**Now hiring! Senior Applications Specialist - Automotive Coatings** **Southfield, MI (Hybrid/ 4 days in office)** **Come create chemistry with us!** BASF’s Coatings division is a global expert in the development, production and marketing of innovative and sustainable automotive OEM and refinish coatings as well as applied surface treatments for metal, plastic and glass substrates in a wide range of industries. Reporting to the North America (NA) Technical Manager – Customization this role provides an opportunity to make a significant difference to the success of the Coatings business. In this role, you will be responsible for coordinating directly with account teams, field service representatives, customers and technical teams to develop, evaluate, launch and troubleshoot new material technologies, plant processes and application equipment. You will be responsible for maintaining a broad understanding of current customer processes, equipment and technologies, advising customers and equipment suppliers on process recommendations and requirements to achieve optimum performance for future process and equipment modifications, and to actively support implementation of those changes in the field. The incumbent will utilize knowledge of existing or future plant processes working together with internal application teams to establish processes within our laboratory or manufacturing facilities, that duplicate customer processes to support the development, optimization or troubleshooting activities for the materials we supply. As an independent contributor you will collaborate with account teams and other affected parties to identify and pursue new business opportunities and to benchmark our material performance compared to competitors. The successful candidate will support training and development activities of both internal and customer teams, ensure compliance to established safety requirements, and be responsible for proper documentation of work instructions, standard operating procedures and best practices. You will be travelling to various customer sites in the US, and occassionally Mexico. **What You'll do:** + Conducting customer plant process reviews, collecting and documenting equipment and process details, and identifying and communicating areas for improvement or best practice implementation. + Supporting new technology, new paint shops or new plant launch activities from design through to series production phases. + Supporting training and development of technical teams, offering mentorship and direction as well as formal and informal knowledge exchange. + Collaborating with Technical Laboratory Leaders and Field Service Teams to address technical requests / trouble shooting projects related to new or existing products, by managing, initiating, and coordinating projects together with their functional areas of responsibility. + Driving effective use of the Management of Change (MOC) System, Non-Conformance Management (NCM) System, and Accident and Incident Management System (AIMS). + Setting and maintaining a high standard of housekeeping within areas of responsibility. + Driving and supporting the achievement of profitable growth through continuous improvement and executing of cost saving measures of equipment and material resources. + Collaborating with BASF Coatings’ Application Technology Group to exchange best practices, as well as with suppliers of coating application equipment to maintain knowledge of trends in paint application technology and equipment. + Supporting and Collaborating with our Internal Application Group for capital investment projects and strategic planning. **If you have...** + Bachelor’s degree in engineering, chemistry, or material science. + At least 5 years of experience with increasing responsibility in automotive OEM coatings application + Substantive knowledge of automotive coating application technology. + Experience and breadth in coating chemistries and with multiple paint systems and layers + Experience interacting with external customers, and suppliers of equipment, materials, and services. + Experience working in a dynamic environment with ability to manage changing priorities. + People and Project Management experience. **Create your own chemistry with you@BASF** At BASF, you will have the chance to do meaningful work towards building a more sustainable future. In addition to competitive compensation and benefits, BASF provides you with access to a wide range of elements to help you be your best. It’s what we call **you@BASF** . We are committed to providing benefits, programs, and opportunities that support our employees’ overall well-being, personal growth, and a safe, collaborative, and inclusive work environment. Just some of the many benefits we offer include: + Flexible work arrangements whenever possible + Highly competitive retirement savings plan with company match and investment options + Well-being programs that include comprehensive mental health support for you and your household family members + Family forming benefits (fertility, adoption and surrogacy reimbursement, maternity/parental leave, and more) + Back-up child and elder care with discount programs for families of all ages and stages + Mentoring and career development opportunities that allow you to share, learn, and thrive + Matching gifts program that allows you to deepen the impact of your contributions to qualified charities. + Employee crisis support for when the unexpected happens + Access to our BASF wine cellar, employee discounts, and much more! **About us** As one of the largest chemical companies in North America we have been finding solutions for your everyday needs and addressing the most complex economic, environmental, and sustainability challenges for more than 150 years! At BASF we empower our employees with the tools, guidance and opportunities they need to advance and succeed in work and life. Giving you the support you need to be your best and fulfill your personal ambitions is what helps us create chemistry. After all, our success is linked to yours. Whatever path you envision, BASF is a great place to build a rewarding, successful career. Belong to Something Bigger. #belongatBASF **Privacy statement** BASF takes security & data privacy very seriously. We will never request financial information of any kind via email, private text message or direct message on any social medial platform or job board. Furthermore, we will never send a candidate a check for equipment or request any type of payment during the job application process. If you have experienced any of the above, please contact myhr@basf.com to report fraud. **Equal employment opportunities** We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, age, citizenship, color, religion, sex, marital status, national origin, disability status, gender identity or expression, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.