Senior R&D Scientist (NPD)
- Category: R&D
- Country: United States
- Location: Pine Brook - Hybrid
Overview
We are seeking a creative, engaging and technically astute R&D Scientist who will be responsible for the invention of intellectual property and novel solutions (new product development - NPD). This critical scientific role will build on a strong scientific foundation and be a key creative technical contributor within a small team to deliver superior, best-in-class products. This key scientific role will be highly integrated in the Americas business unit to lead 12–24-month R&D projects and programs typically involving renovation or modification of existing formulas, collaboration with the Quality Assurance engineers, integration with the operations team, and a valuable adjunct marketing resource to ensure we are delivering on our brand commitments.
The team will rely on you bringing in your expertise for solving highly complex technical and scientific problems. You will be responsible for creating documents for BOMs (bill of material) for new and current products, work with and manage outside vendors, suppliers, and testing companies as needed for projects and product development.
This role is physically located in our WD-40 Company Technical Center in Pine Brook, New Jersey and has the option to work some days from home.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Designs project parameters and research plans, applying current scientific knowledge relevant to the project, typically requiring over 12 months of development. Includes composing budgets, identifying milestones and decision points, contingency plans, flowcharts and timelines. Communicates and coordinates with other involved parties, both internally and externally to compose project plans. Responsible for obtaining R&D leadership approval prior to proceeding
- Plans, communicates and executes projects and effectively coordinates all involved parties, both internal staff and external service providers; completes projects within budget and time constraints.
- Identifies new underlying principles, new formulae, novel methods and technical solutions to accomplish commercial objectives for those groups supported, whether regional or global in nature. Completes all necessary actions to ensure intellectual property is established and protectable, including proper laboratory notebook maintenance, maintenance of confidentiality, control of information dispersal and access, involvement with senior leadership, and, as directed, internal and external legal support teams.
- Maintains all necessary documentation in electronic and hard-copy format, within the chosen management tools provided by the company.
- Provides technical support as necessary for any or all of the major functions of R&D, as outlined in the R&D structure (see latest edition).
- Provides coaching and talent development mentorship to technicians, assistant scientists, associate scientists and scientists; contributes to the professional development of any other R&D team member as opportunities arise and the need is evident
- Presents verbal and written reports and presentations to various parties as required, in a concise, yet complete structure so that decisions can be effectively made based on the results of the research obtained.
- Attends professional association meetings and conferences in order to advance the state of the company’s technical expertise and to create business relationships with external resources
- Perform other related activities as needed to support corporate objectives. Act in the best interest of the company by applying stated corporate values and priorities to all communications, decisions, and actions.
What You’ll Bring To The Role
- Master’s degree in chemistry, material science, physics or related technical field
- Ph.D. in related field preferred
- Demonstrated ability to self-teach and develop higher levels of scientific skill and knowledge with no guidance
- 5+ years directly related CPG/NPD R&D experience
- 15+ years directly related CPG R&D/NPD experience and Bachelor’s or Master’s degree
- Five (5+) years’ experience in consumer product development championing formulation science, aerosol technology exposure, and product qualification expertise in the areas of lubricants and cleaners. Chemical industry experience (Consumer Products Science preferred) solving highly complex technical and scientific problems to include chemical formulation and application of the scientific method.
- Accomplished business objectives through the successful application of scientific method, chemical formulation and leadership principles
- Strong communicator, well organized knowledge of chemistry/science, and consumer development experience. Ability to work within a close knit team and hold accountability close to the heart.
Total Rewards
$95000 – $12000 / year includes base salary plus 10% - 15% profit-sharing contribution to your retirement account. Salary is determined by multiple factors including but not limited to relevant experience, knowledge, skills, other job-related qualifications, and alignment with market data
- Medical insurance, 80-95% company-paid premium
- Dental and vision insurance
- 401K match
- Annual cash incentive rewards
- Tuition reimbursement
- Short-day Fridays
- Vacation
- Paid holidays, including winter shut down
Unfortunately, we are not able to entertain candidates who require visa sponsorship.
About Us
At WD-40 Company, we believe that purpose-driven, passionate people guided by our values create amazing outcomes. Our "why" is refreshingly simple - we exist to create positive lasting memories in everything we do.
Why You Should Apply
- Learning-based culture that supports the growth and development of all tribe members
- Strong values aligned culture whose #1 strategic driver is to build a business for the future that we will be proud to hand down to the next generation
- Over 93.3% employee engagement as of January 2022 global employee survey
- A culture where 93% of the tribe report experience a sense of belonging
- Voted Most Democratic Workplace and certified WorldBlu Freedom Centered Workplace
Please, only consider employment with WD-40 Company if you feel as strongly about our values as we do: We live, breathe, and play by our values every day.
Thank you for considering WD-40 Company in your career search! #WD40TribalLife #PositiveLastingMemories