• Execute precise production color adjustments and custom color matching; maintain all related documentation.
• Build, monitor, and analyze quality metrics; recommend and implement improvements.
• Report trends, issues, and loss drivers to management.
• Participate in internal and external quality audits.
• Maintain an orderly, safe laboratory aligned to manufacturing and EHS protocols.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• BS in Chemistry, Engineering, or related field with strong grounding in organic and analytical chemistry.
• Hands-on experience with polymers/coatings lab techniques and synthetic methods.
• Agile, organized, and comfortable managing shifting priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Self-starter with strong collaboration and interpersonal skills.
• Clear communicator—capable of concise end‑of‑day summaries and technical presentations.
• Proficient reading and applying lab and manufacturing documentation (lab records, SOPs, quality standards, protocols).
• Advanced analytical and math skills; strong time management and safety-first mindset.
• Effective written and verbal communication.
• Able to work independently and as part of a team.

Working Conditions

Work occurs in laboratory and manufacturing settings with regular exposure to bulk paint and other chemical materials. Conditions may fluctuate with outdoor temperatures and can include minimal airborne dust. Production areas may be loud, humid, cold, or hot—consistent with standard manufacturing environments.

Compensation and Benefits

• Starting base pay: USD $70,000 – $120,000 annually, commensurate with experience
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and disability coverage
• Company-sponsored 401(k) with matching contribution
• Eligibility for employer discretionary profit-sharing contribution based on organizational factors
• Paid time off accrual plus paid company holidays
• Employee perks program with discounts for theme parks, hotels, gyms, rental cars, sports, concerts, and more

The pay range for this role is:
70,000 - 120,000 USD per year (San Diego)

Compliance

FLSA Status: Full-Time Exempt

Employment with Westcoat Specialty Coating Systems is at-will, in accordance with California law, meaning either the employee or the company may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause, and with or without notice.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.