Powder Coatings Formulation & Applications Manager

Estron Chemical is seeking a Powder Coatings Formulation & Applications Manager to lead hands-on formulation development, performance evaluation, and technical problem-solving for coating resins and additives.

You will design powder coating formulations and develop testing protocols that demonstrate how materials perform-and what differentiates them. Working closely with Technology, Sales, and Operations, you will connect laboratory findings with real-world application needs, support customers, and help guide new and improved products.

This role combines deep powder coatings expertise with personnel supervision and technical project leadership., * Design powder coating formulations. Develop and evaluate formulations to understand how resins and additives influence coating properties and performance.

• Develop performance-testing protocols. Design and document tests that evaluate formulated coatings against relevant performance requirements and industry standards.
• Differentiate resin and additive performance. Develop testing approaches that produce meaningful comparisons and identify material strengths, limitations, and application suitability.
• Solve real-world application challenges. Investigate customer complaints and coating performance issues using formulation knowledge, laboratory testing, and customer information.
• Translate findings into practical guidance. Prepare technical reports, explain results, and recommend solutions to customers and internal teams.
• Support customers and Sales. Participate in technical discussions, calls, meetings, and visits concerning product selection, formulation, and application performance.
• Lead applications personnel. Assign work, set priorities, provide technical direction, support employee development, and complete performance planning and reviews.
• Advance product development. Collaborate with Technology, Sales, and Operations to define technical projects and evaluate new and improved products.
• Coordinate laboratory work. Organize testing activities and maintain accurate formulations, protocols, results, technical data sheets, and project records.
• Strengthen testing capabilities. Evaluate relevant industry methods, technical developments, competitive materials, and laboratory tools.
• Maintain safe laboratory operations. Follow equipment maintenance, chemical handling, laboratory cleanliness, hazardous waste, and applicable quality procedures.

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry.
• At least eight years of powder coatings formulation and testing experience.
• Demonstrated expertise in powder coating formulation design and performance evaluation.
• Ability to develop testing protocols that evaluate formulated coatings and differentiate the performance of coating resins and additives.
• Practical understanding of powder coating application issues and the ability to connect laboratory findings with customer experience.
• Strong experimental design, analytical, and technical problem-solving skills.
• Ability to document methods, interpret results, and communicate clear technical recommendations.
• Ability to supervise personnel, establish priorities, and guide technical work.
• Effective communication with customers, commercial colleagues, and laboratory and manufacturing teams.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple technical projects.
• Knowledge of current powder coatings industry trends, testing methods, and application practices.

Experience that will strengthen your application

• Customer-facing technical service and application troubleshooting.
• Development or improvement of laboratory testing methods.
• Technical project leadership supporting product development or commercialization.
• Experience supervising and developing laboratory or technical personnel.

Work environment

This is a full-time, onsite position in Calvert City, Kentucky, involving hands-on laboratory work and collaboration with manufacturing teams. Customer visits, technical conferences, and trade shows may be required.