R&D Manager: Epoxy Coatings (Marine and Industrial Flooring) and Spray Foam

Join the Gaco team, a trusted name in building envelope solutions with a heritage dating back to 1955.We’re seeking a R&D Manager: Epoxy Coatings (Marine and Industrial Flooring) and Spray Foam who’s ready to be part of a company committed to formulating everyday success for every customer through innovative, reliable products used to adhere, seal, and protect at every level of the building envelope.About The Role/What You’ll AccomplishStrategic Product Development: Define and execute the R&D roadmap for epoxy technologies (e.g., high-solids, solvent-free, fast-cure) to capture new market opportunities. This includes leading development and managing ongoing projects with polysiloxane, acrylics, epoxy primers, epoxy coatings, and spray foam.Team Leadership & Management: Lead, build up, mentor and manage a high-performing R&D team. Foster a culture of scientific excellence, project accountability, and rigorous adherence to safety protocols.Formulation & Process Expertise: Oversee the design, development, and scale-up of complex 2K epoxy formulations. This includes managing epoxy resins, amine/polyamide curing agents, fillers, and performance additives to achieve critical properties like abrasion resistance, impact strength, and chemical/saltwater immersion resistance.Product Lifecycle & Support: Ensure the long-term performance, cost-effectiveness, and quality of the existing commercialized product line. Provide expert technical support to Manufacturing, Sales, and Quality Control to resolve production issues or support key global accounts.Regulatory & Code Compliance: Act as the subject matter expert, ensuring all products are formulated to meet or exceed critical industry and marine specifications as well as US State specific regulations & restrictionsQI (QC) Lab: Raw Materials & Finished Goods Rotational Viscometer (e.g., Brookfield)Pycnometer (Specific Gravity Cup) & Analytical ScalePotentiometric Titrator (for Amine Value & Epoxy Equivalent Weight)FTIR SpectrometerStopwatch (for Pot Life / Gel Time)Durometer (Shore D)Gloss Meter (20°/60°)Drawdown Bar & ChartsR&D Lab: Development & Maintenance High-Speed Vacuum Dissolver (500-1000g samples)High-Speed Vacuum Dissolver (5-20kg samples)RheometerDifferential Scanning Calorimeter (DSC)Universal Testing Machine (UTM) with:Pull-Off Adhesion TesterTensile/Elongation FixturesTaber Abraser (for Abrasion Resistance)Impact Tester (Gardner/Falling Dart)Salt Spray (Fog) Chamber (for Corrosion Testing)Mandrel Bend Tester (for Flexibility)Accelerated Weatherometer (QUV / Xenon Arc)Lab scalesWhat We’re Looking ForEducation: Master degree or PhD in Organic Chemistry, Polymer Chemistry, or Materials Science (with relevant experience).Experience: 10+ years of progressive R&D experience in the protective coatings, specialty chemicals, or industrial polymers industry.Mandatory Focus: Deep, hands-on formulation experience with 2K epoxy chemistries and acrylic chemistries is required. The ability to manage projects across polysiloxane, acrylics, epoxy primers, epoxy coatings, and spray foam technologies, are highly prefererd.Industry Focus: Proven experience developing products for marine, industrial maintenance, protective, or flooring applications is essential.Leadership: Demonstrated ability to manage a technical team, lead complex projects from concept to commercialization, and solve challenging technical problems.What We OfferCompetitive salary Retirement Savings: Choose from 401(k) pre-tax and/or Roth after-tax savings Employee Stock Purchase Plan Medical, Dental, Disability and Life Insurance Holistic Health & Well-being programs Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) & Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) for health and dependent care Vision and other Voluntary benefits and discounts Paid time off & paid holidays Paid Parental Leave (maternity & paternity) Educational Assistance Program #BuildingEnvelopeAmrize is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.