Research & Development Chemist

Job Description Research & Development ChemistLocation: Oceanside, CA (On-Site)Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-5:00 PMEmployment Type: Full-Time, SalariedJoin a Company That's Building Something DifferentAt CitroTech, we're redefining wildfire prevention through innovative, environmentally responsible fire protection technologies. Our products help protect communities, critical infrastructure, and natural resources while minimizing environmental impact.We're a startup with the momentum of a recently publicly traded company, and we're growing quickly. Our team is developing the next generation of fire protection chemistry, and we're looking for scientists who enjoy solving difficult technical problems with real-world impact.At CitroTech, research doesn't happen in isolation. The work you do in the laboratory quickly becomes manufacturing processes, customer solutions, regulatory submissions, and commercial products. If you're excited by the opportunity to develop chemistry that makes a measurable difference, we'd love to meet you.Does This Sound Like You?You enjoy solving problems that don't have obvious answers.You're naturally curious and thrive in a fast-paced environment where every day presents a new technical challenge. You don't get discouraged when experiments don't produce the expected results, you use the data to refine your approach and move forward.You enjoy working collaboratively, thinking critically, and balancing scientific rigor with practical manufacturing considerations. Rather than following a fixed research program, you're excited by the opportunity to develop new products, improve existing formulations, and help bring them successfully into production.Most importantly, you're comfortable in a startup environment where priorities evolve, timelines move quickly, and your ability to think on your feet is just as valuable as your chemistry knowledge.What You'll DoWorking closely with the R&D team, you'll help develop, optimize, and commercialize innovative fire protection products from concept through manufacturing.Responsibilities include:Design, execute, and analyze laboratory experiments to support new product developmentDevelop and optimize chemical formulations through systematic experimental designPerform wet chemistry involving aqueous formulations, organic salts, corrosion inhibitor systems, and related specialty chemicalsInvestigate technical challenges through rapid problem-solving and root cause analysisOptimize manufacturing and mixing processes for successful production scale-upConduct basic stability studies and interpret resultsCollaborate closely with manufacturing to troubleshoot production issues and continuously improve manufacturing processesWork with external laboratories to design testing programs, interpret results, and refine formulations based on testing outcomesMaintain accurate laboratory notebooks and technical documentationPrepare technical reports and communicate findings to the R&D team and leadershipSupport product validation and scale-up from laboratory through commercial manufacturingAssist with regulatory activities involving agencies such as the EPA, USDA, and other applicable regulatory bodiesReview scientific literature, patents, and emerging technologies to identify opportunities for innovationWhat We're Looking ForBachelor's or Master's in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related scientific discipline3+ years of industrial R&D experience (advanced degrees may substitute for some experience)Experience in a manufacturing environment, with an understanding of how laboratory formulations translate to commercial productionStrong background in wet chemistry and formulation developmentExperience working with aqueous systems and organic saltsExperience developing or optimizing manufacturing and mixing processesStrong laboratory documentation and technical writing skillsExcellent experimental design, data analysis, and problem-solving abilitiesStrong communication and collaboration skillsStartup or high-growth company experience preferredExperience with fire protection chemistry, specialty chemicals, industrial formulations, agricultural chemistry, or related industries is highly desirableWhat Makes This Role UniqueThis isn't a role where you'll spend years making incremental changes to a single product.You'll work across multiple formulation challenges, collaborate directly with leadership and manufacturing, and see your ideas move rapidly from the laboratory into commercial production. One week you may be improving formulation stability, the next optimizing a mixing process, developing a new product format, supporting regulatory testing, or troubleshooting a manufacturing issue.If you enjoy variety, ownership, and solving meaningful scientific problems, you'll fit right in.Why You'll Love Working HereCompetitive salaryOpportunity to help build innovative technology with real-world impactHigh degree of technical ownership and autonomyCollaborative, entrepreneurial research environmentDirect interaction with company leadership and manufacturingOpportunity to help shape products from concept through commercializationStandard Monday-Friday schedule with no shift workCompensationExpected Salary Range: $95,000-$120,000 annually, depending on education, experience, and technical expertise.Company DescriptionCitrotech is a leader in wildfire protection technology, offering innovative solutions including home defense systems, mobile/ground application units, and fire inhibitor innovations. Our mission is to protect homes, communities, and property from wildfires through cutting-edge products and services.Company DescriptionCitrotech is a leader in wildfire protection technology, offering innovative solutions including home defense systems, mobile/ground application units, and fire inhibitor innovations. Our mission is to protect homes, communities, and property from wildfires through cutting-edge products and services.