Chemist - Conversion Coatings (Pre-paint Treatments) (BASF-Chemetall)

Now Hiring! Chemist - Conversion Coatings (Pre-paint Treatments) (ECT-Chemetall)

Come create chemistry with us!

BASF/Chemetall, is the Surface Treatment global business unit of BASF’s Coatings division, operating under the Chemetall brand, and a leading supplier of applied surface treatments worldwide. At BASF/Chemetall, we develop and manufacture tailor-made technology and system solutions for applied surface technology. Our products protect metals from corrosion, facilitate forming and treatment, prepare parts optimally for the painting process and ensure excellent coating adhesion. Our technologies and products are used in a variety of industries and end markets such as automotive, aerospace, aluminum finishing and metal forming.  

The chemical treatment of metal surfaces is BASF/Chemetall core competence. The focus of our worldwide activities is on the development and implementation of customized technology and system solutions for surface treatment.

We are looking for a Chemist - Conversion Coatings to join our Technical Service team in New Providence, NJ. 

The ideal candidate will develop new products, product modifications, and test procedures for the evaluation of these products. This position interfaces with Business Development and Manufacturing to introduce new products and solve customers’ technical problems. They will recommend appropriate products for customers’ operations and provide technical consultation/advice to the Field Sales force and Field Application Engineers.

As a Chemist - Conversion Coatings (Pre-paint Treatments) (ECT-Chemetall), you create chemistry by...

• Provide customer and field technical support, including laboratory and on-site support for line start-ups, troubleshooting, process optimization, and technical problem resolution.
• Support Automotive OEM and key customer initiatives, including RFQs, technical reviews, customer business meetings.  Plan, execute and document operating window definition and optimization as well as process validation studies in both customer and laboratory environments.
• Evaluate and modify conversion coating products and test procedures to meet customer, regulatory, and performance requirements.
• Interface with Segment, Manufacturing, Sales, and Field Application colleagues to introduce new products and align technical solutions with customer needs.
• Provide technical training and guidance to customers, OEM account managers, field teams, and internal stakeholders.
• Maintain laboratory operations and equipment in compliance with Chemetall/BASF quality systems, safety requirements, and audit expectations (including IATF).
• Support product maintenance activities, including raw material stewardship, specifications, change management, and technology transfer or regional alignment.
• Continuously develop technical expertise through hands-on laboratory work, collaboration with global technical teams, and participation in industry and internal technical forums.
• Demonstrate strong communication, collaboration, and professionalism, including clear technical documentation, customer-facing communication, and informal mentoring of team members.
• Ensure compliance with quality, safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements, including proper use of PPE and adherence to site procedures.
• Work involves laboratory and field environments with exposure to chemicals, solvents, moderate noise, and temperature conditions.  Position requires frequent computer use and the physical ability to perform laboratory and field-related tasks, including sitting, walking, standing, viewing a monitor, lifting up to 20 lbs. regularly and up to 50 lbs. occasionally, fine manipulation, pushing and pulling with hands, reaching above shoulder level, and grasping with the hands.

If you have...

• Bachelor’s degree in chemistry or chemical engineering is required.
• Minimum of 3 years of industrial experience. 
• Prior experience with lab and onsite technical support and guidance to customers. 
• Knowledge and understanding of Pre-paint Treatments is required. 
• Knowledge and understanding of thin films is preferred. 
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written. 
• Team player
• Safety driven
• Travel for this position is 30%; includes overnight travel to customer sites within N.A.

Create your own chemistry with you@BASF

At BASF, you will have the chance to do meaningful work towards building a more sustainable future. In addition to competitive compensation and benefits, BASF provides you with access to a wide range of elements to help you be your best. It’s what we call you@BASF. We are committed to providing benefits, programs, and opportunities that support our employees’ overall well-being, personal growth, and a safe, collaborative, and inclusive work environment.

Just some of the many benefits we offer include:

• Flexible work arrangements whenever possible
• Highly competitive retirement savings plan with company match and investment options
• Well-being programs that include comprehensive mental health support for you and your household family members
• Family forming benefits (fertility, adoption and surrogacy reimbursement, maternity/parental leave, and more)
• Back-up child and elder care with discount programs for families of all ages and stages
• Mentoring and career development opportunities that allow you to share, learn, and thrive
• Matching gifts program that allows you to deepen the impact of your contributions to qualified charities.
• Employee crisis support for when the unexpected happens
• Access to our BASF wine cellar, employee discounts, and much more!

About us

As one of the largest chemical companies in North America we have been finding solutions for your everyday needs and addressing the most complex economic, environmental, and sustainability challenges for more than 150 years!

At BASF we empower our employees with the tools, guidance and opportunities they need to advance and succeed in work and life. Giving you the support you need to be your best and fulfill your personal ambitions is what helps us create chemistry. After all, our success is linked to yours. Whatever path you envision, BASF is a great place to build a rewarding, successful career.

Belong to Something Bigger. #belongatBASF

Privacy statement

BASF takes security & data privacy very seriously. We will never request financial information of any kind via email, private text message or direct message on any social medial platform or job board. Furthermore, we will never send a candidate a check for equipment or request any type of payment during the job application process. If you have experienced any of the above, please contact Careers.NorthAmerica@basf.com to report fraud.

Pay transparency

BASF is committed to pay transparency practices. The competitive Pay Range for this role is $75,000-$80,000. Actual pay will be determined based on education, certifications, experience, and other job-related factors permitted by law.

Equal employment opportunities

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, age, citizenship, color, religion, sex, marital status, national origin, disability status, gender identity or expression, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.