TotalBoat Formulation Chemist
Job Type: Full-time
Location: Bristol, RI
Industry: Direct to consumer, E-Commerce company, Marine Industry
Who We Are:
The TotalBoat brand was established in Bristol, Rhode Island in 2012 as a line of marine-grade products for boaters. It has since grown to include a full range of adhesives and coatings for makers of all kinds! We are looking for creative, innovative people that are passionate about the future of making!
TotalBoat is a family-run business that is owned and operated by Jamestown Distributors, which has been a leader in the marine and building supplies industry for over 30 years.
About the Role:
As our Formulation Chemist specializing in epoxy, coatings, and adhesives, you'll take a pivotal role in driving innovation and quality within our product lines. You’ll guide the formulation process, ensure quality assurance, and spearhead product development from concept to market. Your main tasks will involve researching and developing formulations, improving existing products, and collaborating closely with cross-functional teams to bring solutions to market.
We’re seeking a dynamic, entrepreneurial leader with a strong technical background and a passion for pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. The ideal candidate will have a proven ability to manage projects from inception through to completion, demonstrated people leadership skills, and an ability to communicate complex concepts with ease and simplicity to all stakeholders while delivering exceptional results.
What You’ll Do:
- Determine chemical and physical properties, compositions, structures, relationships, and reactions of organic and inorganic compounds.
- Develop, improve, and customize products, equipment, formulas, processes, and analytical methods.
- Reverse engineer products as necessary in order to improve formulas and raw material issues.
- Utilize established methods and procedures and laboratory equipment to perform analytical testing of substances.
- Maintain laboratory instruments, troubleshoot malfunctions, and work with multiple pieces of laboratory equipment.
- Evaluate and ensure compliance with laboratory safety procedures and standards.
- Provide technical strength in the department with skilled analytical techniques, superior QC performance, technically sound SOPs and methods, and instrument (method) troubleshooting.
- Develop and execute product characteristic testing.
- Provide support to inbound QC of raw materials and finished components.
- Work with suppliers to ensure accurate production of JD developed formulas and serve as a resource on all technical material issues.
- Generate technical reports and product SDS’s as necessary.
- Mentor a team of multiple technical employees.
- Clearly articulate formulation ideas, concepts, and strategies to appropriate stakeholders.
- Collaborate with our vendor partner chemists.
- Exercise a high level of good housekeeping and health and safety awareness within the Lab and ensure others do the same. Participate in site's safety and/or 5S programs.
- Secure IP position in own area of development.
What You’ll Bring:
- A bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or comparable (advanced degree preferred).
- 2-5 years of work experience with polymer formulations, including experience with epoxies and solvent- and water-based coatings.
- Experience with epoxy is required.
- Experience with paint and adhesives is preferred.
- Knowledge of coatings, formulation tools, techniques, performance metrics and manufacturing processes.
- 1-2 years of management or people leadership experience and cross-functional team management skills.
- Excellent communication, presentation & organizational skills.
- Excellent analytical problem-solving skills to make timely & accurate decisions.
- Technical proficiency with computers and scientific equipment.
- Cultural competence: The ability to understand and appreciate diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and ways of thinking.
- Adherence to standard operating procedures, health and safety guidelines, and employee handbook.
- Bonus if you have a passion for boating, making, or the maker community.
What We Offer:
- Medical, dental, and vision benefits
- Simple IRA with 3% company match
- Generous bonus program
- Life insurance & long-term disability
- Flexible schedules
- Paid time off + paid holidays
- Weekly pay
Beyond the Usual Benefits, We Offer:
- Access to a full workshop with free training
- Gym membership at discounted rate
- Free kayak rentals
- Product discounts
Learn more about us and our formula for success at totalboat.com/about-us
We live by the Core Values!
Continue to Improve | Listen to the Customer | Have Fun | Make it Simple | Never Say Die!
Jamestown Distributors is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity in the workplace. All applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, gender identity, or any other category protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.