R&D- Engineer I

Sherwin-Williams•Minneapolis, MN

About The Position

The Powder Application Engineer serves as a liaison between Customers, R&D, Sales, and Technical Service to ensure all product and application requirements are met. In this role, they interpret project requests and develop specific strategies to achieve project objectives. Responsibilities include conducting customer field audits, screening products, optimizing processes, and investigating quality issues. Additionally, the role involves performing essential hands-on tasks like spraying standard panels. As an Application Engineer I, you will manage complex technologies with moderate supervision. Job duties include contact with other employees and access confidential and proprietary information and/or other items of value, and such access may be supervised or unsupervised. The Company therefore has determined that a review of criminal history is necessary to protect the business and its operations and reputation and is necessary to protect the safety of the Company’s staff, employees, and business relationships.

Requirements

Must be legally authorized to work in the country for which you are applying for employment (without now or in the future needing sponsorship for employment work visa and/or permanent residence status).
Must be at least 18 years of age.
Bachelor’s degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering or Math field.
Previous experience working in a powder coating laboratory environment.
Minimum of 1 year of experience in the powder coating field.

Nice To Haves

A combined five years of experience in powder coating formulation and field applications.
General knowledge of application systems typically utilized in industrial field environments.
Basic Knowledge understanding of the complete finishing line process
Deep knowledge of powder coating specifications and their direct impact on product performance on customer production lines.
Proven ability to collaborate effectively with diverse personnel, ranging from line operators to senior management.
Hands-on experience with corporate EHS standards, including the creation of work instructions and performing Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) reviews.
Competency in Lean Six Sigma (LSS) and Design of Experiments (DOE) methodologies.

Responsibilities

Supports the organization in providing customer technical service: Responds to questions and concerns and communicates product specifications.
Partners with Technical Service and customers to perform line surveys, conduct audits, and develop operational guidelines.
Provides technical direction and on-site assistance to stakeholders regarding product application, working across various locations based on project need or technical expertise.
Serves as a liaison between Sales/Technical Service and R&D team members by developing a comprehensive understanding of customer application needs and operations.
Collaborates with suppliers and vendors to review product specifications, evaluate new or updated equipment, and facilitate product development.
Ensures all documentation is data-driven and rigorous, effectively supporting project objectives.
Utilizes quality tools and analytical concepts for thorough quality issue investigations; collaborates with stakeholders to ensure effective resolution.
Maintains the Powder Application Laboratory, ensuring a clean and well-ordered environment and that all equipment remains in optimal operating condition.
Commits to future cross-training in additional coating technologies, such as liquid or e-coat.
Reviews and updates existing test procedures utilized within the Powder Application Lab.
Performs other duties as assigned to support team and organizational goals.