Senior Chemist

PLZ is committed to product stewardship and innovation, strong ethical standards, sustainable operations and most importantly, the development of our people. Whether at our manufacturing facilities or corporate headquarters, PLZ prioritizes health and safety, and offers you the support you need to create the career you want, through engagement, equity and inclusion, and opportunity. From household cleaning solutions to personal care products, and food to automotive lubricants, PLZ produces more than 2,500 different aerosol and liquid products in our facilities across the continent. We know that being the partner of choice for our clients starts with being the partner of choice for our employees. Learn more at or visit PLZ is hiring a Research & Development (R&D) Senior Chemist based in the Bridgeview, IL facility. This role is responsible for the new product development of liquid and aerosol functional fluids including brake parts cleaner, brake fluid, oil and engine additives and lubricants for the automotive and industrial markets, meeting the regulatory requirements, maintaining current product portfolio, performance evaluation, raw materials and package components selection and qualification, sales sample preparation, troubleshooting technical issues and technology transfer. Responsibilities: With guidance from the Director of R&D, plan & develop new and robust liquid and aerosol formulations and manufacturing processes within the functional fluid product line including brake parts cleaner, brake fluid, oil and engine additives and lubricants for the automotive and industrial markets. Work with current R&D and quality staff within PLZ to expand knowledge base in the automotive functional fluid product lines. When required due to regulation change or opportunity, reformulate products and associated manufacturing processes. Interface with supply chain on a regular basis to stay up to date on current raw material availabilities and reformulate product lines as needed. Develop and publish raw material and finished good product specifications. Provide technical support as needed to quality and operations. Serve as a technical advisor when needed. Maintain well-documented laboratory experiments and write technical reports. Source, evaluate and approve new chemicals and packaging components, working with vendors or with purchasing groups. Continue to research and maintain a working knowledge of industry and product trends that support new product development. Assure that the lab and handling of all chemicals is done consistently with company safety requirements. Work with sales and marketing in concept development, prototype development and evaluation against benchmark products, label claims and final product selection. Provide scientific opinions, advice, and responses to inquiries from customers, PLZ departments, and project stakeholders. Perform miscellaneous tasks as assigned by the R&D Director. Qualifications: Bachelor of Science with preferred focus in chemistry/science/engineering Minimum of 5 years' experience working in the functional fluid space (brake parts cleaner, brake fluids, engine and fuel additives, power steering fluids, tire sealants, etc.) Working knowledge of Word, Excel, & PowerPoint. SAP or Product Vision experience preferred. Self-Starter Data Analysis Report Writing Thorough understanding of laboratory safety practices Ability to communicate effectively with chemists, technicians, management, and production personnel PLZ Corp offers a robust suite of benefits including: Medical, Dental & Vision benefits. Company paid Life and Short-Term disability. Voluntary benefits including additional life, disability, and hospital/accident insurance. 401k & company provided match. Paid Time Off Bonus incentive programs (Note, bonuses are subject to the rules governing the program, whereby an award, if any, depends on various factors, including, without limitation, individual and organizational performance.) All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status or other protected status. EEOE/M/F/Vet/Disabled. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.