Senior Applications Chemist Cleaning Systems & Coatings

Senior Applications Chemist Cleaning Systems & Coatings

USA, Louisville, KY

At GE Appliances, we come together to make "good things, for life." As the fastest-growing appliance company in the U.S., we're powered by creators, thinkers and makers who believe that anything is possible and that there's always a better way. We believe in the power of our people and in giving them the freedom to explore, discover and build good things together.

Interested in joining us on our journey?

We are seeking a highly motivated Senior Applications Chemist to join our R&D team. This role will lead the development, testing, and optimization of detergent and wash additive formulations tailored to our appliances. The role will also support the development and evaluation of appearance finishes and coatings in our products. The ideal candidate has a strong background in surfactant chemistry, material compatibility, and consumer product performance, with a passion for innovation and learning.

Essential Responsibilities:

Lead the evaluation and guide establishment of residential automatic dishwasher and laundry detergents and formulas, as well as other consumable wash additives including machine cleaners, fabric softeners, and rinse agents

Collaborate with detergent and ingredient manufacturers to achieve best-in-class cost/performance balance across formulations and form factors

Drive the navigation of competitive, performance, intellectual property, and claims landscapes to inform product positioning and differentiation

Develop and conduct laboratory and appliance-based performance testing to validate cleaning efficacy, residue control, dish care, fabric care, user safety, and machine wetted part care (compatibility and durability)

Partner with engineering teams to ensure detergent and additive design aligns with appliance features, wash cycles, and long-term reliability

Support regulatory and environmental compliance, including safety certifications and sustainability-driven initiatives (e.g., eco-labels, biodegradable claims)

Provide technical expertise to support troubleshooting of field issues and address customer feedback related to detergent and additive performance

Assist business product lines as coatings consultants including but not limited to powder, pre paint, wet pain, PVD, electroplating and graphics

Collaborate on all appliance coatings specifications and methods for appliance technology

Technical resource for coatings process and supplier root cause resolution

What You'll Bring to Our Team:

Required:

Master's in chemistry; Bachelor's degree in chemistry considered if significant related experience

3+ years of experience in detergent formulation and cleaning chemistry

Strong knowledge of surfactants, builders, enzymes, polymers, and specialty additives used in detergents and wash additives

Hands-on expertise with analytical techniques (HPLC, GC-MS, spectroscopy, titration, etc)

Excellent problem-solving, project leadership, and cross-functional collaboration skills

Demonstrated passion for teamwork. Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal skills

Preferred:

PhD degree in chemistry

Demonstrated experience in competitive benchmarking, regulatory compliance, and intellectual property considerations

Demonstrated experience in consumer goods development

Our Culture:

Our work is centered on our People and Culture as reflected in our Zero Distance philosophy and we recognize the importance of reaffirming our commitment to inclusion and diversity (I&D). This underscores our commitment to fostering an environment where every individual feels valued, connected, and empowered to contribute, while positioning our organization to adapt seamlessly to the evolving needs of our workforce and communities.

This reflects our dedication to creating solutions that: Empower colleagues by fostering an environment where all voices are heard, valued, and encouraged to contribute. Strengthen communities where we live and work. Reinforce a culture of belonging, purpose, and engagement. Reflect the diversity of the communities we serve through our workforce, products, and practices.

By further embedding Zero Distance into our People and Culture framework, we will continue to build a deeply connected organization. We are cultivating a culture of engagement, belonging, and connection, because while attracting new talent remains a priority, retention is a cornerstone of our strategy.

GE Appliances is a trust-based organization. It is important we offer our employees the flexibility they need to do their best work while balancing the needs of the business and individuals. When you join GE Appliances, you will have the opportunity to work with your leader to create a flexible work arrangement that balances the needs of the individual, team, and organization.

GE Appliances is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law. GE Appliances participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.