R&D Rotational Associate
Akzo Nobel

We've been pioneering a world of possibilities to bring surfaces to life for well over 200 years. As experts in making coatings, there's a good chance you're only ever a few meters away from one of our products. Our world class portfolio of brands - including Dulux, International, Sikkens and Interpon - is trusted by customers around the globe. We're active in more than 150 countries and have set our sights on becoming the global industry leader. It's what you'd expect from the most sustainable paints company, which has been inventing the future for more than two centuries.

Job Purpose

During the Graduate Research & Development Program, participants will receive on-the-job training through diverse assignments in different business areas during three 9-month rotations. Participants are engaged in a range of learning experiences, including cross-functional assignments, mentoring, assessments, career planning, and networking. After each rotation, participants will have the opportunity to be deployed to another site within AkzoNobel in the United States. At the end of the graduate program, based on readiness and performance, participants will be assigned a final role in discussion with the R&D leaders from their host sites.

Rotation Locations include: Troy, MI/ High Point, NC/Houston, TX

Job Responsibilities:

• Actively participate in all site health, safety, environment, quality and sustainability activities.
• Modify formulations based on customer application conditions in order to achieve the desired application performance and film properties
• Use data analysis, including design of experiments and other problem-solving methodologies to replicate and analyze product field performance issues in order to determine root cause and implement data-driven improvement plans.
• Adopt successful ideas from the external world and design improved systems to meet business needs.
• Deliver on project objectives to meet a range of business needs which involves defining requirements, preparing plans, and executing work plans in line with project management best practices.
• Contribute technical expertise and leadership to continuous improvement projects and identify improvement opportunities
• Prepare detailed project reports for presentation to internal and external stakeholders

Typical tasks to be undertaken include:

• Formulating new coatings for our customers
• Learning new and novel ways of applying coatings
• Understanding the structure-property relationship for new coating systems
• Evaluating new raw materials
• Presenting results to stakeholders

Support the following market segments:

• Automotive OEM and Aftermarket Refinish
• Architectural aluminum - Extrusion and Coil
• Aerospace new build and maintenance
• Beverage and food cans
• Marine and Yacht
• Kitchen cabinetry, flooring, and furniture
• Oil, gas and water transport pipelines

Job Requirements:

• New college graduate with a positive attitude - Bachelor (or Master's degree) in Polymer Chemistry, Chemistry, or Material Science
• Maximum one-year experience
• Exhibit high initiative and leadership in student organizations/extracurricular activities
• Oral and written proficiency in English (universally understood across other countries)
• Willing to learn & experience different functions/knowledge. Open & proactive to share and exchange
• Excellent communication skills and inquisitive nature; problem solving abilities
• Ability to think on his/her feet; and to influence and work as part of a team
• Big picture / connectedness. Logical thinking. Analytical skills. Can apply scientific and technical fundamentals to real-world problems.
• Ability to interact effectively with customers, community and other AkzoNobel visitors on a regular basis.
• Open for domestic mobility and willing to relocate at end of program

Compensation Data

The salary for these skills is: $70,000.00.

Benefits: Medical insurance with HSA • Dental, Vision, Life, AD&D benefits • Annual bonus • 401K retirement savings with 6% company match • Generous vacation, personal and holiday pay • Paid Parental leave • Hybrid work for most exempt roles • Active Diversity & Inclusion Networks • Career growth opportunities on a regional and global scale • Tuition Reimbursement • Career growth opportunities • Employee referral bonus •

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status.

Requisition ID: 37063

#LI-ZE1

This job has expired.