Associate Chemist , Wear Resistance Coating R&D

A Day in Your Life at MKS:

As an Associate Chemist at MKS Atotech, you will work in Wear Resistance Coating (WRC)-Functional Chrome (FC) team to support product development and scale-up trials on the pilot line, as well as maintain the pilot line and perform associated activities. In this role, you will report to the Team Manager, WRC-FC. The Chemist will apply various approaches and methodologies to carry out R&D activities related to product development, testing, qualification, troubleshooting, and process optimization under technical guidance. You will work closely with colleagues from your team, the team manager, the R&D manager, and other cross-functional departments. Open and clear communication with the team manager and R&D manager is expected. You are encouraged to contribute your own ideas and approaches to successfully execute tasks and responsibilities. When required, you will also support customers through consultation, troubleshooting, process optimization, sie visits, and on-site support—while maintaining departmental and company confidentiality and compliance.

You Will Make an Impact By:

• Creation of WBS, DoEs and independent planning of assigned tasks with technical guidance and supervision.
• Perform and execute assigned tasks and DoE towards project completion in a timely and qualitative manner.
• The role requires spending over 80% of the time working hands-on in the lab and on the pilot line
• Develop and modify product formulations as per the business requirement.
• Conduct testing and qualification of new and existing products, ensuring completion within stipulated timelines
• Execute scale-up trials on the pilot line and perform routine maintenance to ensure optimal operational efficiency and reliability
• Working and collaborating with other team members in laboratory environment
• Bringing in your own ideas and strategies
• Documentation of the ongoing tasks according to the prescribed format (Example: ELN)
• Transparent and regular communication of task completion progress to stakeholders
• Self-motivated and self-initiated actions to maintain the work culture and task completion.
• Maintenance of 5S and safety as per the MKS MSD and department guidelines
• Active participation in team building.
• Maintaining the confidentiality of the projects and other Departmental information.
• Interaction with the customer to troubleshoot, process optimization, and site visit/conducting trials at the customer site (if required).
  
  

Skills You Bring:

• 1-3 years of experience supported by a master's degree in chemistry, with specialization in Organic/Inorganic /Polymer/Physical Chemistry.
• Demonstrates quick learning and seamless adaptation to new environments, technologies, and project requirements.
• Skilled in understanding complex project tasks, setting clear objectives, and planning actionable next steps to ensure timely progress.
• Proficient in interpreting experimental data, conducting thorough analyses, and drawing accurate, evidence-based conclusions.
• Creative and methodical approach to problem-solving, with a structured and time-bound work style that ensures efficiency and quality.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with a proven ability to work effectively in cross-functional and multicultural teams.
• Highly self-motivated with a proactive mindset, known for thinking outside the box, taking accountability, and demonstrating a strong sense of ownership in all tasks.
  
  

Preferred Skills: (Optional)

• Proven hands-on experience in laboratory environments, including formulation development, product innovation, and operations on pilot lines and manufacturing plants.
• Basic understanding of electroplating and electroless plating processes, including key components, reaction mechanisms, and material interactions.
• Strong knowledge of surface chemistry principles, with expertise in both organic and inorganic surface treatments and finishing techniques.
• Skilled in analyzing and tuning the structure–property relationships of organic and inorganic molecules to optimize material performance.
• Practical experience in the synthesis of organic and inorganic compounds, with a focus on material design and functionalization.