Applications Development Engineer III - Automotive Coatings Applications

BASF is the world's leading chemical company. We offer intelligent solutions based on innovative products and tailor-made services. We create opportunities for success through trusted and reliable partnerships.BASF Corporation, headquartered in New Jersey, is the North American affiliate of BASF AG, Ludwigshafen, Germany. BASF employs more than 15,500 in North America and had sales of approximately $14.3 billion in 2006. BASF is the world’s leading chemical company. Its portfolio ranges from chemicals, plastics, performance products, agricultural products and fine chemicals to crude oil and natural gas. As a reliable partner to virtually all industries, BASF’s high-value products and intelligent system solutions help its customers to be more successful. BASF develops new technologies and uses them to meet the challenges of the future and open up additional market opportunities. It combines economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility, thus contributing to a better future. BASF has over 95,000 employees and posted sales of €52.6 billion (approximately $66.1 billion) in 2006. At BASF Corporation, we value the differences in our workforce as they are key to the success of our business and to the achievement of our status as "partner of choice." Consistent with our values, BASF has an inclusive environment that promotes respect and dignity for all in the work place. BASF is proud to be an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer.The Applications Development Engineer is responsible for the application equipment and processing associated with development, commercialization, launch and service of automotive coatings.  This engineer will work directly with technical, manufacturing, customers and suppliers at a variety of organizational levels.   Primary responsibilities include:Analyze and predict the impact of application process variables on performance of automotive coatings during development, commercialization, launch and service.Problem resolution through application equipment and / or process adjustments.Launch team support including product capability assessments, DOEs and performance optimization through application adjustments. Installation and modification of applications equipment in the research and development center and manufacturing sites.  Point of contact with application equipment suppliers for equipment evaluation and purchase.Development and optimization of application test methodologies and processes to provide an accurate prediction of coatings performance.This position is part of a job family with multiple levels and will be filled at a level that is commensurate with the candidate's qualifications and experience.Candidates should have at least a BS degree in chemical, mechanical or electrical engineering and experience in coatings formulation or application equipment and processing.  Candidates without a related engineering degree will be considered if they have coatings and/or applications equipment experience.  BASF recognizes Institutes of Higher Education which are accredited by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation or equivalent.   Other desired qualifications include:PLC and / or robotics experience Ability to speak / read Spanish and / or German Six sigma green belt or black belt certification Strong interpersonal skills that facilitates working with others at a wide variety of organizational levels