Project Chemist at Sika Footwear in Madison Heights, MI

Company Description

About Sika

With more than 100 years of experience, Sika is a worldwide innovation and sustainability leader in the development and production of systems and products for commercial and residential construction, as well as the transportation, marine, automotive, and renewable energy manufacturing industries.

Sika is a specialty chemical company with a globally leading position in the development and production of systems and products for bonding, sealing, damping, reinforcing, and protection in the building sector and industry. Sika has subsidiaries in 103 countries around the world, produces in over 400 factories, and develops innovative technologies for customers worldwide. In doing so, it plays a crucial role in enabling the transformation of the construction and transportation industries toward greater environmental compatibility. Approximately 33,000 employees generated CHF11.20 billion in sales in 2025.

Roles & Opportunities

Apply technical competence and knowledge based on past experiences to generate new ideas that leads to innovative and proprietary products. Implement literature finding and introduce new chemical concepts into work. Propose and conduct technology creation projects in order to create new building blocks. Fundamental understanding of raw material properties.

Job Description

• Responsible for transferring new products/technologies to production.
• Evaluate competitive technologies, new raw materials and new processes
• Responsible for managing assigned projects from idea proposal to product release
• Review Idea Proposal and perform feasibility study per PCP process
• Systematical experimentation using DOE and other statistical methods in evaluating data
• Quality tools per IATF and Six sigma actively implemented in cross functional exchange
• Conduct experiments to identify BMAP and FMEA criteria and countermeasures for new products
• Contact raw material suppliers and identify potential new materials or technologies for Sika
• Lead customer interaction and negotiate specification testing criteria and gain material approval
• Visit assembly plants and provide technical solutions to customers
• Utilizes patent literature in project work and publish research proposals, field test proposals tec.
• Identifies Equipment needed for new programs and executes RPA
• Recommend and champion solutions/products/formulations
• Apply and interpret advanced analytical methods (rheology, spectroscopy, etc.) in project work

Qualifications

• BS, MS, or PhD. degree in General Sciences
• Minimum of 7 years experiences in thermoplastics, thermosets in automotive OEM market.
• Preferred experience in Hotmelt Chemistry.
• Excellent oral communication, technical writing skills and presentation skills
• Excellent computer skills in Microsoft Word, Excel, Power Point or equivalent
• Experience in DOE, Design FMEA and other quality programs
• Proven track record of introducing new chemical concepts to formulation work

Additional Information

Perks & Benefits

• 401K with generous company match
• Bonuses
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Benefits
• Paid Parental Leave
• Life Insurance
• Disability Insurance
• Paid Time Off, Paid Holidays
• Floating Holidays + Paid Volunteer Time
• Wellness/Fitness Reimbursements
• Education Assistance
• Professional Development Opportunities
• Employee Referral Program & More!

Sika fosters a culture of entrepreneurship, empowering each individual to make decisions, learn from experiences, and shape their own career path. The safety and well-being of employees are top priorities at Sika, with a strong commitment to open communication and maintaining a safe workplace. In addition, Sika actively contributes to the community and promotes sustainability by giving back, minimizing environmental impact, and embracing social responsibility.

We offer competitive salaries, aligned with local market benchmarks and the specific scope and responsibilities of each role. Compensation is determined based on skills relevant to the position, education, and or training. We are committed to fair and equitable pay practices in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.

Sika Corporation is committed to a work environment that supports, inspires, and respects all individuals that apply. As an equal opportunity employer Sika will consider all qualified applicants without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, national or ethnic origin, or other protected characteristics.

We offer competitive salaries, aligned with local market benchmarks and the specific scope and responsibilities of each role. Compensation is determined based skills relevant to the position, education and/or training. We are committed to fair and equitable pay practices in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.