Director, R&D-Industrial Water Treatment

Make a meaningful difference: At Thatcher Chemical facilities across the nation, our manufacturing teams create the essential chemistries, processes, and solutions that support clean water, safe environments, reliable infrastructure, and critical industries. From production and quality to logistics and distribution, your precision, dedication, and commitment to continuous improvement help transform raw materials and innovative science into real-world solutions. Your purpose-driven work plays a vital role in protecting public health, supporting communities, and shaping a safer, more sustainable future.

Thatcher Company is looking for a Director of R&D Chemistry -Waste Water Treatment at Thatcher Company headquarters, located in Salt Lake City, UT.

Major Accountabilities:

• Lead the company's development of new products/technologies for the Water Treatment Market.
• Develop manufacturing processes for new products and optimize existing manufacturing processes for the water treatment division of Thatcher Company.
• Support Thatcher's operational excellence group in the scale-up and launch of new products and processes.
• Develop finished product specifications and validate analytical test methods that are needed to characterize new water treatment products.
• Improve the existing water treatment product line and search for opportunities to optimize related manufacturing processes.
• Collaborate with Thatcher's marketing and sales departments to understand the needs of the water treatment industry and develop technical, customer-driven solutions.
• Develop a thorough understanding of the water treatment market through market research and analysis of competitive offerings.
• Understand and maintain a current knowledge of regulatory programs that apply to water treatment operations.
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously and communicate project status through written technical reports and live presentations.
• Evaluate and approve new raw materials or raw material substitutions as requested by Thatcher's procurement team.
• Provide storage and shelf-life recommendations supported by low temperature testing, corrosion studies, and ambient and accelerated aging studies.
• Assist the marketing department with the development of technical marketing literature.
• Provide both internal and external technical support and guidance.

Required Qualifications:

• PhD in Chemistry (or related field) with a minimum of 2 years of industrial research experience; or MS in Chemistry (or related field) with a minimum of 5 years of industrial research experience; or BS in Chemistry (or related field) with a minimum of 9 years of industrial research experience
• Experience with product development and product characterization, preferably in water treatment or related industry. Background in water chemistry will be highly applicable.
• Experience with standard wet chemistry techniques, autotitrators, and other complex analytical instrumentation such as ICP-OES, ICP-MS, IC, FTIR, GC, and HPLC.
• Strong computer literacy and proficient with Microsoft Office. Well-qualified candidates will have experience working with enterprise resource planning software and laboratory instrumentation software, such as MassHunter, Empower, OpenLab, IC Magic, ICP Expert, and/or Tiamo.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams.
• Strong quantitative, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills. Must have a high-level ability to communicate findings concisely and effectively.

Why Thatcher is right for you.

• 100% company-funded Profit-Sharing Plan (up to 25% of salary annually)
• 401(k) with traditional and Roth contribution options
• Comprehensive benefits: medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short- and long-term disability, HSA/FSA,
• 3+ weeks of PTO, and paid holidays
• Education reimbursement and ongoing professional development

The pay for the successful candidate will depend on various factors (e.g., qualifications, education, prior experience). Applications will be accepted while this position is posted on our Careers website. Thatcher is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer, including protected Veterans and individuals with disabilities.