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 standardsCreate and deliver reports for quality control and R&D purposesIdentify the composition of chemicals and chemical compoundsMaintain a clean and safe laboratory environmentSource / vet raw materials and alternativesMaintain production batch tickets, certificate of analysis, safety data sheets, Raws Database, and QC DatabaseCollaborate with the Applications Lab and Production teams to lead new product development initiatives from concept through scale-up and commercializationTechnical troubleshooting (internal and external)Responsibilities :
Maintain product formulas, improving / optimizing current or creating new ones as neededInitiate and / or manage R&D projectsMaintain laboratory instruments and equipmentMaintain raw material documentation (CoA, SDS, database, etc.)Maintain finished good documentation (CoA, SDS, database, etc.)Perform quality control activities for raw material and finished goodsFormulate / develop products and provide input on scaling production feasibilityImprove efficiency and efficacy of laboratory proceduresWork with production to ensure efficient batching and troubleshoot as necessaryProvide technical support (internal and external) when neededBecome a “technical” Subject Matter Expert (SME)Skills :
Computer (Microsoft Office, Google Calendar, Slack, Fishbowl, general)Communication and presentationSelf-starterSME / mentorProfessional / technical writingData / record keeping practicesSDS managementResources Provided :
Basic / minimal computer trainingAll PPERelevant SOPs for operations / testingOn the job trainingo Concrete Basics
o Admixture / Chemical Basics
o ASTM / NCMA testing
o Lab equipment
o Safety / OSHA
Necessary laboratory equipment for expected responsibilities and tasksRequired :
Minimum of 5 years of experience in similar rolesMinimum of 1 full development cycle of a productComfortable being a Subject Matter Expert (SME)Understanding of chemical blending production, process, and interactionsUnderstanding of chemical laboratory equipment / instrumentation and maintenanceStrong formulation skillsStrong foundation in wet chemistry proceduresBSc in Chemistry or relevant fieldFTIR experiencePreferred :
Advanced Microsoft Excel userExperience with Microsoft Access / maintaining databasesUnderstanding of statistics and how to set upper and lower control limits for QC and productionExperience in Concrete Admixtures, Industrial and Institutional Cleaning, Paints and Coatings, or related industriesSDS writing experienceBenefits offered :
Health, dental, and vision insurancePaid time off (PTO)A 401(k)-retirement plan with company match (available after 1 year)