Senior R&D Scientist - WD-40 COMPANY

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. 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 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 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.

 

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. and should not require sponsorship now or in the future to legally work in the U.S.

Responsibilities

• 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. Responsible for reviewing project plans and obtaining R&D leadership approval prior to proceeding.
• Plans, communicates, and executes projects by effectively coordinating 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.
• 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 and needs arise.
• 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.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in chemistry, material science, physics or related technical field.
• Ph.D. in related field is a plus, but not required.
• 8-10 years directly related CPG R&D experience (or 5 years with a relevant PhD).
• 5+ years of experience in consumer product development championing formulation science and product qualification expertise in the areas of lubricants and cleaners.
• Aerosol technology exposure or experience is preferred. 
• Chemical industry experience (Consumer Products Science preferred) solving highly complex technical and scientific problems to include chemical formulation and application of the scientific method.
• Demonstrated ability to self-learn and develop higher levels of scientific skill and knowledge with no guidance.
• 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.
• Ability to use computer applications and tools sufficient to perform the responsibilities (e.g., Excel, Office Suite, PowerPoint, At Task, and related tools).

About Us

Our “Why”

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

 

Do You Align With Our Values?

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

 At WD-40 Company we foster a culture of inclusion where all individuals are recognized, valued, respected, and experience a sense of belonging. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to individual characteristics that make us unique such as our backgrounds, experiences, qualities, talents, traits, beliefs, and preferences. #LI-MH1

We've Got You Covered

Our competitive and comprehensive benefits package provides you protection, security, and peace of mind. We offer life-enhancing health, wellness, and financial programs, including profit sharing, annual cash incentive rewards, tuition reimbursement, and 401K match. In addition, we want you to recharge and take time off, so enjoy short-day Fridays, vacation time, paid holidays, and an additional paid week off between Christmas and the new year to spend with family and friends!