Formulation Chemist

Krete Industries is looking for a Formulation Chemist/Scientist with a strong product development history and experience with chemicals commonly used in construction chemicals, industrial & institutional cleaning, and paints & coatings.

This position will be responsible for developing and refining formulations, conducting wet chemistry/laboratory bench work (e.g. QC, raw material evaluation, alternative material approvals, etc.), and maintaining rigorous quality control standards through testing and parameter management. The role also encompasses project management and research initiatives to support innovation and product advancement.

The Formulation Chemist will work closely with the Applications Lab, contributing to concrete testing and providing chemical insights to enhance performance and improve outcomes. The Formulation Chemist will also work closely with Production to ensure to quality and successful scale-up of new products and processes.

About Krete Industries:

Established in 1990 in Brookfield, WI, Krete Industries provides high-quality concrete admixtures and service solutions to the concrete industry. We believe in solving problems, sharing knowledge, and making the highest quality products. We are authentic, thorough, adaptable, and personable in everything we do.

Tasks:

• Quality control of raw materials and finished goods

• Perform chemical lab activities to assist with production, R&D, and customer support

o pH

o Specific gravity

o FTIR analysis

o Develop and produce new product concepts

o Other lab-related tasks as required to support teams

• Perform, review, edit, and create (when necessary) chemical laboratory procedures and standards

• Create and deliver reports for quality control and R&D purposes

• Identify the composition of chemicals and chemical compounds

• Maintain a clean and safe laboratory environment

• Source/vet raw materials and alternatives

• Maintain production batch tickets, certificate of analysis, safety data sheets, Raws Database, and QC Database

• Collaborate with the Applications Lab and Production teams to lead new product development initiatives from concept through scale-up and commercialization

• Technical troubleshooting (internal and external)

Responsibilities:

• Maintain product formulas, improving/optimizing current or creating new ones as needed

• Initiate and/or manage R&D projects

• Maintain laboratory instruments and equipment

• Maintain raw material documentation (CoA, SDS, database, etc.)

• Maintain finished good documentation (CoA, SDS, database, etc.)

• Perform quality control activities for raw material and finished goods

• Formulate/develop products and provide input on scaling production feasibility

• Improve efficiency and efficacy of laboratory procedures

• Work with production to ensure efficient batching and troubleshoot as necessary

• Provide technical support (internal and external) when needed

• Become a “technical” Subject Matter Expert (SME)

Skills:

• Computer (Microsoft Office, Google Calendar, Slack, Fishbowl, general)

• Communication and presentation

• Self-starter

• SME/mentor

• Professional/technical writing

• Data/record keeping practices

• SDS management

Resources Provided:

• Basic/minimal computer training

• All PPE

• Relevant SOPs for operations/testing

• On the job training

o Concrete Basics

o Admixture/Chemical Basics

o ASTM/NCMA testing

o Lab equipment

o Safety/OSHA

• Necessary laboratory equipment for expected responsibilities and tasks

Required:

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in similar roles

• Minimum of 1 full development cycle of a product

• Comfortable being a Subject Matter Expert (SME)

• Understanding of chemical blending production, process, and interactions

• Understanding of chemical laboratory equipment/instrumentation and maintenance

• Strong formulation skills

• Strong foundation in wet chemistry procedures

• BSc in Chemistry or relevant field

• FTIR experience

Preferred:

• Advanced Microsoft Excel user

• Experience with Microsoft Access/maintaining databases

• Understanding of statistics and how to set upper and lower control limits for QC and production

• Experience in Concrete Admixtures, Industrial and Institutional Cleaning, Paints and Coatings, or related industries

• SDS writing experience

Benefits offered:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance

• Paid time off (PTO)

• A 401(k)-retirement plan with company match (available after 1 year)