Senior Scientist

Job Description:

Position Summary

The Senior Scientist will independently lead the development of advanced pigment dispersions and dispersion-based product lines for coatings, inks, and adjacent applications. This role is responsible for translating fundamental chemistry into scalable, commercially viable solutions while supporting Penn Color’s global growth strategy. The position requires strong technical ownership, structured development practices, and close collaboration with cross-functional teams including production, procurement, quality, technical service, and commercial organizations.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the formulation and development of pigment dispersions, including waterborne, solvent-based, and high-solids systems
• Drive new product development and product line expansion, from concept through commercialization
• Translate laboratory findings into robust, repeatable production processes, ensuring scalability and quality consistency
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (R&D, Production, QC, Procurement, Regulatory, Sales, and Marketing) to define and execute projects
• Evaluate and select raw materials, pigments, dispersants, and additives to meet performance and cost targets
• Utilize structured development tools (e.g., DOE, data analysis, structured reporting) to guide decision-making
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to scientists and technicians
• Support customer interactions, trials, and technical problem-solving
• Drive continuous improvement in processes, documentation, and product performance
• Present technical results internally and externally, contributing to business growth and knowledge development

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D. in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related field
• Minimum 10–15+ years of experience in coatings, inks, or pigment dispersion development
• Demonstrated expertise in:
  • Pigment chemistry and dispersion technology
  • Formulation development and processing methods (e.g., milling, mixing, stabilization)
• Proven ability to lead and execute complex R&D projects independently
• Strong understanding of scale-up and manufacturing processes
• Experience working in cross-functional and customer-focused environments
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience developing dispersions for external customer applications (vs. captive/internal use)
• Familiarity with analytical techniques, rheology, and performance testing methods
• Experience with ISO or structured quality systems and documentation practices
• Background in global or multi-site collaboration environments

Key Competencies

• Ownership & Accountability: Drives projects to completion with clear impact
• Structured Problem Solving: Applies disciplined methodologies to development work
• Collaboration: Effectively engages across technical and commercial teams
• Innovation Mindset: Develops solutions that differentiate Penn Color in the market
• Communication: Clearly articulates complex technical concepts to diverse audiences

Work Environment & Expectations

• Laboratory-based role with hands-on formulation and testing responsibilities
• Frequent interaction with production and commercial teams
• Occasional travel to support customer trials and global collaboration (estimated up to 25%)
• Expected to operate effectively in a fast-paced, results-driven R&D environment

Penn Color offers many tangible and intangible benefits to our full-time employees:

Tangible benefits include:

• Highly competitive compensation

• A choice between outstanding medical plans

• 401K with a strong company match

• PTO to balance your life

• Additional company perks

• And More!

Our intangible benefits really set us apart:

• Unmatched company stability

• Long-term career opportunity

• True open door, friendly environment

• Ability to "own" your role

• Company events that bring us all together

Why Penn Color?

At Penn Color, you'll join a collaborative team supporting manufacturing operations that serve customers around the world. We value employees who are hands-on, customer-focused, and committed to continuous improvement. As a family-owned global manufacturer, we offer long-term career growth, meaningful work, and the opportunity to make a direct impact on plant performance and operational success.

Penn Color, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.  We adhere to a policy of making employment decisions without regards to race, color, religion, sex, age, disability or any other protected categories.  It is our intention that all qualified applicants be given an equal opportunity and that selection decisions be based on job-related factors.