Product Development Chemist

Drive innovation in coatings with a high-performing NZ manufacturer focused on marine paint development.

Overview

At Scitex, we're proud to be partnering with a New Zealand success story – a specialist coatings manufacturer with a global footprint – to secure a Product Development Chemist to join their team in Auckland.

We're looking for a chemist with commercial experience in paints, polymers or coatings, ready to take on a dynamic role that blends laboratory formulation, product testing, and hands-on field validation.

This role is perfect for someone who enjoys innovating at the bench but wants to see their work come to life on the water – quite literally – through field trials and collaboration with applicators and end users.

About the role

Working within a small but impactful R&D team, you'll support the Product Development Manager across all phases of product innovation – from concept research and formulation through to testing and commercial scale-up.

You'll contribute to the development of novel marine coatings, qualify new raw materials, benchmark competitor products, and support quality and compliance initiatives across the business.

There's plenty of variety here – one day might see you working in the lab on a new antifouling technology, the next out in the harbour trialling the product on vessels with applicators.

Qualifications

A tertiary qualification in Chemistry or a related discipline (BSc, MSc or PhD)

3–5 years' commercial experience in paint, coatings, or polymer formulation

A collaborative, hands-on approach to development and problem solving

The ability to document and communicate findings with clarity and confidence

An interest in working close to end users to ensure practical application of your work

This is a rare opportunity to join a team where you'll see your ideas move quickly from concept to product, where the technical team is highly respected within the business, and where your work will make a tangible difference in the global marine sector.

How to apply

Click APPLY NOW or call Belinda McKenzie at Scitex Recruitment on

• for a confidential discussion.

To apply for this vacancy, you MUST be a New Zealand citizen, or resident, or have already secured the right to work in New Zealand and therefore hold a valid visa.

Scitex specialises in permanent, contract and temporary recruitment – and has done so since

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